Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta.  The Indonesian national football team suffered a heavy 0-6 defeat to Japan in their final 2026 FIFA World Cup third-round Group C qualifier, held at Suita Stadium, Osaka, on Tuesday (10/6/2025).

Despite fielding a second-string squad — having already secured qualification — Japan dominated possession (71%), fired 22 shots, and netted six goals through Daichi Kamada (15', 45+5'), Takefusa Kubo (19'), Ryoya Morishita (55'), Shuto Machino (58'), and Mao Hosoya (80').

Indonesia failed to register a single shot throughout the game and only held 29% of possession. The defense crumbled early, with Japan scoring their first goal in the 15th minute and continuing relentlessly, as reported by antaranews.com.

Injuries further plagued Indonesia, with Kevin Diks and substitute Yakob Sayuri both forced off in the first half. Tactical reshuffles and substitutions by coach Patrick Kluivert — including bringing in Marselino, Ricky Kambuaya, Shayne Pattynama, and Stefano Lilipaly — had little impact.

The defeat marked Indonesia's third loss to Japan in two years, following a 3-1 defeat at the 2023 Asian Cup and 4-0 in the first Group C meeting in Jakarta.

Japan concluded the group stage unbeaten with 23 points, scoring 30 goals and conceding only three, topping the group with the best offense and defense.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)