John Herdman has made an encouraging start as Indonesia’s national team coach by guiding the Garuda squad to the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 title. Indonesia defeated Thailand 4-2 on penalties after a thrilling 2-2 draw over 120 minutes in the final at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on October 5, 2026. The triumph represents a significant milestone for Indonesian football and gives Herdman an early achievement to build upon.

Herdman has also surpassed Patrick Kluivert in the number of matches managed during a comparable period. While Kluivert oversaw just eight games in approximately ten months, Herdman has already taken charge of Indonesia in 12 matches over a similar timeframe. With the November FIFA international window and the 2027 AFC Asian Cup approaching, he will have further opportunities to strengthen his record and establish a more consistent team.

Despite his early success, matching Shin Tae-yong’s legacy remains a much greater challenge. The South Korean coach managed Indonesia’s senior team from January 2020 to January 2025, overseeing 58 matches and delivering several memorable achievements. Under his leadership, Indonesia reached the final of the 2020 AFF Championship and qualified for the knockout stage of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup for the first time in the nation’s history.

Shin also made a lasting impact at youth level, leading Indonesia’s under-23 team to the semifinals of the 2024 AFC U-23 Asian Cup. That campaign brought the team within reach of Olympic qualification, highlighting his contribution to the development of Indonesian football beyond the senior squad. In comparison, Herdman has yet to achieve similar results with Indonesia’s youth teams, while the senior side’s group-stage elimination from the 2026 AFF Championship exposed areas that still require improvement.

The strong connection between Shin and Indonesian supporters remains evident, with fans continuing to remember his contributions even during Herdman’s tenure. Although the FIFA ASEAN Cup title provides a promising foundation, Herdman will need to deliver consistent performances in more demanding international competitions to establish a legacy of his own. The 2027 AFC Asian Cup will be a crucial opportunity for him to demonstrate that Indonesia’s recent success can develop into sustained progress on the continental stage.