John Herdman: The 2027 Asian Cup is Indonesia's Gateway to the 2030 World Cup.

Sunday, 10 May 2026 | 17:00

Author: Rojes Saragih

John Herdman Kandidat Pelatih Timnas Indonesia

Indonesian National Team Coach John Herdman
Source: PSSI and Antara

Summary

1. The 2027 Asian Cup is a critical opportunity for Indonesia's national team to reduce the quality gap with Asia's football powerhouses.

2. Coach John Herdman stresses that facing strong opponents like Japan and Qatar provides essential experience for Indonesia's ambition to qualify for the 2030 World Cup.

3. Indonesia plans to leverage its underdog status in Group F to strengthen players' international-level mentality and determination.

Jakarta – Indonesian National Team Coach John Herdman emphasized that the Garuda Squad's participation in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup is not just a routine tournament. For him, the event to be held in Saudi Arabia is a crucial stepping stone and a "laboratory" to narrow the quality gap for a grand ambition: qualifying for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

Herdman conveyed this statement via the official Kita Garuda website on Sunday (10/5/2026), shortly after the AFC group draw results were announced in the At-Turaif District, Diriyah, Saudi Arabia. Indonesia is confirmed to be in Group F alongside Japan, Qatar, and Thailand.

Narrowing the Gap with Asian Giants
Herdman sees facing top teams like Japan and Qatar as a golden opportunity to gauge Indonesia's current level. He believes experiencing high-pressure matches at the continental level is an absolute requirement if they aim to compete in global qualifiers.

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"If we want to qualify for the 2030 World Cup, that (quality) gap must be narrowed. The experience of facing strong opponents will help players develop individually and collectively to be ready for the big moments in World Cup Qualifiers," said the English coach.

Strategy in Group F: Embracing the Underdog Status
Instead of feeling pressured by a group composition considered one of the toughest, the former Canadian National Team Coach actually encourages his players to perform freely. Herdman emphasized three different approaches for each opponent:

Against Japan: Embrace the underdog status and find gaps against Asia's best team.
Against Qatar: Present the team's best version to face the defending champion.
Against Thailand: Rely on fighting spirit and high determination in the Southeast Asian derby.

Garuda's Positive Trend
Indonesia's participation in the 2027 Asian Cup continues the upward trend in the nation's football achievements. Previously, in the 2023 edition, Indonesia made history by qualifying for the Round of 16 for the first time.

Now, the target goes further. The 2027 Asian Cup, to be played across eight stadiums in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Khobar, is hoped to become a solid foundation for Indonesia's dream of appearing on the world stage in 2030.

Quick Answer

John Herdman: 2027 Asian Cup Vital for Indonesia's 2030 World Cup Dream

The 2027 Asian Cup serves as Indonesia's critical pathway to the 2030 World Cup, according to coach John Herdman. Facing elite teams like Japan and Qatar will help narrow the quality gap through high-pressure experience. Indonesia plans to leverage its underdog status in Group F to build player mentality for World C...

2027 Asian Cup provides essential high-level competition to prepare for 2030 World Cup qualifiers
Facing Japan and Qatar helps Indonesia narrow the quality gap with Asia's top football nations
Indonesia will embrace underdog status in Group F to strengthen player mentality
Specific strategies planned against each opponent: exploit gaps vs Japan, peak performance vs Qatar, fighting spirit vs Thailand
Builds on Indonesia's historic 2023 Asian Cup achievement of reaching Round of 16

Indonesia's participation in the 2027 Asian Cup represents far more than tournament experience - it's the essential pathway to qualifying for the 2030 World Cup, according to national team coach John Herdman. The upcoming competition in Saudi Arabia serves as a critical laboratory where Indonesia can narrow the quality gap with Asia's football powerhouses through high-pressure matches against elite opponents like Japan and Qatar.

Group F Challenge

Drawn into Group F alongside Japan, Qatar, and Thailand, Indonesia faces what Herdman describes as a golden opportunity to measure progress against continental giants. This exposure to top-tier competition provides the exact environment needed to prepare for World Cup qualification demands. Herdman emphasized that consistently testing players against Asia's best accelerates development both individually and collectively.

Strategic Approaches

Rather than viewing the challenging group as intimidating, Herdman encourages embracing Indonesia's underdog status with specific tactical approaches for each opponent. Against Japan, the strategy involves finding exploitable gaps while acknowledging their status as Asia's premier team. When facing defending champions Qatar, the focus shifts to delivering Indonesia's peak performance level. The Thailand match will center on leveraging regional rivalry through sheer determination and fighting spirit.

Building Momentum

The 2027 campaign continues Indonesia's upward trajectory following their historic 2023 Asian Cup achievement of reaching the knockout stage for the first time. Herdman sees this tournament as the foundation for Indonesia's ultimate ambition: competing on football's grandest stage at the 2030 World Cup. The eight Saudi Arabian host cities will serve as proving grounds where Indonesia's World Cup dreams take concrete shape through elite continental competition.