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BANGLI, TRIBUN-BALI.COM – The excitement for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has started to spread to the heart of Bali.

Bangli Regent Sang Nyoman Sedana Artha has confirmed that the Bangli Regency Government plans to organise public viewing events to celebrate the world’s biggest football tournament.

Although most matches will take place from midnight until morning in Indonesian time, the Bangli Regency Government is expected to focus the festivities on major fixtures such as the semi-finals and the final.

Amid this growing enthusiasm, Sang Nyoman also shared his personal predictions for the 2026 World Cup, naming England as his top pick for the title and forecasting an ideal final showdown between England and Portugal.

In addition to announcing the public viewing plans, the Bangli Regent revealed his favourite team, which he intends to support throughout the 2026 World Cup.

According to him, his support for the England national team is nothing new.

He admitted that he has been a loyal supporter of the Three Lions for a long time.

“I have always supported England. I’m a true England fan,” he said.

When asked to predict the competition’s final stage, Sedana Artha believed that the ultimate match would feature two European giants.

“Now, England and Portugal (are my predictions for the final). I’m backing England to win,” he stated.

His prediction places England as one of the strongest contenders for the 2026 World Cup trophy, while Portugal is seen as their toughest potential opponent in the final.

Public Viewing Event at Bangli Town Square

The Bangli Regency Government has confirmed its readiness to join the global celebration of the world’s biggest football tournament by hosting public viewing sessions.

The event is planned to take place at Bangli Town Square.

However, since most of the matches will be held late at night or early in the morning in Indonesia, the public viewing will not cover every match.

Speaking to Tribun Bali, Bangli Regent Sang Nyoman Sedana Artha said that the local government has prepared a special scheme to ensure that residents can still enjoy the World Cup atmosphere together.

“Of course. But since most matches are in the early morning, we won’t hold public viewing for all of them. Most likely, we’ll organise it for the semi-finals and the final,” Sang Nyoman Sedana Artha told Tribun Bali during a phone interview.

The planned public viewing is expected to serve as a community gathering space, bringing the festive spirit of the 2026 World Cup to Bangli.

This edition of the tournament presents a unique challenge for Indonesian football fans due to the time difference with the three host nations – the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Therefore, key matches such as the semi-finals and final are considered the most suitable moments to foster a sense of togetherness among residents through big-screen screenings in public spaces.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest in history, introducing a new format with 48 participating nations and a total of 104 matches.

The tournament will run from 11 June to 19 July 2026 across three host countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Given the high enthusiasm of the Balinese community, the planned public viewing at Bangli Town Square is expected to become one of the main gathering points for football fans in Bali to enjoy the grand finale of the world’s most celebrated football festival together.