Jakarta. Indonesia has appointed John Herdman as its new national football coach, with the Canadian aiming to guide the Garuda to their first FIFA World Cup in 2030 and build a long-term football culture in the country.

Herdman, 50, brings a rare distinction to the role: he is the only coach in the world to have led both men’s and women’s national teams of the same country to the FIFA World Cup. He first rose to prominence guiding Canada’s women to the 2007 and 2011 World Cups and Olympic bronze medals in 2012 and 2016. Herdman later led Canada’s men to their first World Cup in 36 years in 2022, while overseeing a meteoric rise in the nation’s FIFA ranking from 77th to 33rd.

“I see opportunity,” Herdman said, addressing Indonesia’s mix of local, diaspora, and naturalized players. “Our diversity will be our biggest strength. Passports do not matter. It’s about brotherhood, people, and our commitment to a collective vision.”

Herdman underscored the importance of understanding Indonesia’s football culture and connecting it to the passion of its fans. “You have to feel the fabric of the country. On feeling it, you understand it. From understanding it, you can now build the football culture internally, in the locker room,” he said, drawing on his experience coaching in New Zealand and Canada.

The coach outlined his short-term plan, which begins with listening and assessment. He has already contacted over 60 players to gauge experiences from the previous World Cup cycle and intends to build “qualification habits” Indonesia has long lacked. Herdman highlighted the March FIFA Match Day fixtures in Jakarta as the first opportunity to test his approach.

Herdman said his decision to join Indonesia, turning down higher-ranked teams like Honduras and Jamaica, was motivated by the country’s potential. “With a population of 280 million, 80–90% of people are football mad. This is the place to be. I want to be here when this country takes that step,” he said. “Every day I wake up, everything I’ll be thinking about is qualifying this team for a World Cup.”

The head coach role has been vacant since October, after Dutch-born striker Patrick Kluivert departed following Indonesia’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Herdman inherits a busy calendar in 2026, including FIFA Series fixtures in March, June, September, October, and November, as well as the AFF Cup beginning July 25.

Herdman stressed that the ultimate goal is long-term success. “We are a privileged group of people that get to wear the Indonesian jersey, to wear that flag. We are committed to leaving a legacy for the next generation to believe that we are a football country,” he said.

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