TRIBUNPONTIANAK.CO.ID – The 2026 FIFA World Cup fever has now truly spread to even the remotest corners of West Kalimantan.
Although Indonesia’s national football team had to end their journey in the Asian qualifying round, the enthusiasm of football fans in Sambas Regency remains as strong as ever.
In preparation for the global football celebration that is just around the corner, the Tourism Awareness Group (Pokdarwis) Paggong Sebedang, located in Sempalai Sebedang Village, Sebawi District, Sambas Regency, has taken swift action to organize an official public viewing event.
What makes it more special is that the event will take place amid the natural beauty of Sebedang Lake, precisely at Key’s Cafe.
Local residents will be able to enjoy world-class football matches while feeling the cool evening breeze by the lakeside.
“Of course, the World Cup, held every four years, is an event we have all been eagerly waiting for,” said Ardy Sanjaya, Head of Pokdarwis Paggong Sebedang and owner of Key’s Cafe.
The man who also serves as Chairman of the Marhaenist Youth Movement of Sambas emphasized that his team is taking this event seriously.
To ensure that football fans in the region can enjoy the matches without any legal or broadcasting rights issues, Pokdarwis Sebedang has officially obtained a valid public viewing license.
“We have registered officially and received a certified public viewing license under our community organization from Bola Gembira TVRI. As the organizer, we strictly follow the regulations so that the event remains orderly, safe, and comfortable for everyone enjoying coffee here,” explained Ardy.
Despite the significant time difference between Indonesia (WIB) and the three host nations in the Americas (United States, Canada, and Mexico), Ardy remains confident that the excitement for the world’s biggest football tournament will stay high.
When asked about his favorite team, Ardy openly admitted that he is rooting for the Selecao das Quinas—Portugal’s national team—to lift the golden trophy this year. His main reason is none other than their superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo.
“I’m supporting Portugal because Cristiano Ronaldo recently led his club to win the Arab League. This positive momentum could carry over to the national team, and we believe Portugal can reach the top four or even win the 2026 World Cup,” he said optimistically.
He also invited all Sambas residents, especially those from Sebawi District and nearby areas, to come and enjoy the matches at Key’s Cafe Sebedang Lake, completely free of charge.
To make sure you don’t miss the actions of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Kylian Mbappe, here’s the full schedule of the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches adjusted to Western Indonesian Time (WIB):
Group A (Mexico, USA, Canada, etc.)
12 June 2026: Mexico vs Opponent A2 (Opening Match - Mexico City) – 07:00 WIB
13 June 2026: USA vs Opponent A3 (Los Angeles) – 08:00 WIB
18 June 2026: Canada vs Opponent A4 (Toronto) – 06:00 WIB
19 June 2026: Mexico vs Opponent A3 (Guadalajara) – 08:00 WIB
25 June 2026: USA vs Mexico (Group Stage - New York) – 07:00 WIB
Groups B to L (Massive 48-Team Group Stage)
13 June – 28 June 2026: Group Stage Matches (Morning & Night Sessions)
Morning Sessions (Live at Key's Cafe): 06:00 WIB, 08:00 WIB, and 10:00 WIB.
Night Sessions (US Time / Early Morning WIB): 02:00 WIB and 04:00 WIB.
Knockout Stage
Round of 32: 29 June – 4 July 2026 (Kick-off at 03:00 WIB & 07:00 WIB)
Round of 16: 5 July – 8 July 2026 (Kick-off at 04:00 WIB & 08:00 WIB)
Quarterfinal (Top 8): 10 July – 12 July 2026 (Kick-off at 05:00 WIB)
Semifinals: 15 July & 16 July 2026 (Kick-off at 07:00 WIB)
Third Place Play-off: 19 July 2026 (Miami) – 06:00 WIB
GRAND FINAL 2026 WORLD CUP: 20 July 2026 (MetLife Stadium, New York) – 07:00 WIB
