Can Indonesia Break into FIFA’s Top 100 by 2026?

Indonesia’s national football team faces a pivotal year in 2026, with a new coach, likely John Herdman, leading the charge. The team has a packed schedule of at least ten international matches, including FIFA Matchday friendlies and the 2026 AFF Championship, which could provide opportunities to gain valuable FIFA ranking points.

In March 2026, Indonesia will participate in the FIFA Series, facing three teams from Oceania, Europe, and the Americas. While the opponents have not been officially announced, a European team is expected to have a higher ranking than Indonesia, offering a strategic chance to earn more points and boost their position.

During the mid-year period, the team may play additional friendlies between June 1 and June 9, followed by the AFF Championship shortly after the 2026 World Cup. If Indonesia reaches the final, it could play six matches, combining group stage and knockout rounds, further enhancing their potential to climb the rankings.

Later in the year, September and November FIFA Matchdays provide at least four more matches if managed effectively. By maximizing these opportunities, Indonesia could accumulate significant points, with the ideal scenario being victories in all matches to optimize their ranking.
Currently ranked 122nd in the world, Indonesia has shown the ability to rise quickly, having jumped from 146th in December 2023 to 122nd by December 2024. The team’s success in 2026 will largely depend on how the Indonesian Football Association leverages the international calendar, as missed opportunities in past years have previously led to ranking declines.