OFFICIAL: Indonesia National Team Announces New Head Coach, Who Has Participated in 3 World Cups

The Indonesian Football Association has revealed the identity of the new head coach for their national team.

The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) has officially appointed John Herdman as the head coach of the national team. In a statement posted on their official website, PSSI said: “PSSI officially announces John Herdman as the new head coach of the Indonesian national team on Saturday, January 3, 2026, marking the beginning of a new era for football in the country.”

John Herdman has led both the Canadian men's and women's national teams to World Cup appearances, achievements expected to bring a positive impact to Indonesia’s senior and U23 national teams. While coaching the Canadian women's team, the English strategist participated in the 2007 and 2011 Women's World Cups and made history by winning two consecutive Olympic bronze medals in 2012 and 2016.

At the men's level, he continued to make his mark by helping Canada qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. This was a historic milestone after a 36-year wait, also boosting Canada’s FIFA ranking from 77th to 33rd in the world.

PSSI emphasized their excitement about welcoming the 50-year-old coach and confirmed that Herdman’s extensive achievements were the key reason for his appointment. He is also the only coach worldwide to have led both a country’s men’s and women’s teams to qualify for FIFA World Cups.

In 2026, John Herdman and the Indonesian national team will face a packed schedule. The team will take part in the FIFA Series at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium during the FIFA Matchday from March 23 to 31, 2026, followed by FIFA Matchdays in June, September, October, and November, as well as the AFF Cup 2026, expected to start on July 25, 2026.