Official: Patrick Kluivert to lead Indonesia’s 2026 World Cup dream | OneFootball

Patrick Kluivert is the new national coach of Indonesia. The former Ajax and FC Barcelona forward joins up with the Indonesian Football Association as the team ranked 127th in the FIFA rankings aim for a first-ever World Cup qualification.

After reports on Monday announced that Kluivert would become the new manager of Indonesia, the association have officially confirmed the former striker’s involvement. The 48-year-old has signed a two-year contract with Garuda, with an option for two additional years.

Aside from the World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States, the 2027 Asian Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games are other events that Kluivert will have to focus on. Shin Tae-yong’s successor will take Alex Pastoor and Denny Landzaat with him as assistants, as VoetbalPrimeur also reported earlier this week.

Although the Dutch East Indies were active in the final tournament in 1938, Indonesia have never managed World Cup qualification since independence.

Kluivert will manage a number of (former) Eredivisie faces in Indonesia. For example, Mees Hilgers, Thom Haye and Jay Idzes all play for the country.

GBeNeFN | Max Bradfield