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Former Indonesia national team midfielder Bayu Pradana has tipped Spain to emerge as champions at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

According to him, the quality and depth of the squad known as La Roja make them one of the strongest contenders for the title.

Bayu, who currently plays for Barito Putera in Liga 2, believes that the Spanish national team players are in top form and performing at an exceptional level.

Many Spanish players have been integral to their respective clubs’ success in various European competitions.

“Almost every club that wins trophies has Spanish players contributing to their success,” Bayu told Banjarmasin Post.

However, despite his optimism, Bayu noted that Spain’s biggest challenge could be dealing with the immense pressure of high expectations.

He hopes that Lamine Yamal and his teammates can maintain focus and not let the pressure affect their performance.

Beyond competition, Bayu also highlighted that the weather conditions across the American continent could pose an additional obstacle for the Spanish squad.

“The players must adapt well and manage the heat efficiently. Playing under extremely high temperatures will not be easy,” he added.

At the 2026 World Cup, Spain have been drawn into Group H alongside Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay.

Spain will face Cape Verde on 15 June and Saudi Arabia on 21 June at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, United States.

Their final group match against Uruguay will take place on 26 June at the Akron Stadium in Zapopan, Mexico.

Bayu Pradana’s Career with the Indonesia National Team

Aside from his World Cup favourites, Bayu was once a regular member of the Indonesia national team.

He received his first call-up in 2016 during Alfred Riedl’s tenure as head coach.

At that time, Bayu played a key role in midfield and helped Indonesia finish as runners-up in the 2016 AFF Cup after losing to Thailand in the final.

When Luis Milla took over as coach, Bayu continued to feature for the Garuda squad and played in several international matches.

The midfielder, born on 19 April 1991, was also part of the Indonesia team at the 2018 AFF Cup, although the team failed to progress beyond the group stage.

Following the Luis Milla era, Bayu remained in the national setup under Simon McMenemy in 2019.

However, after Shin Tae-yong assumed the coaching role, Bayu was no longer included in the national team selection.

Spain’s Squad for the 2026 World Cup

Goalkeepers
Unai Simón (Athletic Bilbao, Spain)
David Raya (Arsenal, England)
Joan Garcia (Barcelona, Spain)

Defenders
Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Bilbao, Spain)
Marc Cucurella (Chelsea, England)
Marcos Llorente (Atlético Madrid, Spain)
Eric García (Barcelona, Spain)
Pedro Porro (Tottenham Hotspur, England)
Álex Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
Pau Cubarsí (Barcelona, Spain)
Marc Pubill (Atlético Madrid, Spain)

Midfielders
Rodri (Manchester City, England)
Dani Olmo (Barcelona, Spain)
Mikel Merino (Arsenal, England)
Fabián Ruiz (Paris Saint-Germain, France)
Pedri (Barcelona, Spain)
Gavi (Barcelona, Spain)
Martín Zubimendi (Arsenal, England)
Álex Baena (Atlético Madrid, Spain)

Forwards
Ferran Torres (Barcelona, Spain)
Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad, Spain)
Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao, Spain)
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, Spain)
Yéremy Pino (Crystal Palace, England)
Borja Iglesias (Celta Vigo, Spain)
Víctor Muñoz (Osasuna, Spain)