Patrick Kluivert Named Indonesia Head Coach in World Cup Bid

The Dutch football legend takes over a team with strong ties to the Netherlands, replacing Shin Tae-yong ahead of key qualifiers.

Patrick Kluivert, former Barcelona and Netherlands star, has signed a two-year contract as Indonesia's head coach, with an option for extension.
Kluivert replaces South Korean coach Shin Tae-yong, who was dismissed despite leading Indonesia to significant improvements, including a rise in FIFA rankings from 173rd to 127th.
Indonesia's squad features many naturalized players born in the Netherlands, reflecting historical ties between the two nations.
Kluivert's first competitive match will be a World Cup qualifier against Australia on March 20, a key fixture in Indonesia's bid to advance in the 2026 qualifiers.
The Indonesian football federation cited communication issues between Shin and European-born players as a factor in the coaching change, aiming for better alignment under Kluivert.