After a shocking defeat at the SEA Games, Indonesia U23 is about to appoint a World Cup coach

The Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) is getting ready to name John Herdman as the head coach for both the senior national team and the U23 team, with the goal of advancing football in the archipelago.

PSSI is finalizing the last steps to appoint John Herdman— the English strategist who led Canada to the 2022 World Cup — as the head coach for both the senior and U23 Indonesian teams.

Sources from PSSI reveal that Herdman will sign a two-year contract with an option to extend for another two years if targets are met. This contract aligns with the PSSI executive board’s term, expected to last until 2027.

According to Arya Sinulingga, a PSSI Executive Board member, assigning Herdman to lead both teams is a strategy to synchronize the coaching philosophy and playing style of Indonesian football. “It’s very likely he will take charge of both the senior and U23 teams. This will help unify tactics, personnel, and development direction between the two squads,” Arya shared on the Liputan6 channel.

Previously, PSSI parted ways with Patrick Kluivert after the national team failed to advance far in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Meanwhile, the Indonesia U23 team has also been without a head coach since Indra Sjafri ended his tenure after SEA Games 33. John Herdman taking charge of both teams is seen as a comprehensive solution for PSSI to build a consistent coaching system from youth levels up to the national team.

Additionally, PSSI requires Herdman to include at least one Indonesian assistant coach in his staff to ensure connection across player generations and to spread his modern coaching philosophy to local coaches.

John Herdman is highly regarded for his disciplined work style, personnel management skills, and youth player development. He helped Canada return to the World Cup for the first time in 36 years. Now, Indonesian football hopes Herdman will bring fresh energy and lay a solid foundation for both teams to aim for Asian prominence during 2026–2029.