Shin Tae Yong returns?

The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) has terminated the contract with Patrick Kluivert and his Dutch assistants, after a heavy defeat in the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers .

PSSI’s decision was something Indonesian fans had been waiting for. From the start, Kluivert had been disappointing in terms of tactics and management.

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Shin Tae Yong is a strong candidate to lead Indonesia. Photo: Kompas

Now, PSSI officials are rushing to find a new head coach. Former player Shin Tae Yong is emerging as one of the leading candidates.

In addition, according to Indonesian newspapers, PSSI is also targeting a number of famous coaches from European football, along with candidates from Japan and Korea.

PSSI does not want to rush into a decision , especially after the mistake of firing Shin Tae Yong to choose Kluivert .

However, PSSI does not have much time left. Because, Indonesia needs a new captain for the FIFA Days in November.

Indonesia's plan is to play two international matches, between November 10 and 18. Garuda have not yet chosen an opponent, but aim to increase their FIFA points – after recently being relegated.

If no agreement is reached, the PSSI can choose an interim coach for the final FIFA Days of the year. In any case, Indonesia must have a new head coach by March 2026 – the next international competition.

ASEAN Cup and Asian Cup ambitions

Garuda needs a new coach soon to give tactical ideas time to develop and to bond with the players.

From there, PSSI set a specific goal: to conquer the next two tournaments that Indonesia participates in, ASEAN Cup 2026 and Asian Cup 2027.

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Indonesia has ambitions to succeed in the next two international tournaments. Photo: Kompas

“The ASEAN Cup 2026 will be the new coach’s first tournament. Indonesia has never won the Southeast Asian championship, so they need to focus on the upcoming event,” Bola wrote.

Southeast Asian football will have some changes compared to previous editions. Accordingly, the ASEAN Cup 2026 is expected to be held in the middle of the year, when the Asian and European championships have stopped.

After the ASEAN Cup 2026, Indonesia focuses on a bigger goal: conquering the Asian Cup 2027 - the tournament taking place in Saudi Arabia .

Indonesia has already secured a ticket to the 2027 Asian Cup Finals. To achieve the Asian dream, PSSI will continue its naturalization policy.

“The Indonesian team is aiming for the best results at the 2027 Asian Cup ,” Bola newspaper revealed about PSSI’s ambition .

At the very least, Indonesia wants to surpass its own performance at the 2023 Asian Cup, reaching the round of 16. That will be a stepping stone towards qualifying for the 2030 World Cup.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/indonesia-chon-hlv-moi-mo-vo-dich-asean-cup-va-asian-cup-2454040.html