Three years after stadium disaster, Indonesia is two wins away from qualifying for the World Cup

Almost 90 years after its first and only appearance at the World Cup, Indonesia is just two victories away from returning to the tournament.

It would mark a major turnaround in fortunes in just over three years since 135 spectators died at the Kanjuruhan stadium disaste r in East Java as tear gas fired by security forces caused a stampede for the exits on Oct. 1, 2022 in a domestic match.

If Indonesia can defeat Saudi Arabia and Iraq on Oct. 8 and 11, respectively, in a qualifying tournament, then it will advance to 2026 World Cup to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

“It will be a tough match, but until some time ago no party might predict Indonesia will undergo two crucial matches to qualify for the World Cup,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino said last week.

Tw