Indonesia's U-17 team failed to advance to the round of 32 in the 2025 U-17 World Cup after finishing third in Group H with a goal difference of minus five. Despite a final win over Honduras, coach Nova Arianto's squad lost out in the best third-placed teams standings. Only the top eight teams qualified, with Indonesia ranking ninth.
The 2025 U-17 World Cup in Qatar marked a historic stage for Indonesia's U-17 national team, though it ended in elimination. Coach Nova Arianto's Garuda Muda squad started the group stage with a 1-3 loss to Zambia in the opener. The second match was even tougher, ending in a 0-4 defeat to Brazil, before closing their campaign with a 2-1 win over Honduras on November 10, 2025, at Field 2 of Aspire Zone in Doha.
These results gave Indonesia three points from three matches, with a goal difference of -5 (three goals scored, eight conceded). They finished third in Group H. However, for qualification via the best third-placed teams, only eight out of 12 advanced. Indonesia ranked ninth, behind Chile with a -4 goal difference. Rivals like Saudi Arabia, Paraguay, and Mexico also had better goal records.
Despite the exit, the achievement deserves praise. For the first time, Indonesia secured a win in the U-17 World Cup, a positive milestone for youth football development. Players like Evandra Florasta, Rafi Rasyiq, and Fadly Alberto showed bravery against world-class teams.
Coach Nova Arianto commended his team's efforts. "We fought to the maximum. The kids gave everything. Hopefully, this is the start of a better future for Indonesian football," he said. He added, "The kids fought maximally; I'm proud of their mentality and spirit." This experience is expected to serve as valuable lessons for future generations.