OFFICIAL: Indonesia secures its first-ever victory in a World Cup tournament

For the first time ever, Indonesian football has earned a victory at a World Cup final competition.

After two losses to Zambia and Brazil, the Indonesia U17 team entered the match against Honduras with great determination. With fairly balanced strength, both Indonesia U17 and their CONCACAF opponents delivered an exciting game filled with many dangerous attacks. However, no goals were scored in the first half.

In the second half, Indonesia U17 took the lead from a penalty kick but were quickly equalized. Later, Fadly Alberto became the hero with the winning goal that sealed the 2-1 scoreline and secured three points for Indonesia U17. Notably, this marks the first time in history that Indonesian football has won a match at a World Cup tournament.

In 2023, Indonesia U17 participated in the U17 World Cup as hosts but were eliminated in the group stage with two draws and one defeat. Meanwhile, at the senior national team, U20, women's senior, U20 women's, U17 women's, men's futsal, and women's futsal levels, no Indonesian team has ever qualified for a World Cup final tournament.

Importantly, this is also the first victory by a Southeast Asian team in the U17 World Cup finals. This year, Indonesia U17 is the only Southeast Asian representative. With this win, coach Nova Arianto’s squad still has a chance to advance from the group stage as 8 of the 12 best third-placed teams will progress.

The Indonesian senior national team missed out on the 2026 World Cup after being eliminated in the fourth qualifying round following losses to Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Despite many naturalized players in recent years, Indonesia’s dream of reaching the senior World Cup remains unfinished. However, at the U17 World Cup level, Indonesia has just made history.

From 2025 to 2029, FIFA has decided to hold the U17 World Cup annually with Qatar remaining the host, significantly increasing opportunities for young players. Corresponding to these U17 World Cups, the Asian U17 qualifiers and finals will also be held annually. With 48 teams participating and Asia consistently securing 8 spots if they pass the group stage.

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By beating Honduras, Indonesia opens a wide path to advance at the World Cup! Indonesia U17 secured a thrilling 2-1 victory over Honduras U17 after a tense back-and-forth scoring battle, reigniting strong hopes in the race to qualify from the U17 World Cup group stage. See more