FIFA Praises GBK Readiness Ahead of Indonesia-Thailand ASEAN Cup Final

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia is preparing to showcase its capacity to host a major international football event as FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) Chairman Erick Thohir inspected Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Main Stadium in Jakarta ahead of the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup final and closing ceremony on Monday, October 5, 2026.

Quoting the Indonesian Ministry of Youth and Sports' official website, the inspection took place on Sunday evening, October 4, to ensure that Indonesia's largest stadium was ready to host the final of the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup, a regional tournament included in FIFA's official calendar.

Infantino arrived in Indonesia through Halim Perdanakusuma Airport on Sunday afternoon before heading to Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Main Stadium with Erick. They entered the stadium through the Royal Box and conducted an initial review of the venue's readiness.

The FIFA president paid particular attention to the spectator stands, stadium lighting and playing surface, showing keen interest in the preparations to ensure the final could proceed smoothly and successfully.

During the inspection, Erick provided a comprehensive explanation of the preparations undertaken by the organizing committee. He expressed confidence that Jakarta and Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Main Stadium were ready to host a successful final, with an exciting atmosphere and tens of thousands of spectators expected to fill the stands.

The visit also offered an opportunity for Infantino to interact with the organizing committee members working to prepare the final. He took time to pose for photographs with them, encouraging the group by saying, “Thumbs up! Thumbs up!”

The 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup Division 1 final will feature hosts Indonesia against Thailand at GBK Main Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 8 p.m. Jakarta time. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto is also expected to attend the final, adding to the significance of the occasion for the host country. ***