TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - John Herdman, the British coach best known for leading Canada to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, is widely expected to become the new head coach of the Indonesian national team.
Herdman has emerged as the strongest candidate to replace Patrick Kluivert, who was recently dismissed by the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI).
The PSSI has narrowed its shortlist from five candidates to two finalists. In addition to Herdman, former Netherlands international Giovanni van Bronckhorst is also under consideration. However, Herdman is understood to be the federation’s top choice, particularly after he declined an offer to coach Jamaica.
“The British coach was close to returning to CONCACAF after holding talks with Jamaica following Steve McClaren’s resignation. Jamaica considered him for the intercontinental playoff for the 2026 World Cup, but Herdman turned down the offer, prioritizing Indonesia,” Honduran digital sports outlet Diario Diez reported on Wednesday, December 17, 2025.
According to Diario Diez, PSSI is seeking a coach with proven experience in World Cup qualification campaigns, a criterion that aligns closely with Herdman’s résumé. “His disciplined approach transformed Canada through a dynamic, vertical style of play. Indonesia hopes to replicate that success to improve its competitiveness in Asia,” the outlet wrote.
From a CONCACAF perspective, Herdman’s potential move is viewed as a loss. National teams such as Honduras and Jamaica are expected to explore alternative options.
“Meanwhile, Indonesia is gaining a coach with a clear vision and a strong track record,” Diario Diez added.
Previously, PSSI executive committee members Muhammad and Endri Erawan, along with technical director Alexander Zwiers and technical advisor Jordi Cruyff, met with several coaching candidates in England. Of the five names invited, four took part in the interview process.
“It is true that we have narrowed the list to two candidates for the national team head coach,” Endri Erawan said on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. He declined to disclose the identities of the finalists.
According to Endri, the new coach will be announced after the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand conclude on December 20.
Herdman is widely respected for his work with Canada’s national teams, having coached both the women’s and men’s sides. He guided Canada’s men’s team to qualification for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar as CONCACAF champions, lifting the country’s FIFA ranking from 95th to within the world’s top 30.
He is also credited with fostering a strong team ethos, often described as a “brotherhood culture.”
If appointed, Herdman would bring rare cross-continental experience and is expected to play a key role in raising Indonesia’s profile and performance in Asian football.
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