“Hold on, I’ll call you right back.” Shin Tae-yong, 54, coach of the Indonesian national football team, as he hurriedly ended his phone call with the Chosunilbo from a local restaurant. It was the afternoon of Mar. 28, just two days after Indonesia’s victory over their rival, Vietnam, making their second consecutive win in the Asian qualifications for the 2026 FIFA World Cup’s North and Central American and Caribbean section. “I was drenched in sweat because everyone wanted to take pictures with me,” Shin said a few minutes later when he resumed the call.
In Indonesia, Shin’s popularity rivals that of an idol group. During the match against Vietnam on Mar. 26, an Indonesian fan’s banner humorously declared “Shin Tae-yong, Korea’s Best Export, Sorry Samsung.” Shin recounted, “At first, I thought the crowd was Samsung expatriates, until my friends showed me a picture of the banner.”
Shin’s impact is undeniable. Since taking the helm in 2019, he has propelled Indonesia to its first-ever appearance in the round of 16 at the AFC Asian Cup last month. The team continued its impressive form by defeating the Southeast Asian football titan, Vietnam, with scores of 1-0 and 3-0 in consecutive World Cup qualifying matches.
Now, Indonesia stands on the brink of a historic achievement, just one victory away from advancing to the World Cup’s third qualifying round for the first time. The team finished second in Group F with 2 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss, slightly ahead of third-place Vietnam. A win against the fourth-placed Philippines would secure their spot in the next round. This opportunity is especially significant as the number of World Cup qualifying spots for Asia has been increased from 4.5 to 8.5. Under Shin’s guidance, Indonesia’s FIFA ranking has also climbed from 173rd to 142nd.
Upon Shin’s return to Indonesia on Mar. 27, overwhelming enthusiasm greeted him at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. “Previously, I could easily take pictures with a few fans, but the scene has drastically changed since the Asian Cup. After a vacation in Korea and a business trip to Europe, I came back to find that I can hardly walk down the street without attracting a crowd. It feels quite surreal.” Shin said.
Shin attributes his success in Indonesia to a focus on fundamentals. “When I first arrived, the players were often 10 to 15 minutes late for training, ate a lot of fried food, which is a staple here, and didn’t train their muscles properly, including the core (the center of the body surrounding the spine),” Shin said.
Upon his arrival, he was confronted with challenges such as player punctuality, dietary habits, and insufficient physical training. Shin implemented a rigorous training schedule and introduced a balanced diet rich in protein, all while respecting the local culture and religious practices. Shin said, “90% of the people here are Muslim, adhering to Friday prayers and pre-game rituals, all of which I’ve respected without interference.”
The players regard Shin with deep respect, like a father figure. This was evident in January, after securing a spot in the round of 16 at the Asian Cup, when the players celebrated by playfully ambushing Shin in his hotel room. Their affection was on display again after the victory over Vietnam, as they danced around him.
Shin reflected on his relationship with the team, “I have put great effort into winning the players’ hearts. A team united in their dedication to their coach is unbreakable. The effectiveness of a coach is irrelevant if the players are indifferent. However, when players believe in their coach and strive to repay his faith, they perform at their best, and that’s the foundation of a strong team.”
