John Herdman and his 3-step roadmap to elevate Indonesian football.
With a track record of leading Canada to the World Cup, John Herdman is expected to help Indonesia break the AFF Cup curse and build a new position in Asia by 2026.
The Indonesian national team is on the verge of a historic overhaul. The arrival of John Herdman – the strategist who made a name for himself by leading the Canadian national team back to the 2022 World Cup finals – brings expectations of a complete transformation for the team from the archipelago. Herdman not only brings an impressive resume but also a modern football philosophy, the core element to elevate a team with great potential but still lacking stability in major competitions.
If officially taking over the hot seat, Herdman will immediately embark on a challenging journey with three strategic goals outlined for 2026. These are not just about tournaments, but also a measure of his ability to adapt to the immense pressure from Indonesian football fans.
Building upon the foundation of the FIFA Series and Matchday series.
John Herdman's top priority is optimizing the squad through FIFA Matchday training camps. Taking over the team in early 2026, he will face his first test when Indonesia hosts the FIFA Series in March. This is considered a crucial "trial by fire" period for Herdman to assess the squad, evaluating the combination of quality naturalized players and promising domestic players.
In their first year, the Indonesian national team is expected to play around 10 official international friendly matches. Achieving good results in these matches will not only help improve their FIFA ranking but also give Herdman the opportunity to refine his philosophy of ball control and high-pressure pressing. This is the first step in strengthening the players' match experience before they venture onto the international stage.
Breaking the curse of finishing second at the AFF Cup.
The 2026 AFF Cup will be the toughest psychological test for the English strategist. In Southeast Asia, Indonesia has long been labeled the "king of second place," having lost six times in the finals. This decades-long title drought has created immense, invisible pressure on anyone leading the Garuda.
The tournament, taking place in July 2026, is the moment Herdman needs to prove his ability to change his destiny. Winning the championship is a mandatory requirement from the Indonesian Football Federation (PSSI). A victory against long-standing rivals like Thailand or Vietnam would not only win him the trust of the fans but also affirm Indonesia's leading position in regional football.
Adapting to the AFC Nations League era
The most important long-term and professional goal is to prepare for the AFC Nations League – a new tournament introduced by the Asian Football Confederation to professionalize the international competition schedule. Unlike short-term tournaments, the AFC Nations League demands consistency throughout and an ideal squad depth.
To adapt to this playing field, Herdman needs to build a scientific training and player selection system. Maintaining high performance against top continental opponents will require Indonesia to be thoroughly prepared in terms of both physical fitness and tactics. This is a necessary stepping stone for Indonesian football to break free from the shadow of Southeast Asia and reach continental heights.
John Herdman's journey in Indonesia promises to be an exciting yet challenging adventure. The combination of the top-tier management experience of a World Cup-level coach and the ambition of a rapidly rising footballing nation could create a glorious new chapter for Indonesian football in 2026.
