Sumardji hopes Indonesia national team avoids Qatar in World Cup draw

According to The-AFC.com, the fourth round draw of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers will be held today in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia — determining Indonesia’s national team opponents in the next qualification phase.

Sumardji, Indonesia’s national team manager, expressed his hopes for drawing favorable opponents in the upcoming lottery. The Garuda squad, placed in pot 3 alongside Oman — will face teams from pot 1 and pot 2.

“We can only try our best and pray that in this draw we don’t meet teams that will complicate Indonesia national team’s path,” stated Sumardji two days ago.

The man who also serves as Bhayangkara FC’s COO — would prefer Indonesia to be grouped with Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates rather than facing Qatar or Iraq in the upcoming qualification phase.