Iraq Beat Indonesia 2-0 in Second Leg of 2026 World Cup Qualifiers; Erick Thohir Hopes to Take on Philippines

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Iraqis were dominant against the Indonesians in the second leg of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in the Asian Zone. The match, played on Thursday afternoon, June 6, saw Indonesia go down 2-0.

Despite the loss, Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) chairman Erick Thohir remains hopeful that the Garuda squad will qualify for the third round and is confident about their next match against the Philippines in the final round.

"We still have a chance against the Philippines. Of course, [Youth and Sports Minister Dito Ariotedjo] and I will continue to prepare the national team in the best possible way," Erick said when met at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium after the match. 

However, Erick is not one to underestimate the Philippines. After all, the Philippines and Indonesia played to a 1-1 draw in their last qualifying match in November 2023. He also hopes that Indonesia coach Shin Tae-yong and his team will evaluate the results of the match against Iraq.

"On June 11, we really need to play all out and make up for the points we lost today," said the SOE minister.

In today's match, the Indonesian national team had to admit the superiority of the Iraqis. In the match played at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, the Garuda team lost 2-0. The two Iraqi goals were scored by Aymen Hussein from the penalty spot in the 54th minute and Ali Jasim in the 88th minute. Indonesia played with 10 men after Jordi Amat was sent off in the 59th minute.

To qualify for the third round, Indonesia will have to beat the Philippines in their final group match on Tuesday, June 11. The Garudas are currently second in Group F with seven points, four points ahead of Vietnam with three points.

RIRI RAHAYU | RANDY FAUZI FEBRIANSYAH

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