Indonesia has taken a giant leap forward in their journey to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier after defeating Bahrain 1-0 in a crucial Group C match at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta. With this victory, Indonesia moves up to fourth place in the group, keeping their hopes of reaching the world’s biggest football tournament alive and strong.
Romeny Makes His Mark Again
The hero of the match was forward Ole Romeny, who scored the only goal in the 24th minute. The Dutch-born striker, recently naturalized to play for Indonesia, made a sharp run and calmly slotted home a perfect through-ball from young midfield star Marselino Ferdinan.
This was Romeny’s second goal in just his second match for Indonesia, making him an instant fan favorite. His skill, composure, and timing showed why he’s considered a game-changer for the national team. The home crowd roared with joy as his shot hit the back of the net, creating a memorable moment for Indonesian football.
Redemption After Heavy Loss
This important win came just days after a disappointing 5-1 loss to Australia, which had raised concerns about the team’s readiness. Coach Patrick Kluivert, the former Dutch international and now head coach of Indonesia, made some key changes to the squad and tactics. His adjustments paid off.
Unlike their performance against Australia, Indonesia looked organized, determined, and balanced. The defense stood firm, led by veteran players and supported by goalkeeper Ernando Ari, who made several crucial saves to keep Bahrain from equalizing.
Kluivert praised the team’s spirit and improvement after the match. “This was a huge win. The players gave everything. We are still growing as a team, and today they showed real character,” he said.
A Hotly Contested Match
The game was intense and physical, with both sides knowing what was at stake. Bahrain came into the match looking to climb the table, but their attack was repeatedly blocked by Indonesia’s solid defensive line.
The stadium atmosphere added to the drama. Over 70,000 fans packed the venue, singing, waving flags, and showing strong national pride. Security was tight due to previous tensions between the two teams, but the match went ahead peacefully.
Earlier in the qualifying campaign, Indonesia and Bahrain drew 2-2 in Manama, a game that ended in controversy due to extended stoppage time and online threats directed at Bahraini players. However, this return match in Jakarta was played under full security arrangements, with the Indonesian Football Association ensuring a safe environment for both teams and fans.
Group C Standings Heat Up
With this win, Indonesia now sits in fourth place in Group C with nine points. Bahrain and China are just behind with six points each. Japan leads the group with 16 points, followed by Australia with 13 and Saudi Arabia with 10.
Only the top two teams in the group will automatically qualify for the World Cup. However, the third and fourth-placed teams will still have a chance through the playoff rounds. That means Indonesia’s journey is far from over, but they are now in a better position to fight for qualification.
Coach Kluivert emphasized the importance of staying focused. “This is a long road. Every match matters. Today was great, but we have more tough games ahead,” he added.
Next Challenge: Japan
Indonesia’s next match is against group leaders Japan. It will be a massive test for the Garuda squad, as Japan is considered one of the strongest teams in Asia. Indonesia will need to carry the momentum from their Bahrain victory and aim to at least secure a draw or an upset win.
Fans across Indonesia are now energized and hopeful. Social media is filled with messages of support and pride, celebrating the national team’s progress and dreaming of a World Cup appearance—something the country has never achieved before.
National Pride on the Rise
Football has always been deeply loved in Indonesia, but recent performances have sparked a new level of excitement. The addition of foreign-born players like Romeny and the leadership of an experienced coach like Kluivert have brought renewed energy to the squad.
More importantly, local talents such as Marselino Ferdinan are stepping up and proving that Indonesian football has a bright future. The combination of youth, strategy, and belief is turning the national team into a serious contender.
The victory over Bahrain is not just a win on the scoreboard—it’s a message to Asia and the football world that Indonesia is rising.
Conclusion
Indonesia’s 1-0 win against Bahrain in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers is a turning point in their campaign. With passion on the pitch and overwhelming support in the stands, the team is now closer than ever to making history.
The journey is still long, but with discipline, teamwork, and continued support, the dream of seeing Indonesia on football’s biggest stage no longer feels impossible.
