Coach Patrick Kluivert is about to leave the Indonesian team?

The Indonesian team failed to create a surprise in the fourth qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup when they suffered two consecutive defeats against Saudi Arabia and Iraq, thereby officially ending their dream of participating in the biggest football festival on the planet next summer.

After the journey ended, coach Patrick Kluivert shared his heartfelt thoughts on social media. The Dutch strategist admitted his disappointment at not being able to help Indonesia move on.

“I feel the same pain and disappointment as you do. The defeats against Saudi Arabia and Iraq are bitter lessons, but they also remind us of the height of the dream we all chase. As head coach, I take full responsibility.”

Coach Kluivert also expressed his pride in the team he led: “We fought with heart, discipline and solidarity. Every day, this team strived to grow, learn and compete with pride to represent the country. We worked tirelessly to unite the players at home and abroad into one family."

"Although we cannot participate in the 2026 World Cup, what we have achieved is the foundation to continue building with the belief that Indonesia deserves to be present on the biggest stage," the former Dutch player emphasized.

Appointed earlier this year to replace Shin Tae-yong, Kluivert had a rocky start as Indonesia suffered a humiliating 5-1 defeat to Australia. However, he quickly revived the team with two important victories over Bahrain and China, thereby securing a ticket to the fourth qualifying round, a historic achievement for Indonesian football.

Before this round, the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) invested heavily, recruiting many naturalized players from the Netherlands with the goal of realizing the World Cup dream. However, two defeats against Saudi Arabia and Iraq have ruined all efforts.

After the team missed the World Cup, Indonesian public opinion and media simultaneously called on PSSI to consider coach Kluivert's future and even hoped for Shin Tae Yong to return.

According to the contract, Kluivert is with Indonesia until January 2027 with a salary of about 1 million USD/year with a 1-year extension clause. Currently, PSSI has not made an official announcement about his future.