Indonesian national team could benefit if grouped with Saudi Arabia

According to AFC announcement, Saudi Arabia and Qatar have been appointed as hosts for the fourth round of 2026 World Cup Qualifiers Asian Zone. This decision — announced last Friday — opens up favorable opportunities for the Indonesian National Team.

The group draw will take place in mid-July — with no clarity yet regarding grouping rules for teams that were previously in the same group in the third round.

Herve Renard’s team has less favorable home records — vastly different from Qatar who only experienced one home defeat throughout the 2026 World Cup qualifiers Asian Zone.

This condition could become an advantage for the Indonesian National Team — if later grouped together with Saudi Arabia in the fourth round.