Fifa World Cup 2026 qualifiers: win over Saudi Arabia gives Indonesia belief, coach says
Shin Tae-yong says his team believe they can reach their first finals since 1938; fellow Korean Son pays tribute to ‘inspiring’ Palestine
Indonesia coach Shin Tae-yong believes his team’s shock 2-0 win in Group C over former Asian champions Saudi Arabia in Jakarta on Tuesday gives them a real chance of reaching the 2026 World Cup.
In Group B, meanwhile, Son Heung-min says South Korea have themselves to blame and can learn from “inspiring” opponents Palestine after being held 1-1.
For the Indonesians, Marselino Ferdinan struck twice against the Herve Renard-coached Saudis to secure his country’s first win in the third phase of the continent’s qualifiers, boosting their hopes of an appearance at the finals in North America.
“The players have got a huge amount of confidence from this victory,” said former South Korea coach Shin.
“Before we started this journey in the third round of the World Cup qualifiers, I had a goal to finish third or fourth in the table.
“We’ve got two more matches at home and I believe we can reach our goal. From today’s match the players are motivated to go higher and higher.”
