PSSI officially fires Patrick Kluivert after failing to bring Indonesia to 2026 World Cup.
Source: Antara Photo/Bayu Pratama S
The Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) has officially ended its collaboration with the head coach of the Indonesian senior national team, Patrick Kluivert, along with the entire Dutch coaching staff. This decision was made after the Garuda Team failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
This news was announced by PSSI via its official website on Thursday, October 16, 2025. In its statement, PSSI confirmed that the termination of the collaboration was done through mutual termination.
"The Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) and the Indonesian National Team Coaching Team officially agreed to terminate the collaboration early through a mutual termination mechanism," wrote the official PSSI website.
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"This agreement was signed between PSSI and the parties in the Coaching Team who were previously bound by a two-year cooperation contract," added the official statement.
Consecutive Defeats in 2026 World Cup Qualification
This dismissal occurred just five days after a 0-1 loss to Iraq in the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup Qualification for the Asian zone at the King Abdullah Sport City Stadium, Jeddah. Previously, Indonesia also lost 2-3 to Saudi Arabia in the opening match.
These two defeats left Indonesia languishing at the bottom of Group B standings and eliminated from the chance to qualify for the World Cup.
PSSI stated that this contract termination decision was made considering internal dynamics, especially after the failure in the qualification round.
U-23 and U-20 Coaches Also Released
Not only Kluivert, several Dutch coaches at other national team levels were also affected. PSSI confirmed that Gerald Vanenburg (U-23) and Frank van Kempen (U-20) will also no longer handle the Indonesian national teams.
"This termination of cooperation was carried out based on the agreement of both parties, considering internal dynamics and the future strategic direction of national team development. With the end of this cooperation, the Coaching Team will no longer handle the Indonesian National Team at the senior, U23, or U20 levels."
PSSI appreciated the contributions of all coaching staff.
"PSSI expresses its appreciation for the contributions of all members of the coaching team during their tenure. This step was taken as part of a comprehensive evaluation of the national football development and training program," concluded the official statement.
Patrick Kluivert's Report Card Leading the Garuda Team
Patrick Kluivert was appointed as the Indonesian national team coach at the end of 2024 with a two-year contract. However, his tenure lasted only 10 months.
During his coaching period, he led eight matches: 6 matches in the 2026 World Cup Qualification and 2 FIFA Match Day games.
The results were: 3 wins, 1 draw, 4 losses, 11 goals scored, and 15 goals conceded.
According to Transfermarkt, Kluivert recorded an average of 1.25 points per match.
With the end of the Kluivert era, the spotlight now turns to the next step: who will be the new coach of the Indonesian national team?
