Targeting World Cup 2030, John Herdman Warns Road Ahead Full of Challenges.
Source: Itsme
A grand ambition is being built by the Indonesian National Team under coach John Herdman's guidance. Yet behind the optimism for the 2030 World Cup, Herdman warns the journey to achieve it will be fraught with challenges.
Speaking after a convincing victory over St Kitts and Nevis in the FIFA Series, Herdman positioned long-term targets as the core foundation of his project with the Garuda Squad.
“You mentioned World Cup Qualification. That's the mission. We have 280 million reasons why we wake up daily to do this work,” stated Herdman at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium on Friday night.
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For Herdman, this World Cup project carries emotional weight not just for the team, but for all Indonesians. He aims to make history by bringing Indonesia to the grandest stage of World Football.
“These men are very clear: we want to become this nation's first men's team to qualify for that elite group, creating moments with every child, grandparent, mother, and father across this country,” he said.
The 4-0 win against St Kitts and Nevis signaled positivity. Yet Herdman avoids being trapped in momentary euphoria. For him, this result is merely a small fragment of a far more complex, lengthy journey.
“This is a small step. We established the mentality. When we targeted a 4-0 win with a clean sheet, we delivered. Not 3-0 or 2-0—we committed to hitting the target,” he emphasized.
Behind these high standards, Herdman cautions fans to brace for an imperfect reality. He draws from his experience guiding Canada's national team through a turbulent five-year journey to the 2022 World Cup.
“So I hope fans will stay with us because there will be highs and lows. I learned this with Canada over five-plus years. It's never a straight line,” Herdman noted.
Throughout Garuda's road to 2030, moments of setbacks and comebacks will arise, making public support a crucial element.
“You must suffer, you must enjoy it—together. But I guarantee within four years we'll be there. We'll qualify with this team,” Herdman declared.
Historically, Indonesia's progress shows improvement. During the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, Garuda's run halted in the fourth round after losses to Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Though falling short of advancing, this marked a significant milestone compared to prior campaigns.
Reporter: Syafira Salsa
