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MAKASSAR – The 2026 FIFA World Cup is just around the corner.

A total of 48 nations will compete to become the best in the 23rd edition of the tournament.

The United States, Mexico, and Canada will jointly host the world’s biggest football event from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

As the kickoff approaches, former PSM Makassar assistant coach Budiardjo Thalib recalls memories from four decades ago.

At that time, the 1986 World Cup was held in Mexico.

Budiardjo witnessed two football giants clash in the final — West Germany and Argentina. He was 16 years old back then.

West Germany featured stars like Harald Schumacher, Thomas Berthold, Andreas Brehme, Klaus Augenthaler, Lothar Matthäus, and Rudi Völler.

Meanwhile, Argentina was led by Diego Armando Maradona, with Jorge Valdano, Julio Olarticoechea, Daniel Ruggeri, Jorge Burruchaga, and Daniel Passarella in the lineup.

That year, Argentina emerged as champions after defeating West Germany 3-2.

Since then, Budiardjo has remained loyal to both Germany and Argentina in every World Cup edition.

“My two favorite teams have never changed — Germany and Argentina,” he said when contacted on Friday (June 5, 2026).

Out of the ten World Cup editions he has followed, he can never forget the 2014 Brazil World Cup.

Especially when Germany humiliated the host nation Brazil with a stunning 7-1 scoreline.

Adding to his delight, his two favorite teams, Germany and Argentina, faced off once again in the final.

That time, Germany were crowned world champions after defeating Argentina 1-0.

The winning goal was scored by Mario Götze in the 113th minute.

“The most memorable moment for me was when Germany beat Brazil 7-1 on their home soil in 2014,” said the former Persik Kediri coach.

According to Budiardjo, both Germany and Argentina will once again be among the top contenders in the 2026 World Cup.

Der Panzer, as Germany are known, have young players with strong mental resilience.

Meanwhile, Argentina possess an unyielding fighting spirit.

Led by Lionel Messi, the team is known for their ability to come from behind and turn matches around.

“Germany and Argentina both have a champion’s mentality,” he noted.

As for Germany’s key player, Budiardjo highlighted Arsenal striker Kai Havertz.

Havertz played a crucial role in helping Arsenal win the Premier League title after a 22-year wait, and that winning mentality will be vital for Germany.

For Argentina, captain Lionel Messi remains the difference-maker, alongside Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister.

“The key players are Havertz for Germany, and Messi and Mac Allister for Argentina,” he added.

Budiardjo also pointed out that strong challengers for both teams will come from Brazil, Spain, the Netherlands, and France.

These four nations, he said, have very strong squads.

“Brazil, Spain, the Netherlands, and France are all strong countries with great squads,” he concluded.