John Herdman and his 3-step roadmap to elevate Indonesian football.

Indonesian football is on the verge of a historic turning point as it prepares to welcome John Herdman, the strategist who made a big impact leading the Canadian national team to the 2022 World Cup. Herdman's arrival not only brings expectations of a modern playing style but also affirms the Indonesian Football Federation's (PSSI) ambition to reach continental prominence. With a wealth of experience in top-level management, Herdman is expected to transform the national team (Garuda) through a challenging strategic roadmap in 2026.

The foundation from the FIFA Series and the personnel selection process.

John Herdman's top priority upon taking office in early 2026 will be optimizing the FIFA Matchday training camps. The most important highlight of this initial phase is the FIFA Series tournament in March, hosted by Indonesia. This is seen as a crucial "laboratory" for Herdman to review the entire squad, particularly the combination of naturalized players currently playing in Europe and quality domestic players.

In its first year, the Indonesian national team is expected to play around ten official friendly matches. According to expert analysis, accumulating points from these matches will not only improve their FIFA ranking but also provide Herdman with an opportunity to implement a new tactical system. Building a stable playing style and enhancing the players' match experience are the first steps in conquering even greater heights.

Breaking the "king of second place" curse at the 2026 AFF Cup.

The biggest psychological challenge for John Herdman is the 2026 AFF Cup, scheduled to take place in July. In Southeast Asia, Indonesia still carries the stigma of being the "king of second place," having lost six times in the finals. The pressure from fans and the PSSI (Indonesian Football Association) is immense: Herdman must help the Indonesian team reach the top of the regional football podium for the first time.

Defeating long-standing rivals like Thailand or Vietnam is not just a matter of achieving a victory, but also a test of the English strategist's ability to change the team's destiny. An AFF Cup championship would be a strong affirmation of Indonesia's position, and would help Herdman gain the absolute trust of the passionate football fan community here.

Adapting to the new era: AFC Nations League

The third strategic objective in John Herdman's roadmap is to prepare for the launch of the AFC Nations League. This is a new tournament introduced by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to professionalize and raise the quality of international matches. Unlike short-term tournaments, the AFC Nations League requires a deep and stable long-term football governance system.

To adapt to this playing field, Herdman needs to build a team with strong continuity, ensuring Indonesia has enough players to compete in a demanding and demanding schedule. The combination of modern Western football philosophy and the Indonesian football's desire for resurgence promises to create a new and hopeful chapter in Indonesian football history under the English manager's leadership.