JEDDAH — A life-and-death match will take place early this morning as Indonesia faces Iraq in the Asian zone World Cup Qualifiers. This heated duel will be held at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at 02:30 WIB, and will be broadcast exclusively live on RCTI.

This match will determine the fate of both teams advancing to the next round. Indonesia is under pressure, while Iraq arrives with big ambitions to secure a ticket to the next round.

Facing Iraq is no easy task. The dramatic 2-3 loss to Saudi Arabia on the first matchday has put the Indonesian national team under pressure. Strong defender Kevin Diks is fully aware of the major challenge ahead.

“This will be a tough match. But we are highly motivated and ready to fight. We must win and take advantage of every opportunity,” emphasized the Borussia Monchengladbach player during a press conference.

Iraq is known as a strong team in Asia, with a lineup of experienced players and high technical skills. However, that doesn’t mean they can’t be defeated.

Kevin Diks stated that the Garuda squad has prepared as much as possible for this super important match. Full focus and high determination are the main assets in the battle against Iraq.

“We have prepared everything well. Full focus on this match. We know what needs to be done,” said Diks.

World Cup 2026 Qualification Scenario for the Indonesian National Team

Limited Quota for Indonesian National Team Supporters in Jeddah, Hosts Don't Want Pressure During the Match!
Limited Quota for Indonesian National Team Supporters in Jeddah, Hosts Don’t Want Pressure During the Match!

Currently, Indonesia is at the bottom of Group B with zero points. Iraq is in second place as they haven’t played a match yet. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia leads the standings with three points.

Here is the scenario for Indonesia to still have a chance to qualify for the 2026 World Cup:

  • Indonesia must win against Iraq by a margin of at least two goals
  • The Saudi Arabia vs Iraq match (Wednesday, October 15, 2025) must end with Iraq winning by a one-goal margin over the host

If these two conditions are met, then Indonesia has a chance to advance to the fourth round of qualifications.

Live Broadcast Schedule for Indonesia vs Iraq

  • Sunday, October 12, 2025
  • 02:30 WIB
  • Live on RCTI

King Abdullah Sports City Stadium

King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, also known as the “Shining Jewel,” is a major sports venue located in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. It was inaugurated in 2014 and is named after the late King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz. The stadium serves as the home ground for Saudi Pro League clubs Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli and has hosted major events like the Italian Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.

Jeddah

Jeddah is a major port city on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast, historically serving as the gateway for pilgrims traveling to the holy city of Mecca. Its historic core, Al-Balad, is a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its traditional coral houses and ornate merchant mansions built in the 19th century. This area stands as a testament to the city’s centuries-old role as a vital center for trade and cultural exchange.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is a modern nation founded in 1932, but its history is deeply rooted as the birthplace of Islam in the 7th century. It is home to the religion’s two holiest cities, Mecca and Medina, and its vast territory was historically a crossroads for ancient trade routes. The country’s culture and governance are traditionally based on Islamic law, and its modern economy has been transformed by the discovery of massive oil reserves.

Indonesia

Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelago nation, located in Southeast Asia, with a history deeply shaped by Hindu-Buddhist empires like Srivijaya and Majapahit, followed by centuries of Dutch colonial rule. It is renowned for its vast cultural and biological diversity, including thousands of islands, hundreds of ethnic groups, and iconic sites like the Borobudur Temple. The country gained independence in 1945 and is now a vibrant republic known for its rich traditions, arts, and stunning natural landscapes from rainforests to volcanoes.

Iraq

Iraq, historically known as Mesopotamia, is often called the “Cradle of Civilization” as it was home to ancient empires like the Sumerians, Akkadians, and Babylonians, who pioneered writing, law, and urban development. Today, it is a country with a rich cultural heritage, including iconic sites like the ancient city of Babylon and the archaeological ruins of Ur. Despite facing significant modern conflicts, Iraq remains a land of profound historical significance in the heart of the Middle East.

World Cup

The World Cup is an international football tournament organized by FIFA, first held in 1930 in Uruguay. It has since become the world’s most widely viewed sporting event, held every four years and featuring national teams from across the globe competing for the prestigious trophy.

Asian zone World Cup Qualifiers

The Asian zone World Cup Qualifiers are the process by which national football teams from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) compete for a place in the FIFA World Cup finals. The tournament structure has evolved over time, but it typically involves multiple rounds where teams are divided into groups, with the top teams advancing. The qualifiers are a major sporting event in the region, generating immense passion and national pride as countries vie for a chance to compete on the world’s biggest football stage.

RCTI

RCTI (Rajawali Citra Televisi Indonesia) is Indonesia’s first privately owned national television station, which began broadcasting in 1989. It played a pivotal role in breaking the state television monopoly and popularizing commercial entertainment programming in the country. Today, it remains a major broadcaster under the MNC Group, known for its soap operas, reality shows, and news.