Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
Australian head coach Tony Popovic is brimming with confidence as his team prepares to take on the Indonesian National Team in the upcoming 2026 World Cup Qualification match scheduled for March.
Popovic emphasized the meaning of this clash, stating that a victory is crucial for Australia to solidify their position in the race for the 2026 World cup. He expressed optimism about his squad’s readiness to tackle the challenge posed by Indonesia’s rising football prowess.
Despite the pressure, Popovic remains assured that his players are in peak condition, both mentally and physically, to deliver a strong performance in the upcoming qualifiers.
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“Our players have demonstrated resilience and adaptability throughout the campaign, handling tough situations and critical moments with composure. This gives us the belief that we can secure our spot in the next round,” Popovic stated on the Socceroos’ official website.
Currently, Australia holds the second spot in Group C with seven points, trailing behind Japan, who lead the group with an extraordinary 16 points.
Indonesia, sitting in third place with six points, remains a formidable contender. The competition is fierce, as Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and China are also in the mix, each with six points, keeping the race for qualification wide open.
Popovic is determined to maintain Australia’s position in the top two as the third round of the 2026 World Cup Qualification progresses.
“We’re in a favorable position right now, exactly where we aim to be—within the top two. Our focus is to stay there and secure our advancement,” he added.
Australia is eager to secure a home victory after their previous encounter with Indonesia ended in a goalless draw in jakarta.
“the upcoming match against Indonesia in Sydney is pivotal. We have the advantage of playing on home turf, and we’re confident in the momentum we’ve built so far,” Popovic remarked.
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ᄋuled for Thursday (5/10). Popovic praised his teaᄋm's perforᄋmance in the, Asian Cup 2023 , where they narrowly loᅌst 1-2 to South Korea in the Quarterfinals.
"Winning is our priority, especially after losing in the Asian Cup, where we played very well and reached the quarterfinals," said Popovic on tuesday (3/10).
"Against south Korea,we performed very well,but unfortunately,we didn't make it to the semifinals," Popovic added.
Popovic wᅌent on to praise his team for the progress they have mᄋade, sᄋaying the fact that they were extremely coᅌmpetitive in the Asian Cup indicᅌates that they are getting closer to becomin.g a top team in the continent.
"The result of that game proved that we can now compeᅌte with any top team in Asia, that's the critically important progress we have made," he said.
"This team will be better in the next two yᅌears, and we believe that wᅌe can become a better tᅌeam, even more pᅌowerful," Popovic added.
Popovic believes his team will only get better after facing South Korea, not just because they played in the asian Cup, but beᅌcause of the experiences they have gained throughout the tournament.
"The human factor from this team, the more they play, the more they develop as a team," Popovic said.
"Especially with this match, which should be prᅌepared well, and we have prepared intensively, also usᅌing the momeᅌntum from our last match," he added. even though he understands It will not blowᅌ be an easy task when they take on Indonesia in the World Cup qualifier.Indonesiᅌa had a sutur signe Previously beat Vietnam 1-0 in the opening match of the ᄋsecond round of the World Cup qualifiers a week ago. Popovic was also impressed with Indonesia througᅌh their positive start to the campaign. "Indonesia is in a positive trend, having beaten Vietnam, which is notabe. Vietnam is not an easy team to beat..They play aggreᅌssively, technically, and tactically they alwᅌays find ways toᅌ win. But they lost to Indonesia, which is a surprise," Popovic said. "We will remembᅌer that and try to approach the game with respect, and we will do our best on the pitch."
Evᅌen though Indonesia beat Vietnam, Popovic believes in his team. "We believe in our players and our tᅌeam. We respect Indonesia,but we also believe in ourselves," Popovic said. "We will be ready to play the best against Indonesia."
