After officially terminating the contract with coach Patrick Kluivert due to failure in the goal of participating in the 2026 World Cup , the Indonesian Football Federation (PSSI) is urgently searching for a new international-class strategist.

PSSI’s new plan is clear: end the thirst for the ASEAN Cup – the tournament will take place in 2026; succeed in the 2027 Asian Cup; and most importantly, realize the ambition of the 2030 World Cup.

Imago - Ange Postecoglou.jpg
Coach Postecoglou is the candidate to lead Indonesia, after Kluivert was fired. Photo: Imago

One of the most prominent names to make it onto the PSSI shortlist is Ange Postecoglou.

Targeting Postecoglou shows PSSI's seriousness and determination in its efforts to elevate Indonesian football .

The 60-year-old strategist possesses an impressive profile, especially valuable experience at the national team level, with success from Asia to Europe.

Postecoglou is known as the most successful coach in Australian football. Under his leadership, the Socceroos team qualified for the World Cup twice in 2014 and 2018 (however, he did not lead the team in Russia 2018, because he resigned at the end of 2017).

The pinnacle of his career with Australia was winning the 2015 Asian Cup – the team's first and only major title since joining the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

During his European adventure, Postecoglou helped Tottenham end their title drought by winning the 2024/25 Europa League.

Now is a good time for PSSI to approach Postecoglou. According to sources, he has just been sacked by Nottingham Forest, so it would be easier to negotiate without paying a compensation fee.

With experience in building squads, developing attractive attacking play (loving total football philosophy), especially experience in bringing Asian teams to the World Cup, Postecoglou is expected to be the chief architect for Indonesia 's long-term football project.

Postecoglou's salary is certainly high, but that is not a problem for PSSI and President Erick Thohir.

Besides Postecoglou, PSSI is also interested in the former Shin Tae Yong - who has a lot of influence on the current generation of young Garuda players.

The list of candidates for Indonesia's head coach also includes Bert van Marwijk, Paulo Bento - who have all attended the World Cup, and Timur Kapadze - the captain who just brought home a historic ticket to North America 2026 for Uzbekistan.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/indonesia-thue-ange-postecoglou-cho-giac-mo-world-cup-2030-2454438.html