John Herdman Officially Appointed Indonesian National Team Coach, New Era for Tim Garuda Begins

The PSSI has officially opened a new chapter in Indonesian football by appointing John Herdman as head coach of the Indonesian National Team. The figure who brought Canada back to the World Cup is now entrusted with leading the major Garuda project, from the senior level down to U-23.

The former Canadian National Team coach replaces Patrick Kluivert, who was dismissed by PSSI on October 24, 2025. This appointment also marks a new direction in PSSI policy, now emphasizing continuity in development and achievement across age levels.

"This is the moment where PSSI and Indonesian Football enter a new era, managed by a World Cup-qualified coach," said PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir in an official statement on Saturday.

Not only handling the senior team, Herdman has also been mandated to oversee the U-23 National Team. 

According to Erick Thohir, Herdman's appointment aligns with the directives of President Prabowo, who urged PSSI to implement a more aggressive and structured achievement program.

"I am pleased with the President's directive asking us to try again, to create a more aggressive program. Today we restart the national team's World Cup achievement program by appointing John Herdman, who indeed has the qualifications for it," he said.

This 50-year-old English coach is known as a rare figure in international football. He is the only coach capable of leading both the men's and women's national teams of one country to qualify for the FIFA World Cup.

With the Canadian women's national team, Herdman secured World Cup berths in 2007 and 2011 and made history with two Olympic bronze medals in 2012 and 2016.

At the men's level, he guided Canada to the Qatar 2022 World Cup, ending the nation's 36-year wait to return to the grandest stage of World Football.

Interestingly, Herdman reportedly turned down an offer from Honduras to prioritize the project with Indonesia. PSSI considers his experience highly relevant for building the generation of Jay Idzes and teammates within a sustainable program.

Challenges await Herdman immediately in 2026: the Fifa Series at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium in March, a series of FIFA Match Days throughout June-November, and the 2026 AFF Cup starting July 25th.

At the U-23 level, he will also lead Garuda Muda at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games on September 19th.