President Prabowo Instructs National Team Preparation for 2030 World Cup

Bogor - President Prabowo Subianto has given his support to the Indonesian national football team to be able to compete in the 2030 World Cup.

This was conveyed by the Minister of Youth and Sports (Menpora) Erick Thohir after meeting with President Prabowo at Hambalang, Bogor Regency, Friday, June 19.

On this occasion, Erick Thohir was also accompanied by Indonesian National Team coach John Herdman. Erick said he had reported to President Prabowo about the development of national football, including Indonesia's opportunity to become one of the hosts of the FIFA ASEAN tournament which is scheduled to take place in September-October 2026.

Erick revealed that FIFA had given a positive response to Indonesia's candidacy as the host of the event. In addition to discussing Indonesia's opportunity to host the FIFA ASEAN, President Prabowo also gave special attention to the development of the Indonesian National Team.

Erick said that the Head of State emphasized the government's full support for all programs of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI), especially in preparing the National Team for the 2030 World Cup Qualification which will begin in September next year.

On this occasion, President Prabowo also had a direct dialogue with the coach of the Indonesian National Team, John Herdman, regarding the team's readiness to face a number of international agendas in the near future. John expressed his appreciation for the support provided by the Head of State and the government for the development of national football.

Furthermore, John explained that the Indonesian National Team will face a number of important tournaments, including the AFF (ASEAN Football Federation) and FIFA ASEAN.

John said that both events were considered a valuable opportunity to strengthen the quality of the team, give experience to the players, and measure the readiness of the squad towards the bigger target.