Indonesia captain confident of victory against Saudi Arabia

Ahead of the opening match of Group B in the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup Asian qualifiers, captain Jay Idzes emphasized that Indonesia has every ability to overcome Saudi Arabia, demonstrating their resolve to begin their quest for the World Cup successfully.

Before the Group B opener of the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup Asian qualifiers, central defender and captain Jay Idzes expressed confidence and optimism as the Indonesian team prepared to face Saudi Arabia at King Abdullah Sports City (Jeddah) in the early hours of October 9 (Vietnam time).

During the press conference on October 7, the Sassuolo (Serie A) player shared that the Indonesian team has made remarkable progress compared to a year ago, both in terms of cohesion and match experience. “Last year, there were many new players, including myself. At that time, I hadn’t played much for the national team. Now things are different; we have spent more time together, understand each other better, and coordinate more effectively on the field,” Jay Idzes stated.

The 2000-born defender also highlighted that the team’s spirit is at its highest level. “The atmosphere within the team is fantastic. This is exactly the kind of squad everyone wants to be part of, and that is clearly reflected in our style of play,” he added.

According to Jay Idzes, the Indonesian team is now closer than ever to achieving their goal of qualifying for the World Cup. “Last year, we fought for the World Cup dream, but now we are very close. However, the goal remains unchanged: to give our all for the country and the fans,” he affirmed.

The match against Saudi Arabia is seen as a crucial turning point for coach Patrick Kluivert and his squad on their path to World Cup qualification. According to the format of the fourth round, only the group winner qualifies directly for the finals, while the runner-up must compete in the fifth round for a playoff spot.

Indonesia and Saudi Arabia have met twice in previous stages, with impressive results for the Southeast Asian side: a 1-1 draw in Jeddah and a 2-0 win in Jakarta. However, in this round, Saudi Arabia will host all Group B matches, making the challenge much tougher for Indonesia.

Nevertheless, with consistent performance, strong team cohesion, and fighting spirit, the Indonesian team is proving they are ready to create a major upset. The confidence of Jay Idzes and his teammates could be the driving force that helps Indonesia continue to write a new chapter in their football history — the 2026 World Cup dream is gradually becoming a reality.