The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) has officially announced the termination of Patrick Kluivert’s contract as head coach of the national team. This significant decision is directly linked to the team’s unsuccessful bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, an aspiration widely held across the nation. The move comes amidst considerable public scrutiny and strong criticism from Indonesian football fans, who expressed deep dissatisfaction with the Dutch coach’s performance and strategic direction.
Indonesia’s ambitious dream of competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to be hosted across North America, has now definitively concluded. The Southeast Asian powerhouse was eliminated during the crucial fourth round of the Asian qualification campaign. This occurred after suffering key defeats to Saudi Arabia and Iraq in Group B during matches held last week. This early exit starkly contradicted the high expectations of both supporters and local media outlets, who had anticipated a deeper run into the qualifiers. The outcome led to intense public pressure and blame primarily directed at the former FC Barcelona star.
Confronted with the undeniable outcome and overwhelming public sentiment, the PSSI confirmed its decision to relieve Kluivert of his duties on October 16. In an official statement, the association elaborated: “PSSI, in collaboration with the coaching staff defense team of the Indonesian national football team, has reached a mutual agreement to conclude our working relationship with Mr. Kluivert. This decision follows a comprehensive evaluation of the coaching staff’s leadership system and aligns with our forward-looking vision for the sustained development and enhancement of national football.” The association also noted that a successor for the national team’s coaching role has yet to be named.
Patrick Kluivert, a prominent figure during his playing career with FC Barcelona, had initially signed a two-year contract set to run until 2027. This contract’s natural conclusion was intended to be after the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament. He had taken the helm, succeeding South Korean coach Shin Tae Yong, who was notably credited with guiding Indonesia to the third round of the Asian qualifiers for the same World Cup cycle.
During his tenure, the Dutch-born coach oversaw a total of seven matches for the Indonesian national team, securing only three victories. The remaining four matches saw Indonesia suffer three defeats and manage just one draw. The team’s fate in the fourth round of the Asian qualifiers was sealed with a particularly disappointing 3-2 loss to Saudi Arabia, a result that propelled Saudi Arabia directly into the 2026 World Cup. Indonesia’s second crucial match in the round ended in a 1-0 defeat against Iraq. Iraq ultimately finished second in Group B, earning them a progression to the fifth round where they are slated to compete against the United Arab Emirates, the second-place finishers from Group A, for a chance at an intercontinental playoff berth.
