Mees Hilgers injured during Indonesia vs Australia World Cup qualifier

Mees Hilgers suffered a groin injury while representing the Indonesia national team against Australia in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers Asia Zone match, which ended in a 5-1 defeat.

The FC Twente defender had to be substituted in the 60th minute—Indonesia’s medical team confirmed that his condition made it impossible for him to continue.

Due to the injury, Hilgers will miss the home game against Bahrain at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium—the 23-year-old must return to the Netherlands for intensive treatment with his club.

The groin injury sustained by Hilgers is not his first, raising concerns over his long-term fitness. There is still no certainty on when the key Indonesia national team defender can return to action.

His absence is a significant blow to Indonesia, as they face a crucial phase in their World Cup qualification campaign. The team’s defensive stability will be tested, and coach Shin Tae-yong may need to explore alternative options to fill the void left by Hilgers.