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The excitement for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is already being felt across various regions, including Riau Province.

Discussions about favourite teams and players expected to shine are growing more intense as the world’s biggest football tournament draws closer.

The Head of the Riau Agency for National Unity and Politics (Kesbangpol), Boby Rahmat, is among those eagerly anticipating the quadrennial event.

The former Head of the Riau Youth and Sports Office (Kadispora) has openly backed the Spanish national team to claim the 2026 World Cup title.

According to Boby, Spain currently possesses an ideal mix of talented young players and experienced veterans, making them a strong contender for the championship.

“I’m rooting for Spain. They have a solid team, an attractive style of play, and many young players who are developing rapidly,” Boby said on Thursday (June 4, 2026).

In addition to supporting La Roja, Boby also expressed admiration for Spanish wonderkid Lamine Yamal. The young player, who has captured global attention in recent seasons, is expected to be among the stars of the 2026 World Cup.

He believes Yamal’s youth will not be an obstacle to performing at the highest level. Instead, his technical ability, speed, and maturity on the pitch could make him a key difference-maker for Spain.

“Lamine Yamal is my favourite player. I’m confident he’ll become one of the major stars at the upcoming World Cup,” he added.

Boby’s choice aligns with the views of several football analysts who also consider Spain a leading favourite in the tournament.

In recent years, Spain has shown significant progress through a well-managed player regeneration process.

Under coach Luis de la Fuente, the squad has maintained a strong playing identity, marked by possession-based football and creative midfield play that continues to be their hallmark.

The emergence of young talents such as Lamine Yamal has further strengthened optimism among Spanish football fans ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

For Boby, who once led Riau’s Youth and Sports Department, global football developments are always fascinating to follow.

He believes that a tournament as grand as the World Cup is not only a platform for international competition but also a source of inspiration for young generations to develop their love for sports, especially football.

The 2026 World Cup is predicted to be one of the most festive editions in history.

Beyond introducing a new format with more participating nations, the tournament is also expected to bring people together through various supporting events, including public viewing sessions that have become a World Cup tradition.

Besides entertaining football fans, the World Cup often brings positive economic impacts to local communities, particularly for small and medium enterprises, food businesses, and service sectors that experience increased activity during the competition.