Predicted Lineups: Indonesia vs China – 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

The Indonesian national team is expected to line up in a 4-3-3 formation, with Emil Audero set to make his debut as the starting goalkeeper. The backline will likely consist of Kevin Diks at right-back, Jay Idzes and Rizky Ridho as the center-back pairing, and Calvin Verdonk at left-back. In midfield, Thom Haye is projected to operate as the defensive midfielder, flanked by Ivar Jenner and Joey Pelupessy as central midfielders. Up front, the attacking trio is expected to include Rafael Struick on the right wing, Ole Romeny as the central striker, and Yakob Sayuri on the left.

China is likely to adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation with Yan Junling in goal. The defensive unit will include Wang Shenchao, Zhu Chenjie, Jiang Shenglong, and Li Lei. In midfield, Wu Xi and Li Ke are expected to play as holding midfielders, while the attacking midfield trio will feature Wei Shihao, Zhang Yuning, and Wang Yudong behind lone striker Ai Kesen.

Unavailable Players and Their Impact

Indonesia will be without several key players for this match. Marselino Ferdinan and Maarten Paes are suspended due to yellow card accumulation, while Sandy Walsh is out with an injury. Marselino’s absence will reduce creativity in the midfield, and Paes’ unavailability opens the door for Emil Audero to make his debut. China faces similar issues, with captain Wu Lei sidelined due to a knee injury, along with Liu Ruofan and Xie Wenneng also ruled out through injury.

Strengths and Strategy

Indonesia will rely on the stability of their backline—anchored by the Idzes-Ridho duo—and the speed on the flanks provided by Rafael Struick and Yakob Sayuri to launch counterattacks. Emil Audero’s debut in goal will be under the spotlight, given his limited international experience with the Indonesian squad. China, on the other hand, will count on the creativity of Serginho—their Brazilian-born naturalized midfielder—and the potential of 18-year-old Wang Yudong as a new attacking hope.

Tactically, Indonesia is expected to play a compact defensive game and rely on counterattacking opportunities, while China will likely start aggressively due to their must-win situation. This could benefit Indonesia, who may be able to exploit the gaps left behind China’s high defensive line.