Japan will face Indonesia on Tuesday in a World Cup Qualifying match, with Japan looking to finalize their successful campaign and Indonesia aiming to keep their World Cup hopes alive. Japan has already secured their spot for the 2026 World Cup, having dominated their qualifying rounds. They achieved a perfect record in the first stage, scoring 24 goals without conceding, and continued their strong performance in the second stage, becoming the first non-host country to qualify.
Despite their qualification, Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu has been experimenting with the lineup. In their recent 1-0 loss to Australia, several key players were absent, paving the way for seven first-time call-ups to the national team. Players such as Liverpool’s Wataru Endo are expected to return to help the team finish their campaign on a high note against Indonesia.
On the other side, Indonesia, coached by former football star Patrick Kluivert, is aiming to overcome their recent challenges against Japan, having lost their last match 4-0 in November. However, they have made strides in the qualifiers, recently sealing crucial victories against Bahrain and China to secure a playoff spot.
As for team selection, Indonesia enjoyed a solid performance last time out, particularly from debutants like goalkeeper Emil Audero, who managed a clean sheet in the victory against China. Kluivert will have options to choose from, but the core of the squad is expected to remain intact.
The match is anticipated to attract a large crowd in Suita, where Japan is favored to win based on their historical performance and current form. Data analysis suggests an 82.39% probability of a Japan victory, with a more conservative predicted scoreline of 3-1 reflecting the hosts’ superiority in quality. Regardless of the outcome, this match is significant for both teams as they approach the next stages of their respective journeys in the World Cup qualifiers.
Overall, this game not only highlights Japan’s established prowess on the international stage but also the determination of Indonesia to reach new heights in football.