MAKASSAR – The excitement for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is starting to build in Indonesia as the tournament’s kick-off draws near.

The world’s biggest football event will take place across the United States, Mexico, and Canada from 12 June to 20 July 2026.

This edition will mark the largest World Cup in history after FIFA expanded the number of participating nations from 32 to 48.

Traditional powerhouses such as Brazil, Argentina, France, Germany, Spain, and England remain among the top favourites to lift the trophy.

However, Asian nations have also begun to attract attention thanks to their rapid progress in recent years.

Amid the growing enthusiasm, Andi Muhammad Anwar Purnomo, Chairman of Commission A of the South Sulawesi Regional House of Representatives (DPRD Sulsel), revealed his favourite team for the 2026 World Cup.

The PKB politician has chosen Japan’s national team as his pick for the upcoming four-yearly tournament.

Interestingly, his choice came after Indonesia failed to realise its dream of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

According to Anwar Purnomo, had Indonesia made it to the finals, his full support would have gone to the Garuda squad.

However, since Indonesia did not qualify, he decided to back Japan, which he regards as one of Asia’s strongest representatives.

“I’m supporting Japan in this year’s 2026 World Cup. Why Japan? Because they are one of the Asian countries competing. We’re both from Asia,” Anwar Purnomo told Tribun Timur on Sunday (31 May 2026).

He believes Japan deserves support because they have consistently been a dominant force in Asian football for years.

Moreover, the Blue Samurai boast numerous players who play regularly in Europe’s elite leagues.

“Japan have many top players competing in Europe. So it’s not impossible for their squad to challenge the major footballing nations,” he added.

Anwar Purnomo admitted that he shifted his support to Japan after it became clear that Indonesia would miss out on the finals.

“Since Indonesia failed to qualify, I decided to support Japan as Asia’s representative. I actually wanted to support our national team, but since they didn’t make it, I’ll stand behind Japan,” he said.

Japan head to the 2026 World Cup with impressive credentials.

The Blue Samurai were the first team outside the three host nations to secure their spot in the finals after defeating Bahrain in the Asian qualifiers.

This achievement further cements Japan’s position as one of Asia’s leading football powers.

At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Japan also delivered a remarkable performance.

They topped their group after stunning two European giants, Spain and Germany.

Although they were eliminated in the round of 16 after a penalty shootout against Croatia, Japan’s performance earned widespread praise from football fans worldwide.

For the 2026 World Cup, Japan again bring a squad packed with European-based players.

In goal, Zion Suzuki has been consistent with Parma, while the defence features experienced names such as Yuto Nagatomo, who could make history as the first Asian player to appear in five World Cup editions.

They also have strong defenders like Takehiro Tomiyasu and Hiroki Ito, who plays for Bayern Munich.

In midfield, Japan rely on captain Wataru Endo of Liverpool and Daichi Kamada from Crystal Palace.

Up front, Takefusa Kubo of Real Sociedad is expected to be their main attacking threat.

Kubo is widely regarded as one of Asia’s brightest football talents at the moment.

Alongside him, Japan also have Keito Nakamura and Ritsu Doan, both capable of posing serious danger to their opponents.

Despite losing key players such as Kaoru Mitoma and Takumi Minamino to injuries, Japan are still seen as a team capable of springing surprises.

Anwar Purnomo hopes the Blue Samurai can go far in the tournament and make Asia proud on the global stage.

“If Indonesia can’t be there yet, I hope Japan can bring honour to Asia. They have talented players, an experienced coach, and a strong competitive mentality,” he said.

He also believes Japan’s ability to compete at the highest level can serve as an inspiration for Indonesia in developing its football program.

According to him, Japan’s football success is the result of decades of consistent youth development.

“Japan can be an example of how to build football seriously and sustainably. Hopefully, one day Indonesia can follow in their footsteps and appear at the World Cup,” he concluded.