The Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) is moving closer to securing the services of John Herdman as head coach of the Indonesian national team.
The English-born coach has emerged as the leading candidate after the selection process narrowed to two main names: Herdman and Giovanni van Bronckhorst. Several strong indications suggest that Herdman is currently at the top of the list in the race for the Garuda coaching position.
Herdman’s commitment is evident in his decision to turn down concrete offers from several other countries. Jamaica and Honduras, two nations from the CONCACAF region, are reported to have approached him. However, Herdman chose to prioritize a long-term project with the Indonesian national team.
Focus on Indonesia, Herdman Rejects Jamaica and Honduras
Honduran media outlet, Diario Diez, revealed that Herdman had been a strong candidate to take charge of the Honduras national team.
Local fans and media viewed his experience in World Cup qualification campaigns and his track record in CONCACAF as key selling points. Herdman was even touted as the ideal figure to replace Reinaldo Rueda.
“In Honduras, Herdman generated enthusiasm among fans and the media as the favorite to replace Reinaldo Rueda. However, his progress with Indonesia overshadowed this ideal scenario,” Diario Diez wrote on Desember 17.
A similar situation also unfolded in Jamaica. The Jamaica Football Federation was reportedly considering Herdman to lead their national team in the intercontinental play-offs for the 2026 World Cup, following the resignation of Steve McClaren.
The offer came with an immediate opportunity to compete on the path to the World Cup. Nevertheless, Herdman chose to decline it.
“Jamaica considered him for the intercontinental playoff for the 2026 World Cup, but Herdman turned down the offer, prioritizing Indonesia,” the report continued.
This decision is widely seen as a strong signal that Herdman’s ambitions have now shifted toward Asia. PSSI is said to have moved quickly and decisively in negotiations, allowing it to outpace other federations in the race to secure the signature of the 50-year-old coach.
World Cup Experience That Matches PSSI’s Vision
PSSI has been openly seeking a head coach with proven experience in guiding a national team to World Cup qualification. This criterion is met by John Herdman, who made history with the Canadian national team by qualifying for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after a 36-year absence.
PSSI Executive Committee member Endri Erawan confirmed that the selection process has now been narrowed down to just two leading candidates. Both have gone through the interview stage, including meetings with the PSSI executive board, Technical Director Alexander Zwiers, and technical advisor Jordi Cruyff.
From the four candidates interviewed in England, Herdman was assessed as the best fit with the federation’s long-term vision.
Herdman began his coaching career at a young age. After starting out at the Sunderland academy, he moved to New Zealand and took charge of the New Zealand women’s national team from 2006 to 2011. During that period, he led the team to two FIFA Women’s World Cup appearances and qualification for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
That success continued with the Canada women’s national team between 2011 and 2018, where he secured two Olympic bronze medals and a gold medal at the Pan American Games.
In 2018, Herdman was appointed head coach of the Canada men’s national team, reaching the pinnacle of his career by qualifying for the 2022 World Cup. He thus became the first coach to lead both the men’s and women’s national teams of the same country to the World Cup.
Beyond his achievements, Herdman is known for his structured leadership style, strong emphasis on building team culture, and ability to elevate nations that were previously considered underdogs. This is precisely the approach PSSI is reportedly keen to replicate with the Garuda squad.
An official announcement from PSSI is expected in the near future. If finalized, the appointment of John Herdman could mark the beginning of a new phase in the development of the Indonesian national team, built on a clearer and more sustainable long-term foundation.
