John Herdman chose the status quo. After a morning marked by numerous rumors emanating from New Zealand that the head coach of the Canadian men’s soccer team had agreed to join the All Whites, Herdman and Soccer Canada issued a statement on Wednesday to prevent the situation is getting out of hand.
“Success at this level will always open doors,” Herdman said in a Soccer Canada statement. I have received many offers in recent months, all of which I have refused, including that of the New Zealand Football Association.
“I repeat to you, Canadian players and fans of the team, that I am totally dedicated to Soccer Canada and the development of this program,” he added. During the World Cup in Qatar, our men showed that they had their place at this level. I’m not going anywhere. We still have work to do, and the goal is to take this team to the next level in 2026.”
Earl Cochrane, the general secretary of Soccer Canada, confirmed that Herdman is under contract until the 2026 World Cup – the country will also be one of the host countries of the competition.
Herdman’s record at the helm of the Canadian men’s soccer team is 32-13-5 since leaving the national women’s program in January 2018. His value has skyrocketed after strong performances from representatives of the flag in Qatar, despite defeats against Belgium, Croatia and Morocco.
The rumors were spread by Newshub, a New Zealand news service, which reported that Herdman was “the prime candidate” to lead the New Zealand men’s soccer team. This service even specified that Herdman had concluded an agreement with the federation, but underlined that this one was however not laid down on paper.
Herdman once coached in New Zealand, where he learned his trade before joining the Canadian women’s soccer team after the 2011 World Cup.
Moreover, his son Jay was born in New Zealand and he is now a young New Zealand international.