Sat Jan 03 16:02:40 UTC 2026: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Indonesia Taps John Herdman as New National Team Coach After World Cup Miss

Jakarta, Indonesia – The Indonesian Football Federation (PSSI) has announced the appointment of John Herdman, former head coach of the Canadian men’s national team, as the new coach of the Indonesian national team. Herdman replaces Patrick Kluivert, who departed the role in October, following Indonesia’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The PSSI hailed Herdman as a “football architect” with a proven track record of leading teams to the World Cup. The 50-year-old Englishman famously guided Canada’s men to the 2022 World Cup, their first appearance in the tournament since 1986, and previously led the Canadian women’s team to the 2015 Women’s World Cup.

Indonesia, which has not qualified for the World Cup since 1938 (as the Dutch East Indies), is looking to Herdman to revitalize their national team program and build a competitive squad for the future. Domestic media reports suggest Herdman has signed a two-year contract with an option for a further two years.

Herdman’s recent departure from MLS side Toronto FC paved the way for this new chapter in his career. He does carry a recent admonishment from Canada Soccer following a disciplinary hearing related to a drone-spying incident.

His immediate focus will be preparing Indonesia for the 2027 Asian Cup, to be held in Saudi Arabia. The PSSI is confident that Herdman’s leadership and experience will bring much-needed development and success to Indonesian football.

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