PADANG – The Governor of West Sumatra, Mahyeldi Ansharullah, stated that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will not only be the world’s biggest sporting event but also has the potential to generate economic benefits for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the province, particularly in West Sumatra.

According to Mahyeldi, the enthusiasm of the public in watching the World Cup matches, which will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, could open up business opportunities for local residents.

“Usually, when there’s a major event in West Sumatra, many people sell food and other goods around the venue. This will certainly bring an economic impact and create opportunities for MSMEs,” Mahyeldi told TribunPadang.com after leading the Pancasila Day ceremony at the West Sumatra Governor’s Office courtyard on Monday (1 June 2026).

He said that the West Sumatra Provincial Government is planning to organize public viewing events (nonton bareng or ‘nobar’) for the 2026 World Cup matches for the community.

One of the locations being considered is the West Sumatra Governor’s Office complex, which is equipped with a large LED screen.

“We plan to hold public screenings at several designated places. Hopefully, we can use the Governor’s Office area since we already have a large LED screen that the public can use to watch the matches together,” he said.

Mahyeldi explained that these public viewing events would not only serve as entertainment for residents but also help stimulate the local economy around the screening venues.

He encouraged MSME owners to take advantage of the event to boost sales of their products during the world’s biggest football celebration.

In addition to its economic impact, Mahyeldi said the World Cup would also serve as a valuable learning opportunity for football enthusiasts in Indonesia, especially for young people aspiring to become professional players.

He noted that during his recent Ramadan Safari visits, many children in West Sumatra expressed their dreams of becoming football players.

“During the Ramadan Safari, many children told me they wanted to become football players. This is something positive and should be supported,” he added.

Mahyeldi also pointed out that the World Cup broadcasts available through TVRI provide a valuable opportunity for the public to observe and learn from global football developments.

By watching the matches, young players, coaches, and football fans can draw inspiration and adopt positive aspects that could be applied to the development of Indonesian football.

“This is a great chance for us to evaluate Indonesian football. We can learn and replicate the positive elements seen in the World Cup to help advance our football in the future,” he said.

Mahyeldi expressed his hope that the 2026 World Cup will not only provide entertainment for the public but also drive regional economic growth while improving the quality of Indonesian football through lessons drawn from the world’s best teams.