Saudi Arabia are gearing up to go head-to-head against hosts Indonesia in matchday six of the FIFA 2026 World Cup Group C qualifiers at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on Tuesday, with the Green Falcons seeking to end their three-match winless streak.
The Green Falcons are currently in the third place of the group with six points, level with China and Australia but trailing on goal difference, while Indonesia sit at the bottom of the group with three points from five matches, struggling to stay competitive.
Saudi Arabia’s Recent Struggles
Saudi Arabia began their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Indonesia and a victory over China but have since struggled. Failing to score in three consecutive matches has cost them momentum and led to managerial changes.
Herve Renard returned as head coach and secured a 0-0 draw with Australia in his first match back. Renard aims to use his experience to guide the Green Falcons back to winning ways in Jakarta.
Key players like Salem Al-Faraj remain sidelined due to injury, leaving Firas Al-Buraikan, Saleh Al-Shehri, and Marwan Alsahafi as likely attacking options. Sultan Al-Ghannam could replace Faisal Al-Ghamdi, who picked up an injury against Australia.
Indonesia’s Tough Campaign
Indonesia aim to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1938, when they competed as the Dutch East Indies. The team have strengthened its squad with several players of Dutch origin, including Kevin Diks and Eliano Reijnders.
Despite these additions, Indonesia found it hard to collect points, managing only three draws and two losses so far. They held Saudi Arabia 1-1 earlier, but losses to China and Japan left them three points behind fourth-placed China.
Coach Shin Tae-yong hopes his team can achieve their first victory and rekindle hopes of 2026 World Cup qualification. Captain Jordi Amat may start this match, while Sandy Walsh could replace injured Kevin Diks in defense.
Possible Lineups
Saudi Arabia: Al-Kassar; Abdulhamid, Tambakti, Albulayhi, Al-Shahrani; Alsahafi, Juwayr, Al-Ghannam, Al-Buraikan; Al-Shehri.
Indonesia: Paes; Walsh, Ridho, Idzes, Amat, Verdonk; Sayuri, Haye, Ferdinan, Struick; Oratmangoen.
Despite their recent struggles, Saudi Arabia boast a strong historical record against Indonesia, with two wins and two draws in their last four meetings. Indonesia must overcome these odds to secure their first Group C win, but Saudi Arabia remains the favorite to take all three points as a win will give them a huge confidence boost and enhance their chances of making it to the next World Cup
