John Herdman has embarked on a remarkable new chapter in his coaching career, touching down in Indonesia after achieving significant success with Canadian national teams. The experienced manager now faces the monumental task of guiding one of the world's most football-mad nations to their first World Cup appearance in nearly a century.
A Dramatic Change of Footballing Landscape
The contrast between Herdman's previous and current assignments could hardly be more striking. The 50-year-old coach has transitioned from Canada, where soccer traditionally plays second fiddle to ice hockey and other sports, to Indonesia, where football commands almost religious devotion among its 280 million inhabitants. His mission is clear: to end Indonesia's 92-year World Cup drought by securing qualification for the 2030 tournament.
When Herdman first steps into the iconic Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, he will be greeted by 80,000 passionate supporters clad in red, their songs echoing through the humid Jakarta air. The metropolitan area surrounding the capital contains approximately 40 million people, creating an atmosphere unlike anything he experienced in North America.
Overcoming Historical Challenges
Indonesia's footballing history has been marred by numerous obstacles that have prevented the nation from achieving its potential. Political interference, hooliganism, corruption, and administrative incompetence have all contributed to the country's underachievement on the international stage. The situation became particularly notorious two decades ago when federation president Nurdin Halid conducted his duties from a prison cell.
The current football landscape shows signs of improvement under Erick Thohir, who assumed leadership of the Indonesian Football Association in February 2023. Thohir, a former owner of MLS's DC United, the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers, and Serie A's Inter Milan, has served as a government minister since 2019. Successfully guiding Indonesia to World Cup qualification would significantly boost his political ambitions while transforming the nation's footballing fortunes.
Building on Recent Progress
When Thohir took charge, Indonesia languished at 151st in the FIFA world rankings. Under his stewardship, the team has experienced rapid improvement, though their current position of 122nd doesn't fully reflect their progress. The qualification campaign for the 2022 World Cup saw Indonesia manage just a single point from eight matches, finishing with a concerning -22 goal difference.
The road to the 2026 tournament demonstrated marked improvement, with Indonesia emerging as one of the twelve best performers among 46 starting nations. Their journey ultimately ended in a fourth-round playoff defeat to Saudi Arabia and Iraq, but the foundation for future success has been established.
Herdman's Coaching Philosophy
"Qualifying for a World Cup doesn't happen overnight," Herdman stated during his unveiling ceremony in Jakarta. "Canada needed decades to achieve it. Indonesia has taken an important step – now our job is to take the next one. I will bring my passion to help bring this country to, hopefully, a place it's never been before."
The English-born coach brings a proven track record of transforming national teams. His Canadian journey began with the women's team that finished last at the 2011 World Cup, losing all three matches while scoring just once. Within a year, he guided them to Olympic bronze at London 2012, repeating the achievement four years later in Rio.
Canadian captain Christine Sinclair captured Herdman's impact perfectly in her memoir, describing him as "the best coach I've ever had, hands down. He is life-changing. He helps you rediscover your passion. And within a team he creates a culture of unity, one where your egos are left at the door."
Navigating Indonesia's Footballing Identity
Herdman inherits an Indonesian national team that has undergone dramatic transformation in recent years. During qualification for the 2026 World Cup, as many as eight players of Indonesian heritage born in the Netherlands featured in the starting eleven, reflecting the historical colonial connections between the two nations.
While this influx of European-based talent brought improved results, it raised questions about the team's identity. Players previously unknown in Asian football became automatic starters, and the dressing room language shifted from Bahasa Indonesia to Dutch or English. These challenges intensified under previous manager Patrick Kluivert, whose appointment was partly influenced by his Dutch nationality but ultimately proved unsuccessful.
The Path Forward
Herdman's approach combines tactical acumen with strong man-management skills. "This guy knows what he's doing because he has a tactic every game," observed Canada striker Jonathan David in 2019. The new coach will demand improved standards both on and off the pitch, focusing on training camps, player development time, facilities, and overall professionalism.
The upcoming ASEAN Cup in July and August presents an early opportunity to assess local talent, particularly with European-based players unavailable. This regional tournament could mirror Herdman's success at the 2011 Pan American Games, where he guided Canada's women to gold medal glory.
The first major examination arrives next January with the Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia, which will provide crucial indicators of whether Herdman is on track to deliver Indonesia's ultimate footballing dream. Securing qualification for the 2030 World Cup would represent his greatest coaching achievement and cement his legacy in two different footballing continents.
