QAPLO – The Indonesian national team has been confirmed in Group F of the 2027 Asian Cup after the official draw was held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday local time. The draw results placed the Garuda squad in the same group as Japan, Qatar, and Thailand. Based on the AFC draw results, Indonesia—seeded in Pot 4—faces a tough challenge right from the group stage. However, coach John Herdman’s squad is still expected to aim for a repeat of their impressive performance in the 2023 Asian Cup, when they reached the Round of 16. Japan and Qatar are considered Indonesia’s strongest opponents in Group F. Japan is widely regarded as one of Asia’s football powerhouses, while Qatar enters the tournament as one of the elite teams from the Middle East. Thailand is also expected to be a strong competitor in the battle for a place in the knockout stage. Indonesia will begin their group stage campaign against Japan on January 11, 2027. They will then face Qatar on January 16, 2027, before closing the group stage against Thailand on January 20, 2027. Despite being placed in a difficult group, Indonesia still has a chance to pull off surprises if they can maintain consistency and maximize each match. Meanwhile, hosts Saudi Arabia are in Group A alongside Kuwait, Oman, and Palestine. Group B consists of Uzbekistan, Bahrain, North Korea, and Jordan. Group C features Iran, Syria, Kyrgyzstan, and China. Group D includes Australia, Tajikistan, Iraq, and Singapore. Group E brings together South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, and either Lebanon or Yemen. Full 2027 Asian Cup Group Draw Results Group A Saudi Arabia Kuwait Oman Palestine Group B Uzbekistan Bahrain North Korea Jordan Group C Iran Syria Kyrgyzstan China Group D Australia Tajikistan Iraq Singapore Group E South Korea United Arab Emirates Vietnam Lebanon or Yemen Group F Japan Qatar Thailand Indonesia Indonesia Group F Match Schedule (2027 Asian Cup) January 11, 2027: Indonesia vs Japan January 16, 2027: Indonesia vs Qatar January 20, 2027: Indonesia vs Thailand
