Patrick Kluivert parts ways with Indonesia after failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, ending an eight-match stint as national coach
Patrick Kluivert** has ended his tenure as Indonesia’s head coach after he and the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) mutually agreed to part ways following the team’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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Indonesia’s hopes of making it to next year’s tournament in North America came to an end after back-to-back defeats to Iraq and Saudi Arabia last week.
Kluivert, 49, who was appointed in January, oversaw just eight matches during his short stint, winning three, losing four and drawing one.
Writing on Instagram, the former Netherlands and Barcelona striker described his spell as “an unforgettable journey,” expressing both pride and disappointment in equal measure.
“Even though I’m deeply disappointed and sorry for the fact that we didn’t make it to the World Cup, I’ll always be proud of what we built together,” he said.
The PSSI confirmed in a statement that Kluivert’s exit was reached through mutual termination, following what it described as a comprehensive evaluation of Indonesia’s football development and coaching structure.
“This step was taken as part of a wider review of the national football coaching and development programme,” the association stated, without naming a successor.
Kluivert took over from South Korean coach Shin Tae-yong, who was controversially dismissed at the start of the year.
He signed a two-year deal with the aim of leading Indonesia to their first-ever World Cup since independence in 1945.
Despite early optimism, results faltered as the qualifying campaign progressed, culminating in elimination.
A product of Ajax’s famed academy, Kluivert rose to global prominence after scoring the winning goal in the 1995 Champions League final, before enjoying successful spells at AC Milan and Barcelona.
However, his managerial career has been far less glittering. Before taking the Indonesia job, he managed Adana Demirspor in Turkey for five months in 2023.
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Kluivert said he leaves Indonesia with “gratitude and respect” for the players, staff, and supporters who backed his tenure, even as he conceded that failing to reach the World Cup was a painful disappointment.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
