The boisterous stands, the proud colors that fill the stadium, and the economic pulse that brings small stalls around the match arena to life are a picture that football never stops at the final score.
At every match, there is a city that is showing its capacity as a host, while also introducing itself to the wider public.
Surabaya, East Java, has once again received this opportunity. The City of Heroes has been chosen as one of the co-hosts of the 2026 President's Cup, along with Bandung. Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium has been prepared to host the Group B matches, while Gelora 10 November Stadium and Thor Field will serve as training facilities for participating clubs.
This trust did not emerge suddenly, but rather stemmed from Surabaya's track record in hosting various national and international football events, including the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
The Surabaya City Government stated that all facilities and infrastructure have been prepared in coordination with the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) to ensure the tournament runs smoothly.
The tournament, which will take place from July 25 to August 6, 2026, will bring together eight clubs from four Southeast Asian countries.
The presence of Indonesian clubs, along with representatives from Thailand, Singapore, and Brunei Darussalam, demonstrates that the President's Cup has evolved into more than just a pre-season competition. This tournament serves as a platform to gauge the quality of national clubs and strengthen regional football networks.
