The Indonesia vs Saudi Arabia stage is set for a monumental clash at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah. Indonesia takes on Saudi Arabia on October 8, 2025, in what could be the most significant match in Indonesian football history.
This pivotal AFC Asian Qualifiers fourth round encounter kicks off at 8:15 PM local time, with Indonesia seeking to edge closer to their first-ever World Cup appearance since gaining independence in 1945.
Indonesia ended their third round of AFC World Cup qualifying with a record of 3 wins, 3 draws, and 4 defeats, collecting 12 points and finishing fourth in their group — seven points shy of Australia, who claimed second place.
Saudi Arabia recorded 3 wins, 4 draws, and 3 defeats in their 10 matches during the third round of Asian World Cup qualification, collecting 13 points to finish third in their group — just narrowly missing out on the top two spots.
Indonesia vs Saudi Arabia is a crucial showdown in the AFC Asian Qualifiers’ fourth-round playoffs, where only a win will keep their hopes of making it to the 2026 World Cup alive. Out of 48 teams, 18 have qualified, while most of the teams have been eliminated before the October window for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Indonesia vs Saudi Arabia Match Details & Tournament Format
Table of Contents
- Venue: King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Date: October 8, 2025
- Kick-off: 8:15 PM Saudi Arabia Time (9:15 PM Indonesia Time)
- Competition: AFC Asian Qualifiers – Fourth Round Group B
- At Stake: Direct World Cup qualification for the group winner
In the fourth round, six teams are divided into two groups of three, with each team playing the others once in a centralised setting.
The group winners earn automatic spots in the 2026 World Cup, while the runners-up move on to November playoffs for a final chance at qualification.
Indonesia’s Historic Opportunity
Under Dutch coaching legend Patrick Kluivert, Indonesia enters this campaign representing nearly 300 million people dreaming of their first World Cup appearance in modern history.
The Garuda secured their fourth round spot by finishing fourth in Group C with 9 points, highlighted by a historic 2-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in Jakarta last November.
The Kluivert Revolution
Appointed in January 2025 following Shin Tae-yong’s controversial dismissal, Kluivert brings a possession-based philosophy that contrasts sharply with his predecessor’s disciplined approach.
The former Barcelona and Netherlands star has won three of his six matches in charge, implementing a 4-3-3 formation emphasizing attacking football and ball retention.
“I like to play attacking football and to have ball possession,” Kluivert stated during his appointment. “I’m familiar with all systems… Personally, I prefer the 4-3-3 formation, but it depends on what the players feel comfortable with”.
Tactical Evolution Under Kluivert
Kluivert’s tactical approach represents a significant departure from Shin’s conservative methods.
The Dutchman prefers high pressing, man-to-man marking, and aggressive build-up play, making full use of Indonesia’s naturalized Dutch-Indonesian players who excel in possession-based systems.
Recent performances against Lebanon (0-0) and Chinese Taipei (6-0) showcased Kluivert’s tactical flexibility, with the team demonstrating improved technical execution and attacking fluidity.
Assistant coach Alex Pastoor’s influence is evident in the emphasis on wing play and crossing opportunities.
Indonesia vs Saudi Arabia Key Players & Squad Dynamics
Indonesia’s squad showcases a mix of naturalized Dutch-Indonesian players and local talents. Emil Audero takes the role of goalkeeper, with solid defensive partnerships led by seasoned center-backs.
The team’s attacking strength relies on players like Marselino Ferdinan, who famously both goals in their unforgettable win against Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia’s Redemption Mission
Saudi Arabia enters under the returning guidance of Hervé Renard, who was reappointed in October 2024 following Roberto Mancini’s disappointing tenure.
The Green Falcons finished third in Group C with 10 points, falling short of automatic qualification expectations.
Renard’s Tactical Blueprint
The 57-year-old Frenchman, who masterminded Saudi Arabia’s shocking 2-1 victory over Argentina at the 2022 World Cup, typically deploys a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-2-1 formation emphasizing defensive organization and quick transitions.
His tactical philosophy centers on disciplined defensive structure while exploiting pace on the counter-attack.
“The feeling was like I never left this team,” Renard remarked upon his return. “We had a fantastic World Cup qualifiers in 2022 and a very good World Cup as well“.
His recent preparation included encouraging results with a 1-1 draw against Czech Republic and a 2-1 victory over North Macedonia.
Home Advantage Factor
Saudi Arabia enjoys the significant benefit of hosting all Group B matches at their home venue, where an expected 60,000 passionate supporters will create an intimidating atmosphere.
The Green Falcons’ home record and familiarity with conditions provide a crucial psychological edge in this must-win encounter.
Indonesia vs Saudi Arabia Predicted XIs
| Indonesia (Predicted XI, 3-4-3 / 5-4-1 mix) | Saudi Arabia (Predicted XI, 4-1-4-1) |
|---|---|
| GK: Maarten Paes | GK: Ahmed Ali Al-Kassar |
| Defenders: Jay Idzes, Rizky Ridho, Justin Hubner | Saud Abdulhamid, Ali Al-Bulayhi, Hassan Tambakti, Al-Shahrani |
| Wing-backs / Wide MF: Sandy Walsh, Calvin Verdonk | — |
| Midfielders: Ivar Jenner, Thom Haye, Marselino Ferdinan, Struick | Alsahafi (or Al-Ghammam), Al-Juwayer, Al-Ghamdi, Al-Dawsari |
| Forwards / Attackers: Ragnar Oratmangoen, Rafael Struick (or equivalent) | Saleh Al-Shehri up front |
Indonesia vs Saudi Arabia Head-to-Head Analysis & Historical Context
The historical record heavily favors Saudi Arabia, who have dominated this fixture with 5 wins against Indonesia’s single victory in their recent encounters.
However, Indonesia’s stunning 2-0 triumph in Jakarta last November, courtesy of Marselino Ferdinan’s double, has completely shifted the psychological dynamics.
All-time Match Record:
- Saudi Arabia: 11 wins
- Indonesia: 1 win
- Draws: 2
Recent Form:
- Indonesia: Mixed results with notable wins over China and Bahrain
- Saudi Arabia: Inconsistent qualifying campaign with defensive concerns
The November 2024 victory marked Indonesia’s first win against Saudi Arabia since their meetings began, representing a historic breakthrough that provides immense confidence heading into this crucial rematch.
Indonesia vs Saudi Arabia Tactical Battleground
Indonesia’s Approach
Kluivert is expected to deploy an aggressive 4-3-3 formation with high pressing and quick passing combinations.
The tactical emphasis will be on exploiting wide areas through pace and creating overloads in attacking thirds. Key to Indonesia’s success will be maintaining possession while preventing Saudi Arabia from settling into its preferred defensive shape.
Saudi Arabia’s Strategy
Renard will likely utilize a compact 4-2-3-1 system designed to absorb pressure before launching swift counter-attacks through the pace of forwards like Saleh Al-Shehri and Firas Al-Brikan.
The French tactician’s experience in high-pressure scenarios could prove decisive in managing game situations.
Stakes and Implications
This Indonesia vs Saudi Arabia encounter represents far more than three points – it could determine which team takes control of Group B. With only the group winner guaranteed World Cup qualification, both nations understand the magnitude of this moment.
For Indonesia, victory would represent a giant leap toward their first-ever World Cup appearance, fulfilling the dreams of nearly 300 million people who have waited generations for this opportunity.
The match comes three years after the tragic Kanjuruhan stadium disaster that claimed 135 lives, adding emotional significance to their World Cup quest.
For Saudi Arabia, failure to secure a positive result would jeopardize their World Cup ambitions and represent a significant setback for a nation accustomed to regular tournament appearances.
The winner of this opening Group B encounter will carry crucial momentum into subsequent matches against Iraq, potentially determining the ultimate qualifier for the expanded 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
