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DENPASAR, BALI – The excitement of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is not only felt through television screens, sports bars, or public viewing events across Bali.

In the streets of Denpasar, Bali’s capital, the festive atmosphere of the world’s biggest football tournament has also become a source of livelihood for seasonal traders who depend on the passion of football fans.

One of them is Yudi Kusdiana, 52, a migrant from Bandung who travels to the Island of the Gods every four years to sell national flags of World Cup participant countries.

Along Teuku Umar Street in Denpasar, rows of colourful flags flutter in the breeze, catching the attention of passing motorists.

Behind his modest stall, Yudi carries stories of struggle, hope, and how football has become a way to support his family’s livelihood.

According to Yudi, the enthusiasm of Denpasar residents for the 2026 World Cup is quite high.

Among the various national flags he sells, three countries’ flags are the most sought-after by buyers.

“Around this area, the best-selling flags are those of Portugal, Brazil, and Argentina,” Yudi told Tribun Bali at his stall on Tuesday, 16 June 2026.

“On a busy day, I can sell up to ten flags, both small and large sizes,” he added.

The strong sales of these top teams’ flags show that the excitement surrounding the 2026 World Cup in Bali is more than just about watching matches—it has become part of the local fan culture, where supporters proudly display their allegiance to their favourite teams.

Interestingly, among the three best-selling countries, Argentina holds a special place in Yudi’s heart.

The middle-aged vendor said he has been a loyal supporter of the Albiceleste since the era of football legend Diego Maradona.

For him, his admiration for Argentina is not just a passing trend driven by recent success.

“I’ve supported Argentina for a long time. I’ve liked them since Maradona’s days,” Yudi said.

However, behind the bright display of flags lies a story of perseverance and change.

Yudi shared that he once worked in a textile factory, PT Kahatex, in Bandung. But a traffic accident changed the course of his life.

The injuries he suffered made it impossible for him to continue his factory job, leading him to become a seasonal street vendor to continue providing for his family.

“Before the accident, I worked in the textile section at PT Kahatex. After the crash, I joined a friend who was already selling flags like this,” he recalled.

Every World Cup season, Yudi travels to Bali with a group from Bandung.

They bring stocks of flags and rent temporary housing for the duration of the tournament.

The prices of the flags range from IDR 70,000 to IDR 130,000, depending on size.

Yudi said that business this year is much better compared to the 2022 World Cup, when the economy was still recovering from the pandemic.

“Back in 2022, it was really tough—even earning enough for daily meals was difficult. But now, thankfully, it’s better. I can even send money back to my family,” he explained.

The income from flag sales has had a significant impact on his family’s life.

From his earnings, Yudi has been able to help fund his second child’s education at Padjadjaran University (Unpad) in Bandung, where they are studying Russian Literature on a scholarship.

Although the 2026 World Cup will soon come to an end, Yudi’s journey in Bali is not over yet.

He plans to stay in Denpasar until August to save on travel costs—around IDR 500,000 for a one-way bus ticket between Bali and Bandung.

Once the World Cup fever subsides, his stall will take on a new look.

The World Cup flags will be replaced with Indonesia’s red-and-white flags to welcome Independence Day celebrations.

“I won’t go home until August—it’s not worth the travel cost. After the World Cup, I’ll continue selling Independence Day flags here,” he concluded.

Public Viewing Schedule

The Bangli Regency Government (Pemkab Bangli) has confirmed its participation in the World Cup festivities by organising public viewing events (nobar).

The screenings are planned to take place at the Bangli Town Square (Alun-alun Bangli).

However, since most matches kick off late at night or early morning Indonesian time, not all games will be shown.

Bangli Regent Sang Nyoman Sedana Artha told Tribun Bali that the local government has designed a special plan to ensure that residents can still experience the World Cup atmosphere together.

“Of course, we’ll hold public viewings. But since most matches take place at night or early morning, we’ll likely screen only the semifinals and the final,” Sang Nyoman Sedana Artha said in a phone interview with Tribun Bali.

The public viewing events are expected to bring residents together and spread the excitement of the 2026 World Cup in Bangli.

This edition of the tournament poses a unique challenge for Indonesian fans due to the time difference with the three host countries—the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Therefore, the semifinal and final matches are seen as the best opportunities to create a shared celebration among the community through large outdoor screenings.