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Report by Tribun Jatim Network Journalist, Madchan Jazuli

TRENGGALEK – Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Trenggalek Police Chief AKBP Ridwan Maliki shared his prediction for the grand finale of the world’s biggest football tournament.

He forecasted a repeat of the 2022 final clash between France and Argentina, while also declaring his support for Les Bleus, a team he believes possesses the strength and depth to reach the final in the United States.

“For the 2026 World Cup, I predict that two teams will meet again in the final — a rematch of the 2022 World Cup between France and Argentina,” said AKBP Ridwan Maliki in an interview with Tribun Jatim Network on Friday (5 June 2026).

However, AKBP Ridwan admitted that although France lost to Argentina in the 2022 final through a penalty shootout, this time he is backing France to triumph.

He explained that the team, nicknamed Les Bleus and The Roosters, boasts a roster filled with top-quality players.

Kylian Mbappe, playing for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), has lifted 14 trophies, including six Ligue 1 titles.

He has also added two trophies with Real Madrid, the club he joined in June 2024.

Not only Mbappe, but AKBP Ridwan also praised Ousmane Dembele as another standout performer for Les Bleus.

Dembele has displayed exceptional form over the past 12 months, earning the FIFA Men’s Player of the Year award for his performances throughout 2025.

Recently, he also helped Paris Saint-Germain secure the 2026 UEFA Champions League title.

“For 2026, I’m backing France, relying on the brilliance of Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele,” he said.

He expressed hope that France would face no major obstacles during the group stage or through the knockout rounds — from the Round of 32, 16, 8, and into the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he acknowledged that football, being unpredictable, always offers exciting surprises worth watching.

“Hopefully, both teams will face no issues, and the final will be a thrilling match for us all to enjoy,” he added.

When asked about public viewing events, the police chief, who also enjoys fishing, mentioned that internal arrangements for such gatherings within the Police Department have already been prepared.

“Perhaps during leisure time we can watch together. However, for matches scheduled too late at night, we won’t be holding official watch parties at the station,” he explained.

AKBP Ridwan noted that for the later stages of the tournament, the Trenggalek Police might coordinate with local government officials (Forkopimda) to organize joint public viewing sessions.

The Trenggalek Police Chief remains confident that his favourite team will advance to the final round.

His support was shown through a raised fist of enthusiasm.

“With the current squad strength, God willing, I’m optimistic. Let’s support Les Bleus,” he said with a smile, raising his fist.

France’s Group Stage Schedule at the 2026 World Cup

Here is France’s group stage schedule:

16 June 2026: France vs Senegal — New York New Jersey Stadium

22 June 2026: France vs Iraq — Philadelphia Stadium

26 June 2026: Norway vs France — Boston Stadium

France secured their ticket to the 2026 World Cup on 13 November 2025 after defeating Ukraine 4-0 in a UEFA Group D qualifier at Parc des Princes.

In that match, Kylian Mbappe scored twice, taking his international goal tally to 54 and 55 for the French national team.

Les Bleus finished the qualifiers unbeaten, registering 16 goals while conceding only four.

Aside from Mbappe, goals also came from Michael Olise, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Bradley Barcola, Maghnes Akliouche, Florian Thauvin, Adrien Rabiot, and Christopher Nkunku.