With a 2-0 victory over the Philippines in the final match of the group stage of the second qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup in Asia, the Indonesian team won the second ticket in Group F after Iraq to advance.
Overcoming great pressure, the home team Indonesia won 2-0 against the Philippines in the final match of Group F of the second qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup, at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on the evening of June 11. Thus, the Indonesian team has 9 points after the group stage and is definitely ranked second in the group regardless of the result of the match between Iraq and Vietnam (1:00, June 12).
The match between Iraq and Vietnam will only have a procedural meaning. Teams Iraq and Indonesia won tickets to continue to the third qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup in Asia. This can be considered a new history for Indonesia, as they are present for the first time in the third qualifying round at a World Cup.
Coach Shin Tae Yong celebrates the victory with his players.
With home field advantage and a must-win mission, Indonesia pushed its team to dominate the Philippines. The defensive counter-attack position is not unfamiliar to the away team, they played this method well against Vietnam 5 days ago. However, Indonesia firmly controlled the match, not allowing the opponent to rise up. Indonesia’s number of scoring opportunities increased over time.
The turning point of the match came in the 32nd minute when midfielder Haye shot from outside the penalty area. The ball curled into the top right corner of the goal, leaving goalkeeper Mendoza unable to block it. After the opening goal, Indonesia continued to step up the attack in the first half to score the second goal early. Unfortunately, the home team’s strikers lacked charm. However, Indonesia did not have to wait too long for a second goal.
Indonesian players celebrate after scoring the second goal against the Philippines.
In the 56th minute, starting from a free kick situation, Ridho comfortably scored a header to increase the gap to 2-0. The second goal and a superior position helped Indonesia secure victory. The home team played quite leisurely in the rest. Although they no longer attacked as strongly as before, Indonesia still had more opportunities to score, unfortunately they could not succeed.
The Philippines also tried to rise up, as evidenced by the fact that they had 6 shots in the second half after only one shot in the first half. However, the away team did not have a real chance, causing Ari’s goal to wobble. Unable to score, the Philippines sadly left Gelora Bung Karno with a 0-2 loss.
Photo: Getty