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Balikpapan Deputy Mayor Bagus Susetyo has expressed his strong support for the Portugal national football team in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, largely due to the enduring influence of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Bagus made this statement after appearing as a guest speaker on the Tribun Kaltim Talkshow at the Tribun Kaltim office, Jalan Indrakila, Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, on Wednesday afternoon, June 3, 2026.

Despite his busy schedule in local governance, Bagus shared that he continues to follow international football closely and makes time to watch key matches.

“Sometimes when I stay up late to watch football and start feeling sleepy, I just go to bed,” he said with a smile.

Speaking about the 2026 World Cup, Bagus admitted that he supports both Portugal and France as his favourite teams.

According to him, both nations deserve to be seen as serious contenders due to their abundance of high-quality players competing in Europe’s top leagues.

However, if the two teams were to face each other during the tournament, Bagus said he would side with Portugal.

“For me, Portugal has a very good chance. But football is always full of surprises, so every team must stay alert,” he explained.

Bagus particularly favours Portugal because of their strong balance across all areas — from defence and midfield control to finishing in attack.

He also praised Cristiano Ronaldo for maintaining top-level performance despite his age. “Even though Ronaldo is older, he still sets a very high standard. That’s what allows him to stay competitive at the highest level,” Bagus added.

About Bagus Susetyo

Bagus Susetyo currently serves as the Deputy Mayor of Balikpapan for the 2025–2030 term. He was previously a businessman before entering politics.

Born in Yogyakarta on March 24, 1968, Bagus has worked for various companies across Indonesia before settling in East Kalimantan in 2019.

In politics, he joined the Gerindra Party. Within the party led by Prabowo Subianto, Bagus served as Deputy Chairperson of the East Kalimantan Regional Leadership Council (DPD) from 2016 to 2024 and now holds the position of Treasurer.

Before assuming his current post, he was a member of the East Kalimantan Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) for the 2019–2024 period, serving as Chair of the Gerindra faction and a member of Commission III, as well as the Budget and Legislation Committees.

Bagus is also active in several organisations, including Realestat Indonesia (REI) and various social associations.

In the 2024 Balikpapan mayoral election, Bagus ran as the deputy mayoral candidate alongside Rahmad Mas’ud. The pair won with 59.27 percent of the vote, defeating Muhammad Sa’bani–Syukri Wahid (25.47 percent) and Rendi Susiswo Ismail–Eddy Sunardi Darmawan (15.27 percent).

The duo was officially inaugurated as Balikpapan’s Mayor and Deputy Mayor for the 2025–2030 term at the State Palace on February 20, 2025, by President Prabowo Subianto, along with 480 other regional leaders, including the Governor and Deputy Governor of East Kalimantan.

Educational Background

• SD Tarakanita Yogyakarta (1974–1980)
• SMPN 5 Yogyakarta (1980–1983)
• SMAN 1 Yogyakarta (1983–1986)
• Bachelor’s in Engineering, Gadjah Mada University (graduated 1992)
• Master’s in Economics and Business, Mulawarman University (graduated 2001)
• Doctorate in Environmental Science, Mulawarman University (graduated 2024)

Organisational Background

• Vice Chairperson, DPD REI East Kalimantan (2010–2013)
• Secretary, DPD REI East Kalimantan (2013–2017)
• Vice Chairperson, DPD Gerindra Party East Kalimantan (2016–2024)
• Chairperson, DPD REI East Kalimantan (2017–2024)
• Secretary, Paguyuban Pandaka Yogya Kaltim (2012–2017)
• Chairperson, Paguyuban Pandaka Yogya Kaltim (2017–2022)

Portugal’s Strength Ahead of the 2026 World Cup

Portugal’s 27-man squad for the 2026 World Cup was officially announced on Tuesday night, May 19, 2026 (WIB), as reported by Tribunnews.

The squad features an exciting mix of a maturing golden generation and the seasoned veteran Cristiano Ronaldo.

At 41, Ronaldo remains Portugal’s key figure. However, unlike in past years, the team is no longer dependent solely on him.

Under coach Roberto Martinez, Portugal boasts a well-balanced lineup across all positions, particularly in midfield, which is packed with world-class talent.

The Selecao das Quinas are widely regarded as one of the most complete teams in the tournament.

Ronaldo Still the Leader

All eyes remain on Cristiano Ronaldo. Despite the rise of younger stars, CR7 continues to symbolise Portuguese football.

While his playing style has evolved from his peak years, his goal-scoring instinct and leadership remain invaluable.

Ronaldo finished as the second-highest scorer in the 2025 UEFA Nations League with eight goals, just one behind Viktor Gyokeres. At club level, he netted 26 goals for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League this season.

At 41, he is expected to play in what will likely be his final World Cup appearance. He is set to equal Lionel Messi’s record of six World Cup appearances since 2006.

Together with Ronaldo, Portugal have claimed three major honours — the Euro 2026 title and two UEFA Nations League championships (2019 and 2025). The World Cup remains the only major trophy missing from his illustrious career.

Star-Studded Midfield

Portugal’s greatest strength lies in their midfield. Roberto Martinez’s squad is filled with top-tier midfielders who have excelled in Europe’s elite competitions during the 2025/2026 season.

Bruno Fernandes serves as the creative engine of the team. The 31-year-old Manchester United captain is known for his vision, precise passing, and goal-scoring ability from midfield. This season, he recorded 20 assists in the Premier League — his best tally in a single season — helping United secure a return to the Champions League.

Alongside him, Paris Saint-Germain’s duo Vitinha and Joao Neves are both in peak form. They have been instrumental in PSG’s recent European success, with Vitinha controlling the tempo and Joao Neves providing energy and aggression in midfield. Bernardo Silva adds further flexibility and intelligence to Portugal’s play.

With this blend of creativity, control, and experience, Portugal possess an ideal midfield balance, capable of dictating matches and adapting to different game situations.

Solid Defence and Dangerous Wings

Defensively, Portugal also look strong and well-organised. Ruben Dias leads the backline and is expected to partner with Goncalo Inacio at centre-back. On the left, Nuno Mendes — widely regarded as one of the best left-backs in the world — combines defensive solidity with attacking thrust.

The right-back position will be contested by Diogo Dalot, Joao Cancelo, and Nelson Semedo, offering plenty of options for Martinez.

Dynamic and Versatile Attack

Portugal’s attack is no longer solely reliant on Ronaldo. The team now features several fast and aggressive forwards.

Rafael Leao stands out with his blistering pace down the left flank, while Francisco Conceicao offers exceptional one-on-one ability. Additional options include Joao Felix, Pedro Neto, and Goncalo Ramos, giving Portugal tactical flexibility to attack through the wings, build from midfield, or use Ronaldo’s experience inside the box.

Portugal’s Group at the 2026 World Cup

Portugal are drawn into Group K alongside Colombia, DR Congo, and Uzbekistan. On paper, they are clear favourites to top the group. However, the spotlight will remain on Cristiano Ronaldo as he seeks to conclude his international career by lifting Portugal’s first-ever World Cup trophy.

Predicted Starting XI (4-3-3): Diogo Costa; Matheus Nunes, Ruben Dias, Goncalo Inacio, Nuno Mendes; Vitinha, Joao Neves, Bruno Fernandes; Rafael Leao, Cristiano Ronaldo, Francisco Conceicao.

Portugal’s 27-Man Squad for the 2026 World Cup:

• Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (Porto), Jose Sa (Wolves/ENG), Rui Silva (Sporting Lisbon), Ricardo Velho (Genclerbirligi/TUR)
• Defenders: Diogo Dalot (Manchester United/ENG), Matheus Nunes, Ruben Dias (Manchester City/ENG), Nelson Semedo (Fenerbahce/TUR), Joao Cancelo (Barcelona/ESP), Nuno Mendes (PSG/FRA), Goncalo Inacio (Sporting Lisbon), Renato Veiga (Villarreal/ESP), Tomas Araujo (Benfica)
• Midfielders: Ruben Neves (Al Hilal/KSA), Samu Costa (Mallorca/ESP), Joao Neves, Vitinha (PSG/FRA), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United/ENG), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City/ENG)
• Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix (Al Nassr/KSA), Francisco Trincao (Sporting Lisbon), Francisco Conceicao (Juventus/ITA), Pedro Neto (Chelsea/ENG), Rafael Leao (AC Milan/ITA), Goncalo Guedes (Real Sociedad/ESP), Goncalo Ramos (PSG/FRA)

(TribunKaltim.co/Siti Zubaidah, Tribunnews.com/Tio)