Indonesia are set to become the sole flagbearers for ASEAN in the third round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers after a straightforward 2-0 win over the Philippines at the Gelora Bung Karno in Jakarta ensured that the Timnas Garuda would finish their second round qualifier as runners-up of Group F.
With Cambodia, Brunei Darussalam, Laos, and Timor Leste having fallen in the first round of qualifiers, the second round saw more Southeast Asian nations having to shelve their World Cup dreams for at least four more years, with Myanmar, Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, and most agonizingly Thailand falling short at this hurdle.
Goals from Thom Haye and Rizky Ridho meant that Shin Tae-yong's Indonesia are continuing their upward trend from the past few years, with their advancement into the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers marking the best performance from an Indonesian side since the 1986 qualifiers and should they do well there, the Timnas Garuda will make their second-ever World Cup appearance since 1938, when they were still known as the Dutch East Indies.
Indonesia's appearance in the third round of the World Cup qualifiers also ensured them a ticket to the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, marking the second-consecutive time that the Timnas Garuda have booked their spot in the tournament under Tae-yong's tenure.
In a must-win scenario to secure advancement, Indonesia began strongly in front of a strong contingent of 64,000 home fans. Ragnar Oratmangoen's sixth-minute shot was deflected wide for a corner, followed by Marselino Ferdinan's powerful header straight at Philippines' goalkeeper Kevin Ray Mendoza within the next minute.
Tom Saintfiet's Philippines side may have four Liga 1 Indonesia players in the form of Persib Bandung goalie Mendoza, PSS Sleman custodian Anthony Pinthus, Persik Kediri right-back Symen Lyngbo, and Persita Tangerang defender Christian Rontini within their ranks, but even with the four's combined knowledge of Indonesian football, the Azkals were powerless to stop an Indonesia side primarily strengthened by European-based heritage players and local talent plying their trade outside the Liga 1.
Justin Hubner's long-range attempt was unsuccessful, and debutant Calvin Verdonk - who received his Indonesian citizenship only days before the match - squandered a prime chance 18 minutes in by shooting over the bar after being handed possession in the penalty area.
Oratmangoen then struck the side netting after Rafael Struick delivered an inviting pass across the goal from the right, as Indonesia pressed for the opening goal.
Marselino forced Mendoza into a save in the 29th minute after weaving through the Philippines defense, but the breakthrough came three minutes later when Haye scored. The Heerenveen midfielder capitalized on the Philippines’ lax defense, advancing unchallenged after receiving the ball from Nathan Tjoe-A-On to curl a precise shot into the top corner from 25 yards out.
Just before halftime, Oratmangoen's long-range effort narrowly missed, and he almost converted a pass that flashed across the goal shortly after the second half began.
In the 51st minute, Patrick Reichelt's header from Michael Baldisimo's corner went over Indonesia's crossbar, a rare opportunity for the visitors. Shortly after, Indonesia extended their lead.
Once again it was the inspirational Nathan who was the goal's main actor as he delivered a free kick into the penalty area from the left, and an unmarked Rizky met it with a glancing header that sailed past the helpless Mendoza.
Indonesia pushed for a third goal, with Ivar Jenner’s close-range shot deflected off target with 16 minutes remaining. However, the win was practically assured once Persija Jakarta defender Rizky planted his header for Indonesia's second goal, and the Timnas Garuda will be continuing the trend of at least one ASEAN nation being represented in the third round of World Cup qualifying.
Continue reading Indonesia Makes History as Superb Win Keeps WC Hopes Alive at Football Tribe Asia.
