PAREPARE – The 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is fast approaching.

The tournament will run from 11 June to 19 July 2026.

This grand football spectacle has once again reignited the passion of fans around the world, including those in Parepare, South Sulawesi.

Among them is the Commander of Battalion B Pelopor of the Mobile Brigade Unit of the South Sulawesi Regional Police, Commissioner Ramli.

Ramli expressed his excitement about the upcoming four-yearly event.

“Yes, the World Cup is just around the corner. It’s going to be exciting this year,” he told reporters on Thursday (4 June 2026).

He openly declared his support for Portugal’s national team. Interestingly, his choice is not merely sentimental but based on a calculated assessment of the team’s tactical depth and balance, famously known as the Selecao das Quinas.

“This year, I’m backing Portugal. If we look into their squad strength and consistency throughout the qualifiers, this team has a very strong foundation,” he stated.

Ramli explained that one of the main reasons behind his confidence is Portugal’s impressive performance over the past few years under coach Roberto Martinez.

Throughout the qualification phase, Portugal posted outstanding statistics — winning every match, maintaining a high goal-scoring rate, and conceding very few goals.

“Their defence is solid, and their midfield and attack are equally strong. The squad is well-balanced,” he said.

He added that the combination of experienced and young players has made Portugal a formidable force heading into the 2026 World Cup.

This year’s Portugal squad is believed to have achieved its perfect balance — blending the maturity and leadership of veterans like Cristiano Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva, and Bruno Fernandes with the energy and determination of emerging stars such as Rafael Leao, Joao Neves, and Goncalo Ramos, all of whom play in Europe’s top leagues.

“And with Ronaldo still playing, his presence alone can inspire the rest of the team,” Ramli added.

He remains optimistic that Portugal’s tactical discipline and teamwork could finally bring the golden trophy to Lisbon for the first time in history.

For Ramli, the World Cup is more than just a sporting event; it’s a moment of unity and togetherness.

“The atmosphere during the World Cup is always special. People gather to watch matches together. It’s not only about entertainment but also about strengthening social bonds,” he remarked.

Portugal enters the 2026 World Cup as one of the tournament favourites.

In recent years, Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates have won the UEFA Nations League twice.

Portugal’s best-ever World Cup finish was third place in 1966, while their biggest success in a major tournament remains the Euro 2016 title.

In the 2026 World Cup, Portugal has been drawn into Group K alongside the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uzbekistan, and Colombia. They will open their campaign against DR Congo on 17 June.

Portugal’s 26-Man Squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup:

Goalkeepers

Diogo Costa (FC Porto)
Jose Sa (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
Rui Silva (Real Betis)
Ricardo Velho (Farense)

Defenders

Diogo Dalot (Manchester United)
Matheus Nunes (Manchester City)
Nelson Semedo (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
Joao Cancelo (Al Hilal)
Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain)
Goncalo Inacio (Sporting CP)
Renato Veiga (Chelsea)
Ruben Dias (Manchester City)
Tomas Araujo (Benfica)

Midfielders

Ruben Neves (Al Hilal)
Samuel Costa (Mallorca)
Joao Neves (Paris Saint-Germain)
Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain)
Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)

Forwards

Joao Felix (Chelsea)
Trincao (Sporting CP)
Francisco Conceicao (Juventus)
Rafael Leao (AC Milan)
Pedro Neto (Chelsea)
Goncalo Guedes (Villarreal)
Goncalo Ramos (Paris Saint-Germain)
Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr)