The timing revealed for the World Cup coach's official arrival in Indonesia

Coach John Herdman, a multiple World Cup participant, will officially land in Indonesia this January and be presented as the national team coach following PSSI's schedule.

John Herdman is confirmed to arrive in Jakarta on the evening of January 11, 2026bringing along an assistant coach to formally begin his leadership of the Indonesian national team. This information was announced by the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) and quickly attracted regional media attention.

According to Mr. Sumardji, Chairman of PSSI’s National Team Agency, barring any last-minute changes, John Herdman's official introduction as head coach of Indonesia will take place on the morning of January 12. The press conference is scheduled to start at 10 a.m. in Jakarta, marking a significant milestone in the plan to rebuild Indonesian football.

“Mr. John Herdman will arrive in Jakarta on the evening of January 11. The next morning, at exactly 10 a.m., PSSI will hold a press conference to introduce the national team head coach,” confirmed Mr. Sumardji. The official also added that the English strategist will come to Indonesia with his family and a trusted assistant to quickly settle in and focus on his work.

PSSI officially announced John Herdman’s appointment on January 3 through a statement on the federation’s homepage. The former head coach of Canada’s men’s and women’s teams signed a two-year contract with an option to extend for another two years if performance targets are met.

Besides leading the senior national team, Herdman has also been entrusted by PSSI to coach Indonesia’s U23 team. Notably, the English-born coach has expressed his willingness to live long-term in Indonesia rather than frequently traveling between Asia and Europe, to closely oversee training and youth player development.

John Herdman’s first task with the Indonesian national team will be the FIFA Series 2026, expected to take place in March in Jakarta. Although the opponents have not yet been announced, this tournament is seen as an important stepping stone for the English coach to assess the squad and shape the playing style of the Indonesian team in this new phase.

With his experience in elevating Canadian football to the global stage, John Herdman is expected to bring fresh energy, helping Indonesia improve its standing in Southeast Asia and aim for higher goals on the continental stage.