Coach Shin Tae-yong: Indonesia is sure to pass the 3rd qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup

"We can definitely make it to the knockout round. I'm very sure," coach Shin Tae-yong said confidently after the fourth match of the third qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup in Asia.

Coach Shin Tae-yong’s squad of 13 naturalized European stars just suffered a 1-2 defeat against China - a team that lost all 3 previous matches. In the October training session alone, Indonesia only earned 1 point after 2 matches.

They were held to a 2-2 draw by Bahrain, before losing their first qualifying match. With three points from four games, Indonesia's chances of progressing are slim. They are level on points with bottom-placed China, only ahead on goal difference.

However, the Korean coach still asserted: "The team's goal remains the same as the beginning. Indonesia can finish third or fourth in this group."

Indonesia's naturalized stars lost to China.

Mr. Shin revealed that the atmosphere in the Indonesian dressing room is still cheerful. The Indonesian players have returned home and are on their way back to their home clubs.

Speaking to Bola, Mr. Shin Tae-yong said: "The players are in good physical condition and played well against China. Indonesia may have lost the score, but the quality of the game we showed was very good. The players are very confident, not overwhelmed at all."

After the loss to China, Indonesian fans launched a campaign calling for coach Shin Tae-yong to resign. The hashtag #STYOut (Shin Tae-young out) became the top trending topic on social media X in Indonesia.

Under coach Shin Tae-young, Indonesia has created a fever in Southeast Asia with naturalized players. However, the representative of the archipelago has yet to win any title.

In the coming time, the Korean coach is expected to face more pressure. Ahead of the Indonesian team are two matches to welcome Japan and Saudi Arabia in November.

Coach Shin Tae-young aims to focus all his efforts on the second half of the third qualifying round, when they will face Bahrain and China again: "In the second leg, we have an advantage when playing Bahrain and China at home. The whole team is prepared for a victory."

Thanh Loc

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/hlv-shin-tae-yong-indonesia-chac-chan-qua-vong-loai-3-world-cup-2026-ar902289.html