PSSI Indonesia will finalize new coach in March 2026, no rush.
After parting ways with Patrick Kluivert, PSSI cancels FIFA Matchday 11/2025, giving the U22 team a chance to aim for SEA Games 33; the goal is to unveil the head coach in March 2026, and rumors about Shin Tae-yong are denied.
Instead of rushing to fill the hot seat after parting ways with Patrick Kluivert, the Indonesian Football Federation (PSSI) has chosen a slow but steady approach: the national team will not play in the FIFA Matchday in November 2025; instead, the Indonesian U22 team will play friendly matches to prepare for the 33rd SEA Games. PSSI's goal is to have a new head coach by the FIFA Matchday in March 2026, while also denying rumors of a reunion with Shin Tae-yong.
Priority plan for stability: skip November 2025, wait until March 2026.
According to PSSI Executive Board member Arya Sinulingga, the schedule has been clearly outlined. He emphasized: "Our needs probably extend to March 2026, right? The next FIFA Matchday is in March next year. So, we will proceed with the search beforehand." This means the Indonesian national team will remain quiet in November 2025, giving the focus to the U22 team.
At the leadership level, PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir and Technical Director Alexander Zwiers are responsible for screening applications and evaluating candidates before submitting the final list to the Exco's official meeting. This process shows that PSSI wants to minimize risk, rather than making short-term decisions.
Why did PSSI choose the "slow but steady" approach?
PSSI frankly admitted its desire to improve its image and build a professional working environment for the next head coach. Lessons from the past regarding how they treated previous coaches have made them more cautious in this appointment.
Arya further explained his decision-making philosophy: "There's a saying that if you want to make a choice, don't do it when you're too happy, and don't do it when you're too angry or too sad. So, make your choice when you're calm and have time to think." This is not just a management motto, but also a commitment to the new coach: to be respected, supported, and have a clear path forward.
Controlling rumors, transparent processes.
Amid speculation that some Exco members have leaned toward a particular name, including a possible reunion with Shin Tae-yong, PSSI denied the claims. Arya stated, "Nothing has happened yet. The candidates must be assembled first, then Exco's decision can be made. Currently, there has been no meeting. Therefore, those rumors are fabricated."
This message emphasizes two layers of control: the list must be compiled by a team of experts, and the decision will only be made after the Exco group holds a formal meeting.
Short-term impact: U22 team moves to the center, aiming for SEA Games 33.
Rescheduling the U22 tournament to November 2025 helps PSSI maintain its preparation pace for the 33rd SEA Games. This also provides an opportunity for the national team system to maintain personnel continuity, thereby supporting the long-term vision set forth by PSSI leadership.
With the national team's head coach position still vacant, this two-pronged approach ensures two objectives: the U22 team gains more experience, while the national team avoids hasty appointments that would require constant adjustments.
Key timeline
| Mold | Content |
|---|---|
| 11/2025 | The Indonesian national team did not participate in FIFA Matchday; the U22 team played friendly matches as part of their preparation for the 33rd SEA Games. |
| 3/2026 | The goal is for the new head coach to be introduced and lead the team during the FIFA Matchday. |
Conclusion: A roadmap is better than a quick fix.
PSSI's affirmation of the March 2026 deadline, along with the selection process led by Erick Thohir and Alexander Zwiers, shows that the top priority is stability. Choosing calmness over haste, PSSI is betting on a fundamental decision for Indonesian football, rather than a stopgap solution that only addresses the short term.
