Key Takeaways
- John Herdman, former coach of the Canadian men’s national team, has been appointed as the new coach of the Indonesian men’s national team on a four-year contract.
- Herdman succeeds Patrick Kluivert, who left the position in mid-October after Indonesia failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
- Herdman aims to bring his experience of qualifying for the World Cup with Canada to Indonesia, which has a large talent pool and a passionate fan base.
- Indonesia has only appeared in one World Cup, in 1938, and is currently ranked 122nd in the world.
- Herdman is expected to leave for Indonesia next week and will be introduced at a news conference, where he will begin his new role and immerse himself in the local culture.
Introduction to John Herdman’s New Role
John Herdman, the 50-year-old English coach, has found a new challenge as the coach of the Indonesian men’s national team. After inheriting a Canadian men’s team ranked 94th in the world and taking it to the World Cup in 2022, Herdman has been appointed on a four-year contract to succeed former Dutch star Patrick Kluivert. Kluivert left the position in mid-October after Indonesia failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, following back-to-back defeats to Iraq and Saudi Arabia in the fourth round of regional qualifying. Herdman, who has been without a team since resigning as Toronto FC coach in November 2024, is excited about the new project and the opportunity to work with a talented pool of players.
Indonesia’s Football Landscape
Indonesia, with a population of over 280 million, is a vast and potential-filled country for football. The sport is popular in the country, with 18 top-tier clubs in the Super League. However, despite its large population and passion for the game, Indonesia has only appeared in one World Cup, in 1938, when it competed as Dutch East Indies. The team has a long way to go to match the success of its badminton team, which is a world powerhouse. Herdman believes that the talent pool is there, and with the right guidance and support, Indonesia can become a force to be reckoned with in international football.
Herdman’s Experience and Qualifications
Herdman has a wealth of experience in coaching, having led the Canadian men’s team to a career-high 33rd ranking and a World Cup appearance in 2022. He has also coached the Canadian women’s team, leading them to two Olympic bronze medals. Herdman’s experience and success in qualifying for the World Cup with Canada make him an ideal candidate to take on the challenge of coaching Indonesia. He is confident that his experience and knowledge can help Indonesia improve its ranking and become a more competitive team in international football.
Indonesia’s Football Association and Previous Coaches
The All Indonesia Football Association (PSSI) has undergone significant changes in recent times, parting ways with Kluivert and other coaches, including Gerald Vanenburg and Frank van Kempen. The association is looking to bring in a new coach who can help the team qualify for the World Cup and improve its ranking. Herdman’s appointment is seen as a positive step in this direction, and he is expected to work closely with the PSSI to develop a strategy for the team’s success.
Controversies Surrounding Herdman
Herdman has been linked to a culture of spying within Canada Soccer, and in May 2025, he received a written admonishment after an independent committee found him guilty of misconduct under the Canada Soccer Disciplinary Code. However, Herdman has maintained that he has always led with integrity, transparency, and a deep respect for the game. The controversy surrounding Herdman has not deterred the PSSI from appointing him as the new coach, and he is expected to put the controversy behind him and focus on the challenge of coaching Indonesia.
Indonesia’s World Cup Qualifying Campaign
Indonesia’s qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup ended in October with losses to Saudi Arabia and Iraq in the fourth round. The team had started the campaign strongly, with a 12-0 aggregate victory over Brunei in the first round, and had finished runner-up to Iraq in the second-round group stage. However, the team’s inability to qualify for the World Cup led to the departure of Kluivert and the appointment of Herdman as the new coach. Herdman will be expected to improve the team’s performance and help Indonesia qualify for the World Cup in the future.
Conclusion and Future Prospects
Herdman’s appointment as the coach of the Indonesian men’s national team is a significant development for the country’s football scene. With his experience and success in coaching, Herdman is expected to make a positive impact on the team and help Indonesia improve its ranking and become a more competitive team in international football. The challenge will not be easy, but Herdman is confident that he can make a difference and help Indonesia achieve its goals. As he prepares to leave for Indonesia and begin his new role, Herdman is excited about the prospect of working with a new team and immersing himself in a new culture.