SRIPOKU.COM - Former Chairman of Singa Mania, Yayan Hariansyah S.Sn, M.Sn, revealed his reasons for believing that the Spanish national football team has a strong chance of winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

"In my opinion, Spain has a big opportunity to become world champion because they have many outstanding players. For instance, Rodri or Rodrigo Hernandez," said Yayan Hariansyah in an interview with Sripoku.com on Thursday (June 4, 2026).

The football activist, better known as Yayan Joker, explained that Rodri is capable of neutralising top players such as Messi and Ronaldo. His role as a defensive midfielder has been tested and has helped Manchester City clinch multiple titles.

Yayan also pointed out that Spain’s national team, nicknamed La Roja (The Red) and La Furia Roja (The Red Fury), boasts aggressive players like Lamine Yamal Nasraoui Ebana, who operates as a forward.

"He’s smart in creating chances and experienced in scoring from long range. Yamal often gives opposing defences a hard time," said Yayan, the former leading supporter of Sriwijaya FC.

He added that Spain also possesses a talented midfielder in Pedri, or Pedro Gonzalez Lopez, whose precise passes frequently open up goal-scoring opportunities.

Spain’s distinctive tiki-taka playing style sets them apart from other teams. Their attacking line-up, featuring stars such as Joan Garcia, David Raya, and Unai Simon, will be supported by players like Marcos Lorente, Eric Garcia, and Marc Pubill. Additionally, players like Merino, Zubimendi, and Alex Baena will contribute with strong teamwork and individual skills.

"Moreover, coach Luis de la Fuente is tactically astute and has proven experience in leading the Spanish national team to league victories," he concluded.

The main reason Yayan favours Spain to win the 2026 World Cup lies in their lethal combination of youthful depth, a more direct and effective playing style (beyond just ball possession), and a winning mentality honed during their Euro 2024 triumph.

Key factors that make La Furia Roja a top favourite:

A Squad Rich in Young and Experienced Talent: Spain has an exceptional blend of seasoned veterans like Rodri and Morata combined with dynamic young stars such as Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, who bring explosive pace on the flanks.

More Flexible Tactics: Under Luis de la Fuente’s guidance, Spain’s transitions from defence to attack have become faster and more lethal. They no longer rely solely on slow tiki-taka, instead utilising speed and effective crosses.

Confidence and Data Support: Their Euro 2024 victory has built a strong psychological foundation. In fact, their consistent performance has led several supercomputer models to predict Spain as one of the top favourites to lift the trophy.