DUREN SAWIT – The Deputy Mayor of East Jakarta, Kusmanto, expressed confidence that his favourite team, France, will emerge as the champion in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Kusmanto believes that Les Bleus can once again lift the World Cup trophy thanks to the impressive performances of players such as Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, and Michael Olise.
According to him, the French squad under Didier Deschamps for the 2026 World Cup is filled with top-tier players who have already proven their quality and possess a strong mentality.
“I’ve always liked France — from the days of Michel Platini to now with Mbappe. There are still many world-class national players, so I’m confident France will win,” said Kusmanto on Monday, June 8, 2026.
He acknowledged that France will face tough competition from Brazil and Argentina in the 2026 World Cup, but he remains convinced that the team, nicknamed ‘Les Bleus’, will not be easily stopped.
For Kusmanto, who has supported France since the golden era of the legendary Michel Platini, the current French team still has the strength to compete with other football powerhouses.
He added that he believes the French national team will deliver an entertaining and high-quality performance in the 2026 World Cup, delighting their fans around the world.
“The toughest opponents in the World Cup are still Argentina and Brazil. They’ve always been our main rivals. If France doesn’t meet Brazil, they’ll probably face Argentina,” he said.
Kusmanto also mentioned that the East Jakarta City Government plans to hold public viewing events (Nobar) as entertainment for football fans in the community.
He noted that such gatherings not only provide entertainment but also help boost enthusiasm for football in Indonesia, with hopes that Indonesian football will continue to improve.
“We also pray that one day Indonesia can qualify for the World Cup. That would make the people even happier, right? Even for FIFA Matchday screenings, people are already excited to watch together,” he added.
The optimism for France is not unfounded. Les Bleus remain one of the strongest contenders for the 2026 World Cup title.
Under Didier Deschamps’ leadership, France boasts exceptional squad depth in every position.
Kylian Mbappe continues to be the main attacking threat, supported by a rising generation of talented young players.
In the 2026 World Cup, France is placed in Group I alongside Senegal, Iraq, and Norway.
On paper, France is heavily favoured to advance to the knockout stage as group winners.
Goalkeepers
* Mike Maignan (Milan)
* Robin Risser (Lens)
* Brice Samba (Rennes)
Defenders
* Lucas Digne (Aston Villa)
* Malo Gusto (Chelsea)
* Lucas Hernandez (PSG)
* Theo Hernandez (Al-Hilal)
* Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool)
* Jules Kounde (Barcelona)
* Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace)
* William Saliba (Arsenal)
* Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)
Midfielders
* N'Golo Kante (Fenerbahçe)
* Manu Kone (Roma)
* Adrien Rabiot (Milan)
* Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid)
* Warren Zaire-Emery (PSG)
Forwards
* Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco)
* Bradley Barcola (PSG)
* Rayan Cherki (Manchester City)
* Ousmane Dembele (PSG)
* Desire Doue (PSG)
* Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace)
* Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)
* Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)
* Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan)
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