Indonesia youth football international performance

Indonesia’s youth national football teams have shown significant progress in international competition. In late August 2026, the U-17 and U-16 squads secured 6-4 victories against Uzbekistan in friendly matches held in Bogor as part of their preparation for the 2027 AFC U-17 Asian Cup Qualifiers.

Following these developments, the U-20 national team successfully qualified for the 2027 AFC U-20 Asian Cup. The squad secured their position by winning Group H, highlighted by a 2-0 victory over Australia at the New Laos National Stadium. This achievement marked a historic milestone, as it was the first time in the modern era that Indonesia defeated Australia at this level, completing the qualification phase without conceding a goal.

In preparation for the tournament, which is scheduled to be held in China from March 24 to April 10, 2027, the Indonesia U-20 team has been placed in Pot 3 for the group stage drawing, alongside Thailand, Tajikistan, and Oman. The tournament serves as the Asian qualifying stage for the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Following the team's return to Jakarta, PSSI Secretary General Yunus Nusi announced that head coach Nova Arianto has been granted “full autonomy to design the team's preparation program,” which includes selecting training locations and friendly match opponents.

Regarding squad composition, striker Mitchell Baker has been ruled ineligible for the tournament due to AFC age regulations, as his birth date of December 11, 2006, falls after the required January 1, 2007, cutoff. The team may rely on players such as Mike Rajasa, Mathew Baker, and Evandra Florasta to pursue their goal of reaching the semifinals to secure World Cup qualification.