JAKARTA - John Herdman is now serving as the coach of the Indonesian National Team since it was inaugurated on Saturday, January 3, 2026. With his new assignment, the coach sees that Indonesian football has many talented players, like Canada, which he has coached.
Herdman's statement was not without reason. He had previously coached the Canadian National Team for more than five years and had led the country to qualify for the 2022 World Cup. Therefore, the coach saw that Indonesia also had the same potential.
"What I see, the talent pool is there, it feels very similar to Canada. A big country, big potential with local players, but also the ability to recruit dual-citizens. They have started that journey," Herdman said, quoted by Canadian media, The Canadian Press, on Monday, January 5, 2026.
Herdman, who took the Canadian national team from 94th to 33rd in the world, said one of the factors that made him interested in coaching Indonesia was the enthusiasm of the fans.
According to the tactician who brought Canada to the World Cup after a 36-year absence, the support of the fans is clearly needed to complete his project with the Indonesian National Team.
"It's about finding the right project, a project that can make you feel the passion and intensity of the supporters," said Herdman.
The 50-year-old is scheduled to arrive in Indonesia next week ahead of his official introduction press conference.
After being introduced, Herdman will undergo a busy schedule with the Indonesian National Team, starting with the FIFA Series at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on FIFA Match Day 23-31 March 2026.
Together with the FIFA Series, Herdman will lead the Garuda Squad in the FIFA Match Day agenda in June, September, October, and November 2026, as well as the 2026 AFF Cup which is scheduled to take place starting July 25, 2026. In addition, Herdman will also handle the Indonesian National U-23 Team.
"I think it's certainly an important part of learning a culture, really immersing yourself in it. You really have to understand the people and their habits to create that connection," the coach said.
The English, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and French versions are automatically generated by the AI. So there may still be inaccuracies in translating, please always see Indonesian as our main language. (system supported by DigitalSiber.id)
