Barra Hagia

John Herdman is preparing a different approach for the 2026 AFF Cup. With the tournament's non-FIFA status, the Indonesian national team coach is opening up great opportunities for young players and substitutes to show their skills. Herdman considers the AFF to be an ideal stage for expanding the talent pool, similar to the Gold Cup in CONCACAF. Amidst limited access to key players, this tournament is projected to be an important laboratory toward the Garuda's long-term goals.

A positive atmosphere was immediately felt in the Indonesian national team after John Herdman was officially introduced. The Garuda's key players warmly welcomed the coach with messages full of optimism and great ambition. From Jay Idzes to Maarten Paes, one voice was strong: ready to work, ready to learn, and ready to make history. Herdman's presence is considered to bring new energy ahead of the busy 2026 agenda, starting with the FIFA Series in March.

John Herdman arrived undaunted by the pressure of Indonesian football. The English coach sees the high expectations of Garuda fans as positive energy, not a burden. With his experience of leading Canada to the World Cup, Herdman believes that pressure is fuel for building a winning mentality. For him, the fanatical support of Indonesian fans is a gift that can lift the national team to the highest level of world football.

John Herdman arrived with great confidence: Indonesia deserves to be in the World Cup. In front of the Jakarta public, the English coach emphasized that the passion for soccer, fanatical support, and potential talent make the Indonesian national team worthy of dreaming bigger. With a track record of leading Canada to the World Cup, Herdman sees Garuda as a major project that is ready to move up to the world stage.

John Herdman ended speculation by choosing the Indonesian national team, even though his chances of appearing in the 2026 World Cup were closer with Jamaica. The English coach was attracted by PSSI's long-term vision, the large population of football lovers, and untapped historical potential. For Herdman, Indonesia is not just a short-term project, but a stage on which to build a foundation for the World Cup.

John Herdman immediately set a new pace for the Indonesian national team. Ahead of the 2026 FIFA Series, the English coach said he had contacted more than 60 players as a sign of the start of collaboration. Together with his assistant, Cesar Meylan, Herdman began mapping out the best talent to build a competitive squad. The March 2026 FIFA Series will be Garuda's first stage under the new era with a big target: history.

John Herdman has begun laying the foundations for the Indonesian national team with Asian competitive standards. One name that has emerged is Leeds United defender Pascal Struijk, who is rumored to have been given permission to play for Indonesia. With his Premier League experience and ideal physique, Struijk is projected to strengthen the Garuda's defense. If this happens, his presence could be the difference maker in Indonesia's mission to reach the quarterfinals of the 2027 Asian Cup.
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The new era of the Indonesian national team under John Herdman immediately sent out an interesting signal. Ezra Walian, the Persik Kediri winger who is currently on fire in the 2025-2026 Super League, seems to be sending a subtle message about his readiness to return to the Garuda squad. With an Indonesian passport since 2017 and consistent performance at the club level, Ezra offers an experienced option for Herdman in rebuilding the identity of the Indonesian national team.

John Herdman not only brings a global resume, but also a personal approach. Following in the footsteps of Shin Tae-yong, the new coach of the Indonesian national team emphasizes the importance of understanding local culture in order to build chemistry with players and supporters. For Herdman, soccer is not just about tactics, but human connections. This step underscores his seriousness in preparing the Garuda Squad for its busy 2026 schedule.