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The excitement for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has also reached government and police officials in East Kalimantan, from local administrations to law enforcement ranks.

Each official has their own favourite team for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted across three countries.

The list includes members of the regional parliament, local leaders, and police officers, each with their own view of the tournament’s likely champions.

The 2026 World Cup kicks off on June 12, and here are the analyses, predictions, and favourite teams of several East Kalimantan officials.

1. Budiono (Deputy Speaker of Balikpapan City Council)

Deputy Speaker of the Balikpapan City Council, Budiono, openly supports Argentina for the 2026 World Cup.

According to him, Argentina remains one of the strongest teams globally with balanced talent across all positions.

He believes the presence of superstar Lionel Messi will be a major morale boost for La Albiceleste as they attempt to defend their title won at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

“I’m still backing Argentina. They have incredible experience, a champion’s mentality, and quality players in every position. With Messi still there, he continues to inspire the team,” Budiono told TribunKaltim.co on Monday (1 June 2026).

He noted that Argentina enters the tournament as defending champions and top favourites.

Under coach Lionel Scaloni, Argentina qualified early as one of South America’s best representatives and became the first team from the CONMEBOL region to secure a place in the finals.

Based on FIFA’s official group draw, Argentina is placed in Group J alongside:

• Austria
• Algeria
• Jordan

Argentina is expected to top the group, though Austria is seen as the toughest challenge in the opening phase.

“Whatever happens, I still trust the true captain of Argentina, Lionel Messi,” Budiono added.

He pointed out that the 2026 World Cup will mark Messi’s sixth appearance — a remarkable record highlighting his legendary status in football history.

“Messi is once again trusted to lead a squad that retains most of its 2022 World Cup-winning core,” he explained.

Budiono is confident that Argentina’s mix of experienced veterans and maturing young talents will make their squad depth difficult to match.

“Argentina remains very strong. With Messi’s leadership and many young players thriving in European leagues, I hope they can lift the World Cup trophy again,” he concluded.

2. Bagus Susetyo (Deputy Mayor of Balikpapan)

Balikpapan Deputy Mayor Bagus Susetyo admits that despite his busy schedule, he still follows international football and tries to catch key matches.

“Sometimes I stay up late to watch football, but if I get sleepy, I just go to bed,” he said with a laugh.

He finds the road to the 2026 World Cup fascinating as every country strives to show their best strength.

Bagus believes Portugal and France are two teams that deserve serious attention thanks to their roster of top-quality players competing in elite European leagues.

He has a particular interest in Portugal, which he sees as a well-balanced team from defence to attack.

“Football is a team sport. Some defend, some create, and some finish chances,” he said.

According to him, a team’s strength lies not only in its stars but in the discipline and collective play of all players.

He also praised Cristiano Ronaldo for maintaining top performance despite his age.

“Even though Ronaldo is older, he still upholds very high standards. That’s what keeps him competitive at the highest level,” Bagus said.

He described Ronaldo as a model of professionalism and dedication in sports.

Ronaldo’s consistency in maintaining fitness and form, Bagus added, makes him a key figure for Portugal in international competitions.

He also acknowledged France’s ongoing status as a major football powerhouse, citing their endurance and physical quality shaped by Europe’s competitive leagues.

Bagus believes both teams are evenly matched but gives Portugal a slight edge.

“For me, Portugal has a good chance. But football is always full of surprises, so every team must be respected,” he noted.

He added that the greatest beauty of football lies in its unpredictability — any nation can spring a surprise at the 2026 World Cup.

3. Hendra (Member of the Kutai Kartanegara Regional Parliament)

Hendra, a member of the Kutai Kartanegara Parliament from the Gerindra Party, also favours Argentina as the leading contender for the 2026 World Cup title.

As Chairman of the East Kalimantan Youth Organization (Karang Taruna), he admitted he has been eagerly awaiting the four-yearly event.

“Personally, I’m really looking forward to the 2026 World Cup. It’s just days away, and the excitement is already building,” he said on Thursday (4 June 2026).

He continues to see Argentina as the primary favourite despite strong competition from football giants such as France, Germany, and England.

“My favourite remains Argentina. Many strong teams like France, Germany, Brazil, and England, but I feel Argentina still has what it takes,” he explained.

Hendra also observed that the tight schedules of European leagues could affect players’ physical conditions ahead of the World Cup.

“Many European teams seem drained because their leagues are so intense. That could impact their performance at the World Cup,” he added.

He hopes that the 2026 edition — the first with 48 teams — will bring even more excitement and surprises.

“We hope the World Cup will be entertaining and thrilling for everyone. Whoever reaches the final, may they deliver the best football for the world,” he said.

4. AKP Abiyantoro (Head of Water and Air Police Unit, PPU)

AKP Abiyantoro, Head of the PPU Water and Air Police Unit, has been a loyal supporter of the Netherlands since his elementary school days.

His devotion to the Oranje remains strong even though the Dutch have yet to win a World Cup title.

For him, supporting the Netherlands is part of his lifelong love of football.

He often watches major matches with friends at cafés around Balikpapan Baru and proudly wears the Netherlands jersey every time they play.

“I immediately bought the Dutch kit. They’ve always been my favourite team,” he said on Thursday (4 June 2026).

He also admires Croatia but says his heart still belongs to the Netherlands when it comes to the World Cup.

His admiration for the Dutch extends beyond football — he also appreciates the country’s historical architecture in Indonesia that has stood the test of time.

However, he stressed that his love for Indonesia comes above all else, adding that his support for the Netherlands is purely within the World Cup context since Indonesia is not yet a regular participant.

He also reminded fans to celebrate responsibly, saying, “Watch peacefully; don’t let fights happen. We love our teams, but we remain Indonesians.”

5. Kombes Pol Jamaluddin Farti (Director of General Criminal Investigation, East Kalimantan Police)

Kombes Pol Jamaluddin Farti recalled his childhood passion for football, playing daily after school in his village.

Although he never joined a football academy or played professionally, his love for the sport has never faded.

Among the nations competing in the 2026 World Cup, his heart has long belonged to Argentina, a loyalty rooted in his admiration for football legend Diego Maradona.

“It’s always been Argentina for me. Since the Maradona era — maybe because I grew up watching him, I’ve stuck with Argentina,” he said.

He considers Maradona the greatest player of all time, unmatched even by modern stars.

“For me, the best player ever is still Maradona. I saw him play when I was little — that memory stays,” he said.

Jamaluddin also admires Lionel Messi as Maradona’s spiritual successor. “Now it’s Messi’s turn. Maybe because they share traits — both left-footed, both small but magical,” he added.

He also likes Germany for their discipline and strength, though if the two teams meet, he will always back Argentina. “If Argentina meets Germany, I’m still for Argentina,” he said with a laugh.

He reminisced about past World Cups when villagers gathered around a single television to watch together, a memory he holds dear. “Back then, everyone crowded around one TV in the village — that was the best,” he recalled.

He also mentioned other Argentine idols such as Gabriel Batistuta, praising his powerful strikes. “Batistuta was incredible. His shots were lethal from anywhere,” he said.

For Jamaluddin, Argentina’s strength lies in teamwork — not just individual brilliance. “It’s a team game. Even great players can’t win alone. Argentina is strong because of unity,” he said.

6. Brigjen Pol Adrianto Jossy Kusumo (Deputy Chief of East Kalimantan Police)

Deputy Chief of East Kalimantan Police Brigjen Pol Adrianto Jossy Kusumo is firmly backing Brazil to win the 2026 World Cup.

His passion for football runs deep — even naming his first child “Gawang” (meaning ‘Goalpost’) as a tribute to his favourite sport.

He comes from a footballing family; his father played for the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) in the past before joining the Air Force Academy (AAU).

“I’ve followed football since childhood because my father was a player. My first son’s name is Gawang,” he said with a smile on Monday (1 June 2026).

Adrianto himself once played for PSSI Junior U-13 and now passes that love of the game to his children — his youngest, Kenzy, also plays football.

He fondly recalled watching previous World Cups late into the night with his family, neighbours, and colleagues.

When asked about his favourite team for the 2026 tournament to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Adrianto instantly named Brazil.

“Their style of play is beautiful. They don’t play rigidly — it’s artistic, and that’s what I love about Brazil,” he said.

Among current Brazilian stars, he admires Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid, while his all-time favourite remains the legendary Pele.

“Of all time, I like Pele. Among today’s players, it’s Vinicius Junior,” he added.

Though he praises Argentina’s collective strength and Messi’s continued influence, Adrianto remains loyal to Brazil. “If I have to choose, it’s still Brazil,” he declared.

His enduring support reflects a lifelong devotion to football — and to the magic of the Brazilian game.