Making their debut in the Asian Cup since 2007, Indonesia initiates their Group D campaign by facing Iraq at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium on Monday.
Securing a convincing 7-0 triumph against Nepal and benefiting from Jordan’s 3-0 win over Kuwait in the third-round qualifying group, Indonesia claimed the second spot. Meanwhile, Iraq earned their place in the tournament as group runners-up behind Iran in the second qualification phase.
Indonesia managed to secure the services of Shin Tae-yong, the mastermind behind South Korea’s remarkable victory over Germany in the 2018 World Cup. However, the challenge for Tae-yong in this competition is notably tougher, given Indonesia’s current FIFA ranking of 146, making them the second-lowest seeded team after Hong Kong (150) among the Asian Cup participants.
Placed in a formidable group alongside top-ranked Asian nation Japan, along with Vietnam and Iraq, Tae-yong faces a daunting task to guide Indonesia beyond the group stage.
Despite their recent struggles, with five consecutive winless matches and three friendly losses this month by a combined score of 11-1, Indonesia historically starts Asian Cup campaigns well, never losing their opening match and winning the initial encounters in 2004 and 2007 (LDDWWL).
Indonesia vs Iraq Live Stream TV Channels
You can watch South Korea vs Bahrain Live Stream in various TV Channels around the world.
In the United States, viewers can catch the tournament on CBS Sports and Paramount+ since they hold the broadcasting rights.
Australian fans can stay tuned to Network 10 to witness their nation in action, creating heightened anticipation.
Japan, considered among the top contenders, has TV Ashahi and DAZN as channels for fans to follow the tournament.
For Indian audiences, Sports18 will broadcast the games, and in Australia, Paramount ANZ will provide coverage of the exciting sports events.
Team News
Justin Hubner, yet to make a Premier League appearance for Wolverhampton Wanderers, has earned three caps for Indonesia. Pratama Arhan, their most experienced player in this competition, may reach 40 caps on Monday.
Witan Sulaeman, with two goals in Asian Cup qualifying, and Marc Klok and Rachmat Irianto, scorers in the third-round qualifying match against Kuwait, will be crucial for Indonesia’s attacking prowess.
The possible starting lineup for Indonesia:
Ari; Baggott, Ridho, Amat; Sayuri, Hubner, Klok, Arhan; Sulistyawan, Struick, Drajad
Iraq, featuring a blend of youth and experience, includes players like Ali Adnan, nearing 100 appearances, and Bashar Resan, who marked his 60th appearance recently.
Six different Iraqi players, including Resan, Rashid, Amyn, and Al-Hamadi, found the net in their opening 2026 World Cup qualifying fixtures, securing a 5-1 victory over Indonesia.
As Indonesia aims to defy the odds and Iraq seeks to build on their early success, the match promises an intriguing battle at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium.