Shin Tae-yong, the South Korean coach who led Indonesia’s national football team since 2019, has played a critical role in transforming the team. His tenure saw several notable achievements, including a remarkable 2-0 victory against Saudi Arabia during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in November 2024. Despite his contributions, PSSI (the Indonesian Football Association) recently announced his departure in January 2025.

Shin Tae-yong’s Contributions to Indonesian Football

Under Shin’s leadership, Indonesia made significant progress. The highlight of his career with the national team was reaching the finals of the 2020 AFF Championship with a squad dominated by young talents. Although Indonesia didn’t win the title, the team’s spirited performance was widely praised.

In another major milestone, Shin guided Indonesia to qualify for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, ending a 16-year absence from the tournament. The memorable victory over Kuwait during the qualifiers is seen as one of the turning points under Shin’s guidance.

PSSI’s Bold Decision to Replace Shin

Despite these accomplishments, PSSI made the bold move to replace Shin Tae-yong, citing the need for a new strategy and better communication with players. Erick Thohir, the head of PSSI, stated that the association is aiming to bring in a coach who can meet the ambitious goal of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

Thohir recently interviewed three potential candidates during a visit to Europe. He expressed confidence that the new coach will have the skills and experience necessary to lead the national team toward achieving its World Cup aspirations. Thohir also emphasized that replacing a coach during a qualification campaign isn’t uncommon and won’t necessarily disrupt the team’s performance.

Fan Reactions and Expectations

The news of Shin’s departure sparked mixed reactions among Indonesian football fans. While some expressed disappointment, appreciating his efforts to improve the national team, others believe that new leadership could further elevate Indonesia’s performance.

The next few months will be critical as the team prepares for the remaining matches in the World Cup qualifiers. The new coach must quickly adapt to the team’s dynamics and build upon the foundation that Shin Tae-yong has established.

A New Chapter for Indonesian Football

Shin Tae-yong’s legacy in Indonesia goes beyond match results. He introduced a disciplined approach and fostered a strong fighting spirit among the players. As Indonesia moves forward with new leadership, the hope remains that the positive momentum will continue, and the nation’s dream of participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup will come closer to reality.