Indonesia Appoints John Herdman as Men's Soccer Coach

JAKARTA, Indonesia — Indonesia's soccer federation has appointed former Canada coach John Herdman as the new head of the men's national team, following the country's latest failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 50-year-old Englishman replaces Patrick Kluivert, who departed in October after less than a year in charge. The Football Association of Indonesia, known as PSSI, announced the hiring on Saturday, praising Herdman as a "football architect" with a proven ability to guide teams to major tournaments. Domestic reports indicate he signed a two-year contract with an option to extend for two more years.

Herdman's appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Indonesian soccer. The nation, independent since 1945, has never qualified for the World Cup as its own entity. Its last appearance came in 1938, when the territory participated as the Dutch East Indies. More recently, Indonesia made history by reaching the knockout stages of the 2023 Asian Cup for the first time, advancing to the round of 16 before elimination. Officials hope Herdman's expertise will elevate the team's performance in upcoming competitions.

Herdman brings a wealth of international experience. He...