KUNINGAN – The excitement for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has reached even the local government offices, with officials eagerly expressing their support for their favourite teams.
One such figure is H. Deni Hamdani, Head of the Kuningan Regency Department of Housing, Settlement, and Land Affairs (Perkimtan), who openly declared his support for the Japanese national football team, believing they could make a deep run in the world’s biggest football tournament.
“If you ask which country I’m supporting for the World Cup, of course it’s Japan,” Deni said enthusiastically during a friendly chat with Tribun Jabar at the inauguration of the Paguyuban Bobotoh Kolot (Boboko) Kuningan District on Saturday (June 6, 2026).
Deni’s choice of the Asian representative was not without reason.
He explained that he has been closely following the progress of the team known as the Blue Samurai, especially throughout their series of friendly matches leading up to the finals to be held in the Americas.
According to Deni, Japan’s biggest strength going into this World Cup lies in their tactical maturity and well-structured gameplay.
This was evident when they managed to defeat European powerhouse Germany in a pre-tournament friendly.
“I’ve watched their players and the rhythm of their play — it’s very impressive. Even in a friendly against Germany, they managed to come out on top,” Deni added.
He went on to praise the characteristics of Japanese players, who are renowned for their incredible work ethic on the pitch.
The combination of consistent stamina and disciplined tactical awareness, he believes, will pose a real challenge for any major team they face.
“Beyond their strong physical condition, Japanese players have remarkable discipline and a deep sense of responsibility toward their roles on the field,” he remarked.
Japan’s path in the final tournament will not be an easy one.
Under the guidance of head coach Hajime Moriyasu, the team has been drawn into Group F alongside strong European and African contenders — the Netherlands, Sweden, and Tunisia.
Despite being placed in such a competitive group, Deni remains confident that Japan’s fighting spirit will stay intact thanks to the leadership and charisma of veteran star Yuto Nagatomo.
The experienced winger and full-back is seen as both a mentor and a stabilizing presence in the dressing room for the younger players.
Notably, Nagatomo has made history by featuring in five different World Cup editions — South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014, Russia 2018, Qatar 2022, and now the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
It is this wealth of experience that Deni believes will help the Blue Samurai navigate their way through the so-called “group of death.”
