Targeting World Cup 2030, John Herdman Warns Journey Will Be Full of Challenges

Big ambitions are being forged by the Indonesian National Team under the guidance of coach John Herdman. However, behind the optimism for the 2030 World Cup, Herdman reminds that the journey to achieve it will be full of challenges.

Speaking after a convincing win over St Kitts and Nevis in the Fifa Series, Herdman placed long-term targets as the main foundation of his project with the Garuda Squad.

“You mentioned World Cup Qualification. That's the mission. We have 280 million reasons why we get up every day to do what we do,” said Herdman at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium on Friday evening.

For Herdman, the World Cup project carries an emotional burden, not just for the team, but for the entire Indonesian people. He wants to make history by taking Indonesia to the biggest stage in World Football.

“These men are very clear that we want to be the first men's team to qualify for this country and be in that special group, and have a moment with every child, grandparent, mother, father, in this country,” he said.

The 4-0 win over St Kitts and Nevis is indeed a positive signal. However, Herdman refuses to get caught up in momentary euphoria. For him, that result is just a small fragment of a much longer and more complex journey.

“This is a small step. We set the mentality. When we targeted a 4-0 win with a clean sheet, we delivered. Not 3-0 or 2-0, but we committed to achieving the target,” he said.

Behind those high standards, Herdman reminds fans to prepare for a reality that isn't always beautiful. He learned from his experience guiding the Canadian National Team to the 2022 World Cup through a long, dynamic process.

“So I hope the fans can be with us because there will be ups and downs. I learned that in Canada over a period of more than five years. It's never a straight line,” said Herdman.

On Garuda's journey towards 2030, there will be moments of falling and rising, and public support is considered a crucial element.

“You have to suffer, you have to enjoy it, together, but I guarantee to you, within a four-year timeframe we will be there. We will qualify with this team,” said Herdman.

Historically, Indonesia's progress has begun to show improvement. In 2026 World Cup Qualification, Garuda's steps were halted in the fourth round after losses to Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Although they failed to advance further, that achievement remains an important milestone compared to previous editions.

Reporter: Syafira Salsa