Get ready for a football revolution in Indonesia, because a coach with a proven track record of turning underdogs into World Cup contenders has just taken the helm. John Herdman, the mastermind behind Canada’s historic 2022 World Cup qualification, has set his sights on a new challenge: transforming Indonesia’s men’s team into a global force. But here’s where it gets intriguing—can he replicate his Canadian success in a country with a vastly different football culture and a population of over 280 million? Let’s dive in.
Herdman, a 50-year-old English coach, officially took charge of Indonesia’s national team on Saturday, signing a four-year contract. This move comes after his resignation from Toronto FC in November 2024, marking a return to international football. He succeeds Dutch legend Patrick Kluivert, whose tenure ended in mid-October following Indonesia’s narrow miss at qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. Despite a valiant effort, Indonesia fell short after consecutive defeats to higher-ranked Iraq and Saudi Arabia in the fourth round of regional qualifying.
What makes Herdman’s appointment so fascinating? For starters, he’s no stranger to turning around struggling teams. When he took over Canada’s men’s team in 2018, they were ranked a lowly 94th in the world. Fast forward to 2022, and he had led them to their first World Cup appearance in 36 years. Now, he’s eyeing a similar transformation in Indonesia, a nation with immense potential but a single World Cup appearance to its name—back in 1938 as the Dutch East Indies. And this is the part most people miss: Indonesia’s football landscape is ripe for growth, with a passionate fanbase and a talent pool that mirrors Canada’s untapped potential.
Herdman himself highlighted the similarities between the two countries during an interview with The Canadian Press. ‘It has a very similar feeling to Canada,’ he said. ‘A big country, a lot of potential with local players, and the ability to recruit dual-nationals—a journey they’ve already begun.’ But it’s not just about talent; it’s about passion. Herdman was drawn to Indonesia’s fervent football culture and the All Indonesia Football Association’s (PSSI) commitment to qualifying for the World Cup. ‘You can feel the passion and intensity of the fans,’ he added.
But here’s the controversial part: Herdman’s move to Indonesia isn’t without its skeptics. Some question whether his success in Canada can be replicated in a country with a vastly different footballing history and infrastructure. Indonesia’s highest FIFA ranking was 76th in 1998, and they’ve struggled to maintain consistency ever since. Additionally, Herdman’s past in Canada wasn’t without controversy. In 2025, he received a written admonishment for misconduct under the Canada Soccer Disciplinary Code, though the full details remain undisclosed. Does this tarnish his reputation, or is it a minor blip in an otherwise stellar career? We’ll let you decide.
Indonesia’s football journey is also deeply intertwined with its colonial history. After nearly 350 years of Dutch rule, the country declared independence in 1945. Today, Dutch influence still permeates Indonesian football, with several Dutch-Indonesian players making their mark. However, the national team has yet to capitalize on this talent pool fully. Herdman’s challenge will be to unify local and dual-national players into a cohesive unit capable of competing on the global stage.
As Herdman prepares to relocate to Indonesia next week, he’s already emphasizing the importance of cultural immersion. ‘You really have to understand the people and the customs to create that connection,’ he said. This approach worked wonders in Canada, where he fostered a strong team identity. But will it resonate in Indonesia, a country with its own unique traditions and challenges?
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Can Indonesia’s footballing potential be fully realized under Herdman’s leadership, or will the weight of expectations and historical struggles prove too much? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. One thing’s for sure—this is a story worth watching, as Herdman embarks on his most ambitious project yet. Will Indonesia become the next Canada, or will this be a chapter of unfulfilled promise? Only time will tell.
