John Herdman Leads Indonesia to ASEAN Glory but Still Has Ground to Cover to Match Shin Tae-yong

John Herdman has made an impressive start as Indonesia’s national team coach by guiding the Garuda squad to victory in the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026. Indonesia claimed the trophy after defeating Thailand 4-2 on penalties following a 2-2 draw over 120 minutes in the final at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on October 5, 2026. The triumph represents an important milestone for Indonesian football, although Herdman still has a long way to go before matching the achievements of his predecessor, Shin Tae-yong.

Herdman has already managed Indonesia in 12 matches during a period comparable to Patrick Kluivert’s tenure, surpassing the Dutchman’s total of eight games in approximately ten months. His early success has given the national team renewed momentum, with further opportunities to improve his record expected during the November FIFA international window and the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. However, the ASEAN Cup title is only the beginning of a much bigger challenge.

Shin Tae-yong established a strong legacy during his five-year spell in charge of Indonesia’s senior team, managing 58 matches between January 2020 and January 2025. Under his leadership, Indonesia reached the final of the 2020 AFF Championship and finished as runners-up. He also guided the Garuda squad to the knockout stage of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, marking the country’s first appearance in the tournament’s round of 16.

Shin’s influence extended beyond the senior national team, as he led Indonesia’s under-23 side to the semifinals of the 2024 AFC U-23 Asian Cup. That achievement brought the team closer to securing a place at the Paris Olympics through a qualification playoff. By comparison, Herdman has yet to establish a similar record at youth level, while Indonesia’s group-stage exit from the 2026 AFF Championship highlighted the inconsistency that still needs to be addressed. The 2027 AFC Asian Cup will provide him with an important opportunity to demonstrate his capabilities on a bigger stage.

Despite Herdman’s recent success, Shin remains a popular figure among Indonesian supporters, some of whom have continued to show their appreciation for the South Korean coach during matches. Winning the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 gives Herdman a promising foundation, but building a legacy comparable to Shin’s will require sustained progress, stronger performances against higher-ranked opponents and greater consistency across major competitions. His ultimate challenge is to turn an encouraging start into lasting success for Indonesian football.