The live broadcast on TVRI is eagerly awaited as discussions about teams and favourite players for the 2026 FIFA World Cup begin to heat up among students at Muhammadiyah University of Palangka Raya (UMPR). Among them, Japan has emerged as the clear favourite.
The group of students was met after attending a public lecture at the Palangka Raya City Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) office. Despite having different preferences, all of them expressed excitement about welcoming the world’s biggest football tournament, which is set to kick off soon.
“We are excited and full of spirit to support the teams we are proud of,” said Alfat, speaking on behalf of his friends.
Alfat personally supports Spain, a team he has followed since his elementary school days. He is particularly looking forward to seeing young Spanish talent Lamine Yamal perform in the 2026 World Cup.
Meanwhile, Azmi and Davin are united in their support for Portugal. For both of them, Cristiano Ronaldo remains the main reason they continue to follow the Portuguese national team in international tournaments.
On the other hand, Ridho backs Argentina because he idolises Lionel Messi. Alfin has chosen France, impressed by the presence of Kylian Mbappe, while Kahayani is rooting for Brazil, the team closely associated with Neymar Jr.
Despite their varied favourites, the students share a common choice when it comes to supporting an Asian team at the 2026 World Cup.
When asked which Asian team they would back, they unanimously named Japan as their top pick.
According to them, Japan has consistently performed well on the international stage and has often surprised world-class teams with their level of play.
They jokingly added that their choice might have been different if Indonesia were competing in the World Cup finals.
“If Indonesia were playing, of course we’d support Indonesia,” they said with laughter.
They said that watching matches together is far more exciting as it brings supporters of different teams together in one place.
For that reason, they hope more public viewing events will be held in Palangka Raya, including at open spaces like the Bundaran Besar area.
“It would be more exciting to have public screenings in open spaces. It would feel livelier and truly capture the World Cup atmosphere,” said Alfat.
With only days left before the 2026 World Cup kick-off, conversations about Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Neymar Jr, and Lamine Yamal are becoming increasingly popular among students. Although they support different teams, they all hope that the four-yearly tournament will deliver thrilling and surprising matches for football fans around the globe.
Japan Squad
Goalkeepers: Tomoki Hayakawa (Kashima Antlers), Keisuke Osako (Sanfrecce Hiroshima), Aya Suzuka (Parma Calcio).
Defenders: Yuto Nagatomo (FC Tokyo), Shogo Taniguchi (Sint-Truiden), Ko Itakura (Ajax), Tsuyoshi Watanabe (Feyenoord), Takehiro Tomiyasu (Ajax), Hiroki Ito (Bayern Munich), Ayumu Seko (Le Havre AC), Yukinari Sugawara (Werder Bremen), Junosuke Suzuki (FC Copenhagen).
Midfielders: Wataru Endo (Liverpool), Junya Ito (Genk), Daichi Kamada (Crystal Palace), Koki Ogawa (NEC Nijmegen), Daizen Maeda (Celtic), Ritsu Doan (Eintracht Frankfurt), Ao Tanaka (Leeds United), Kaishu Sano (Mainz 05), Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad).
Forwards: Ayase Ueda (Feyenoord), Keito Nakamura (Stade de Reims), Ito Suzuki (SC Freiburg), Kento Shiode (Wolfsburg), Keisuke Goto (Sint-Truiden).
Manager: Hajime Moriyasu
Japan’s 2026 World Cup Schedule
Group F
June 15: 03.00 WIB Netherlands vs Japan – Dallas Stadium
June 21: 11.00 WIB Tunisia vs Japan – Monterrey Stadium
June 26: 06.00 WIB Japan vs Sweden – Dallas Stadium
