Indonesia ask FIFA for transparency in selecting 2026 World Cup qualifier hosts

By Trung Thu June 10, 2025 | 02:00 am PT

Indonesia and Iraq have officially requested world football governing body FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to clarify the criteria used to select host nations for the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Indonesia striker Ole Romeny (number 10) celebrates after scoring from a penalty in the 1-0 win over China in the 2026 World Cup third qualifying round at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Indonesia on June 5, 2025. Photo by AFP

The fourth round will feature six teams, those finishing third and fourth in Groups A, B, and C of the third qualifying round. These teams will be divided into two groups and play in centralized venues hosted by two countries. While FIFA and the AFC have not announced the hosts, rumors suggest Saudi Arabia and Qatar may be selected.

While West Asian nations are praised for their strong infrastructure, financial resources and organizational capabilities, concerns about potential favoritism or regional bias have been raised. In response, the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) has sent a formal letter to FIFA and the AFC, asking for transparency regarding the selection process and criteria. PSSI has also submitted a bid to host the fourth round, CNN Indonesia reported.

The Iraq Football Association (IFA) also submitted a hosting application on the same day, emphasizing its readiness and proven capability in hosting international events.

Recent major football tournaments have largely been held in West Asia. Qatar has hosted the 2022 World Cup, the 2023 Asian Cup and the 2024 U23 Asian Cup. Saudi Arabia is set to host the 2034 World Cup, 2026 U23 Asian Cup and 2027 Asian Cup. The UAE was the host of the 2019 Asian Cup.

After the matches of the third qualifiers on June 5, Qatar, the UAE, Indonesia and Iraq have advanced to the fourth round. The remaining two spots will be determined after the final matchday on June 10, with Oman and Palestine (Group B), and Saudi Arabia and Australia (Group C), still in contention. Saudi Arabia have a slim chance of overtaking Australia to climb to group C's second spot to directly qualify together with Japan, and they would need to win by a margin of five goals.

The fourth qualifying round will be held in October, with matchdays scheduled for Oct. 8, 11 and 14. The official draw is set for July 17, but specific hosting criteria have yet to be released.

Six teams will be split into two groups in a round-robin format. The two group winners will secure qualification to the World Cup. The two runners-up will face off in a two-legged play-off on Nov. 13 and 18. The winner of that tie will advance to the intercontinental play-off, where they will compete against representatives from North and Central America, South America, Africa and Oceania for one of the final two World Cup slots.