GBK Grass Monitored By Iraqi Delegation Ahead Of Fighting The Indonesian National Team

Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium as the venue for Indonesia vs Iraq (Instagram/@persija).

Towards facing the Indonesian national team in the second round of the 2026 World Cup Qualification, the Iraqi Football Federation (IFA) has sent delegates to Jakarta to prepare various things, including the readiness of the Gelora Bung Karno (SUGBK) Utam Stadium field.

The Indonesian vs Iraq national team duel is scheduled for June 6, 2024. Before the match was held, the delegation sent by the FIA also ensured that the grass condition of SUGBK was actually natural, not synthetic grass.

"Iraq's delegation has examined the field and ensured that the pitch was made of natural grass and not artificial grass," Winwin wrote as quoted on Wednesday, May 22, 2024.

From the results of the inspection, it was later discovered that the condition of SUGBK using original grass made Iraqi representatives feel happy because they felt it was suitable for the team.

You see, previously Iraqi players were annoyed when they had to appear on synthetic grass like against the Philippines.

"This makes the Iraqi players happy after the suffering they faced in the previous game against the Philippines which was held on an artificial field (rumput), which somewhat affected the performance of the Iraqi team," Winwin wrote.

From the same source, it was also stated that the Iraqi delegation had chosen a hotel very close to the training ground and stadium. This is to avoid delays or other things that can cause player fatigue.

Previously, IFA even claimed that they also sent a special chef with the Iraqi team to provide food for players, coaching staff, and officials.

Iraq is currently firmly at the top of Group F with a collection of 12 points thanks to winning four consecutive victories. Meanwhile, Indonesia occupies the second position by packing seven points.

The Indonesian national team will certainly qualify for the third round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers if they are able to get three additional points in the remaining two matches. Iraq has been confirmed to qualify for the next round.