John Herdman to lead the Indonesian national team: Expectations from the strategist who set a World Cup record.
The Indonesian Football Federation (PSSI) has officially appointed John Herdman as head coach, marking the return of an English strategist after two decades.
After months of waiting since Patrick Kluivert stepped down in October 2025, the Indonesian national team has officially found its successor. On Saturday (March 1, 2026), the Indonesian Football Federation (PSSI) announced the appointment of John Herdman as the new head coach, opening a promising new chapter for Indonesian football.
World Cup record holder and PSSI's ambitions
PSSI described the signing of John Herdman as the beginning of a "new era." The decision to appoint the 50-year-old strategist was based on his impressive and unique track record in world football. According to PSSI, Herdman is the only coach in the world to have successfully led both the men's and women's national football teams of the same country to qualify for the World Cup.
His remarkable success with Canadian soccer, from elevating the women's team to bringing the men's team back to the world's biggest stage after 36 years, was a key reason that convinced PSSI. The federation believed that Herdman's managerial experience and tactical acumen would be the necessary boost for Indonesia to make a breakthrough in the region and on the continent.
The return of British style after two decades.
Notably, John Herdman became the second English coach in history to take charge of the Indonesian national team. Previously, this position was held by Peter Withe, a legend of Aston Villa.
Peter Withe coached the Indonesian national team from 2004 to 2007, a period remembered for its fiery style of play and reaching the final of the 2004 Tiger Cup. Under Withe, Indonesian football produced a golden generation with names like Boaz Solossa and Saktiawan Sinaga. The appointment of Herdman after nearly 20 years shows that the PSSI (Indonesian Football Association) wants to recreate the strength of the English style of football, but in a more modern and scientific version.
Wave of reactions in Southeast Asia
News about Indonesia's new head coach has not only caused a sensation domestically but has also spread throughout Southeast Asia. Football fans in the region are focusing their attention on the Garuda team's preparations under the new coach.
The presence of a World Cup-level coach like John Herdman is expected to create interesting competition among top strategists in Southeast Asia. With the coaching position now filled, Indonesia aims to quickly stabilize its personnel and tactics in preparation for important upcoming tournaments in 2026.
