Indonesia Prepares 10 Stadiums to Host 2021 U-20 World Cup

Jakarta. President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo welcomed Thursday's decision by world football governing body FIFA to award Indonesia the right to host the 2021 Under-20 World Cup, saying 10 stadiums will be prepared for the event.

"Good news from the FIFA council meeting in Shanghai today: Indonesia was selected to host the 2021 U-20 World Cup," the president tweeted.

"To welcome this big event, Indonesia is preparing 10 stadiums, from Gelora Bung Karno [in Jakarta] and Pakansari [in Bogor, West Java], to Manahan [in Solo, Central Java]," he wrote.

The seven other stadiums are I Wayan Dipta in Bali, Mandala Krida in Yogyakarta, Jakabaring in Palembang, South Sumatra, Wibawa Mukti in Cikarang, West Java, Patriot in Bekasi, West Java, Jalak Harupat in Bandung, West Java, and Gelora Bung Tomo in Surabaya, East Java.

Indonesia was selected over Peru and Brazil during the two-day FIFA meeting.

The biennial event will take place between May 20 and June 11, 2021.

Jokowi is known as a big football fan. He introduced the annual President's Cup tournament and vowed to help the national team win a regional competition during his tenure.

When introducing Youth and Sports Minister Zainuddin Amali at the State Palace in Central Jakarta on Wednesday, he had a special message for him: "Don't forget football."

Kabar baik hari ini dari FIFA Council Meeting di Shanghai: Indonesia terpilih jadi tuan rumah kejuaraan sepak bola Piala Dunia U20 tahun 2021.

Menyambut ajang besar ini, Indonesia menyiapkan sepuluh stadion, dari Gelora Bung Karno, Pakansari (Bogor), sampai Manahan (Solo). pic.twitter.com/ILFWQNMO4b

— Joko Widodo (@jokowi) October 24, 2019