PADANG – The balanced composition of the squad is the main reason former Semen Padang FC veteran, Suhatman Imam, is backing Spain to shine at the 2026 World Cup.

Suhatman believes that the combination of young talents and seasoned players gives La Roja strong squad depth to handle the intensity of the tournament.

He shared this opinion during an interview with TribunPadang.com at his residence in Parak Karakah, Padang City, on Friday (May 29, 2026).

The upcoming World Cup is scheduled to begin in June 2026. The opening match will see Mexico face South Africa in Group A on Friday (June 12, 2026) at 23.00 WIB.

This edition of the World Cup will feature a total of 48 participating nations, with matches hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

For the 2026 tournament, Suhatman Imam has placed his bet on Spain, citing the team's impressive track record in major competitions as a key factor.

“If I have to support a team, it’s Spain, because they have vast experience at both club and international levels,” he said.

He added that Spain’s players are well-balanced between youthful energy and veteran experience.

According to Suhatman, this mix allows the team to cover each other’s weaknesses effectively.

“Aside from their strong record during qualifiers, their composition between young and senior players is very even,” he explained.

He went on to note that physical endurance plays a crucial role in the World Cup, as the tournament lasts for a month and involves 48 competing nations.

“That’s why the combination of young and senior players is necessary. Veterans are more prone to injury, but with the support of younger players, the team becomes stronger overall,” he added.

Despite his admiration for Spain, Suhatman admitted that he is not a die-hard supporter of any particular national team in the World Cup.

In the past, he has supported several teams, including Brazil, France, and Argentina.

“I don’t stick to one team; I prefer to see how their track record looks. This time, I’m choosing Spain,” he concluded.