Report by TribunAmbon.com Journalist, Jenderal Louis

AMBON – The Head of the Maluku Provincial Office for Industry and Trade (Perindag), Jais Ely, has placed his support behind Argentina’s national team to once again lift the FIFA World Cup trophy in 2026.

Jais’s confidence is not without reason. According to him, Argentina’s status as the reigning champion provides a strong foundation.

He added that the players’ growing maturity and experience will be key assets for the team in defending their title.

“I’ve been a fan of Argentina since high school. I also enjoy playing football, so I’ve followed their progress quite closely,” said Jais Ely in an interview with TribunAmbon.com on Tuesday (June 2, 2026).

Jais believes Argentina’s current strength remains very solid, as most of the players who helped the nation win the 2022 World Cup are still part of the core squad.

“For me, Argentina are still the defending champions, and about 90 percent of their lineup remains unchanged. The young players who won the last World Cup are now more experienced,” he explained.

He further noted that a team’s success in winning a world title is not determined solely by technical skills on the pitch.

Experience and mental strength, he said, are crucial factors in a tournament as demanding as the World Cup.

“Winning isn’t just about skill. Experience is equally important. That champion’s mentality is what Argentina have,” Jais remarked.

For those reasons, Jais continues to regard Argentina as one of the strongest contenders for the 2026 World Cup crown.

“I’m still backing Argentina,” he said firmly.

Beyond the team’s depth, Jais also highlighted the geographical advantage Lionel Messi and his teammates will enjoy in this tournament.

The 2026 World Cup will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico—all located in the Americas, a region more familiar to the Argentine players.

“My prediction is that Argentina will win. They’re playing on their home continent, in the Americas, and the climate will definitely suit them,” he added.

Messi Leads Argentina’s Title Defence

Argentina’s head coach, Lionel Scaloni, has announced a 26-man squad tasked with defending their world title at the 2026 World Cup.

Team captain Lionel Messi will once again lead the Albiceleste, marking a historic milestone as he appears in his sixth World Cup tournament.

Argentina have been drawn in Group J alongside Algeria, Austria, and Jordan.

In the group stage, Argentina will face Algeria on June 17, 2026, in Kansas City, then Austria on June 22 in Dallas, before wrapping up the group phase against Jordan on June 28.

The squad remains packed with key players such as Emiliano Martínez, Cristian Romero, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Julián Álvarez, and Lautaro Martínez.

The blend of 2022 World Cup-winning veterans and emerging talents like Valentín Barco and Nico Paz positions Argentina once again as one of the top favourites to claim the 2026 World Cup trophy.

With their squad depth, experience, and champion pedigree, support for Argentina continues to pour in — including from Jais Ely, who believes the Albiceleste still possess the mentality needed to stand atop world football once more.