Report by POS-KUPANG.COM Reporter, Albert Aquinaldo

POS-KUPANG.COM, ENDE – The living legend of Perse Ende, Maros Fersanda, has placed his bet on the French national team to go all the way and clinch the championship title at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted across three North American countries.

The former Perse Ende defender, who also played for several major clubs in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), believes that France’s strong winning mentality and deep-rooted footballing tradition make them perpetual contenders in every World Cup edition.

According to Maros, the French team, nicknamed Les Bleus, possesses a “semifinal DNA” that allows them to stay consistent in the world’s most prestigious football tournament.

“This World Cup, I’m supporting France because they have that semifinal DNA,” Maros said on Thursday (June 4, 2026).

A passionate fan of Ousmane Dembele, who currently plays for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Maros is confident that France has what it takes to reach the grand finale.

He even predicted that the French side, known as the Roosters, will face Germany in the final showdown.

“I hope France makes it to the final. My feeling says they will play against Germany,” Maros added.

France remains one of the global football powerhouses. The team, famously known as Les Bleus, has lifted the World Cup trophy twice — first in 1998 as hosts, and again in 2018 in Russia.

For the 2026 edition, France has been drawn into Group I alongside Senegal, Iraq, and Norway.

Given the strength of their current squad, many observers believe France has a strong chance of advancing to the knockout stages as one of the group favourites.

The French team is also stacked with players currently performing at their peak.

Paris Saint-Germain’s influence is particularly visible, with five PSG players making the final squad selected by head coach Didier Deschamps.

Deschamps has assembled a 26-man roster comprising the nation’s best talents to compete in the quadrennial tournament.

In attack, France boasts a blend of experienced veterans and emerging young stars from Europe’s top leagues.

Players such as Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Desire Doue (PSG), and Rayan Cherki (Manchester City) represent the new wave of attacking talent expected to strengthen Les Bleus’ offensive power.

In midfield, seasoned player N’Golo Kante continues to play a vital role as the team’s engine.

The experienced midfielder, now playing for Fenerbahce, is expected to bridge the gap between the younger and senior members of the squad.

To bolster their defence, Deschamps has called up nine defenders.

Among the notable names on the list are Malo Gusto (Chelsea), William Saliba (Arsenal), and Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool).

Between the posts, France will rely on the goalkeeping trio of Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Brice Samba, and Robin Risser.

With such a well-balanced squad across all positions and the right mix of youth and experience, France once again stands as one of the strongest favourites to make a deep run in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Support continues to pour in, including from Perse Ende legend Maros Fersanda, who firmly believes Les Bleus can relive their past glory on the world stage. (Bet)