Rivalry Sparks Early Controversy as Indonesia Challenges Referee in World Cup 2026 Playoff vs Saudi Arabia

Controversy Ahead of Indonesia–Saudi Playoff

The Indonesian Football Association has stoked debate ahead of the Asian playoff between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia for a place in the 2026 World Cup in North America.

According to the Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat, Indonesia submitted a formal protest to the Asian Football Confederation regarding the referee chosen for the match.

Referee Appointment and Indonesian Reaction

The AFC named Kuwaiti official Ahmed Al Ali to officiate the Saudi–Indonesia clash, part of a group selected to run the Asian playoff fixtures for the World Cup.

Indonesia argued the appointment was controversial, calling for a neutral referee, ideally from Europe.

Sumarji, Indonesia's executive director, said there had been no information about any objection from his federation to the assigned official.

Stakes, Schedule, and Context

Saudi Arabia and Indonesia will kick off Group B of the Asian playoff on October 8 at the Al-Nemah stadium, before facing Iraq later in the campaign.

Indonesia's second match is against Iraq on October 11, while Saudi Arabia plays Iraq on October 14 in the final group game. The group winner advances directly to the World Cup, the runner-up goes to the intercontinental playoff, and the third-placed team is eliminated from the dream.

Both teams had reached the playoff after finishing third in their third-round groups; Saudi 13 points (3 wins, 4 draws, 3 losses) and Indonesia 12 points (3 wins, 3 draws, 4 losses). They trailed Japan and Australia, who booked direct qualification.

Meanwhile, Iraq finished third in its group with 15 points, and Oman also progressed to the playoffs in Group A, joining the UAE and Qatar in that group.

History and World Cup Dream

Saudi has a storied history against Indonesia, with dominance in nine meetings since the start of the millennium, including seven wins, one draw, and one loss.

In this cycle, the two sides drew 1-1 in the first leg and then lost 2-0 in the return, denying Saudi direct qualification in that phase.

Indonesia hopes to reach the World Cup for the second time, and the first since 1938 when they competed under the Dutch flag and were eliminated 0-3 by Czechoslovakia in the Round of 16.

Saudi, meanwhile, seeks its seventh World Cup appearance and a third consecutive one, having appeared in 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2018, and 2022. Their best finish remains the Round of 16 in 1994 in the United States.