Patrick Kluivert Parts Ways with Indonesia After Failed World Cup Qualification Bid

Patrick Kluivert’s tenure as head coach of Indonesia’s national football team has come to an end after both parties agreed to part ways on Thursday, following the team’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Indonesia’s hopes of making it to next year’s tournament in North America were dashed after back-to-back defeats to Iraq and Saudi Arabia last week.

The 49-year-old Dutch football legend, who took charge in January, managed only eight matches—winning three, losing four, and drawing one—before his exit.

In an Instagram post, Kluivert described his time with the Indonesian team as “an unforgettable journey,” expressing disappointment over missing out on World Cup qualification but pride in the team’s progress.

“Even though I’m deeply disappointed that we didn’t make it to the World Cup, I’ll always be proud of what we built together,” he wrote.

Kluivert succeeded South Korean coach Shin Tae-yong, whose dismissal had stirred controversy. Upon his appointment, Kluivert signed a two-year contract aimed at leading Indonesia to their first-ever World Cup appearance since independence in 1945.

In a statement, the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) confirmed that the coach’s exit was by “mutual termination,” describing it as part of a broader evaluation of the national football development programme. The association did not announce a replacement.

A former star striker for Ajax, AC Milan, and Barcelona, Kluivert retired from professional football in 2008 after a decorated playing career that included winning the UEFA Champions League with Ajax.

However, his managerial career has been less remarkable. Before joining Indonesia, he spent five months managing Turkish club Adana Demirspor in 2023 and briefly served as caretaker coach of Curaçao in 2021. He was also assistant coach to Louis van Gaal with the Dutch national team between 2012 and 2014.