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Report by Tribun-Papua.com journalist, Calvin Louis Erari

TRIBUN-PAPUA.COM, NABIRE – The allure of European football has captivated a prominent technology figure from Central Papua. Fransiskus Kobepa, the Chairman of the Central Papua ICT Volunteers, has openly expressed his admiration for the Spanish national football team, La Furia Roja, and confidently tipped them to lift the championship trophy at the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.

For him, his affection for La Furia Roja is nothing new—it has been growing since 2019.

“The playing style of the Spanish national team is calm and calculated,” said Fransiskus to Tribun-Papua.com in Nabire on Saturday (May 30, 2026).

Fransiskus believes that Spain’s biggest strength lies in their consistency in implementing the legendary tiki-taka system.

He explained that Spain doesn’t play with blind ambition merely to score goals, but instead relies on patient ball control and a mature sense of tactical vision.

This, he said, distinguishes them from other nations that tend to play at a higher tempo and depend more on physical strength.

For Fransiskus, his support for Spain in the 2026 World Cup is absolute.

Win or lose, his heart belongs to the team from the Iberian Peninsula.

“Spain is non-negotiable,” he declared firmly and with conviction.

As a devoted fan, the man, affectionately known as Frans, hopes that the Spanish squad will maintain their distinctive formation and signature style of play under their current coach.

He remains optimistic that with their composure and tactical intelligence, Spain has a great chance to dominate the football fields of North America. “Spain must win the 2026 World Cup,” he concluded.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, is scheduled to take place from June 12 to July 20, 2026.

This edition has drawn global attention as it will feature 48 nations competing for the most prestigious trophy in football history.

The lineup of participating countries includes football powerhouses such as Brazil, Germany, Argentina, France, England, the Netherlands, and Portugal.

Other nations expected to make an impact include South Africa, South Korea, the Czech Republic, Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar, Switzerland, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland, and the United States.

Also joining the competition are Paraguay, Australia, Turkey, Curacao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador, Japan, Sweden, Tunisia, Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay, Senegal, Iraq, Norway, Algeria, Austria, Jordan, Congo, Uzbekistan, Colombia, Croatia, Ghana, and Panama—all ready to battle in this prestigious event.