John Herdman: There are 280 Million Reasons Indonesia Must Qualify for the 2030 World Cup

BOGOR - Indonesian national team coach John Herdman confirmed that all programs run by the Garuda team are currently directed at one big target, namely qualifying for the 2030 World Cup.

The target is also a concern for President Prabowo Subianto when he received Erick Thohir and John Herdman in Hambalang, Bogor, Friday (19/6).

According to Erick, the President asked all national team development programs to be maintained consistently because the qualification round for the 2030 World Cup will begin next year.

"The President said that all PSSI programs for the development of the national team must be properly maintained and prepared," said Erick.

Herdman said the government's support was an important factor in the national team's journey.

He said all elements of Indonesian football now have the same goal.

"We have 280 million reasons. The president is one of them. All Indonesians want us to qualify for the 2030 World Cup," said John Herdman.

According to the English coach, the goal of qualifying for the World Cup is not just a sporting ambition.

"Every day we wake up and think about that qualification. Because it will change everything for this country," he said.

John Herdman also emphasized that his current focus is entirely on the Indonesian national team. In fact, he admitted that he did not follow the World Cup because all his attention was directed at Garuda's preparations for the upcoming international agenda.

Apart from the 2030 World Cup target, Indonesia will also face the AFF and FIFA ASEAN tournaments in the near future.