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MAKASSAR - PSM Makassar legend Toni Ho has named Portugal and Argentina as his top picks to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while also tipping Japan as a potential dark horse.

The 23rd edition of the World Cup will be held across three host nations — the United States, Mexico, and Canada — from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

Toni Ho believes both Portugal and Argentina have an advantage because they have not made major changes to their squads.

The players called up for the 2026 tournament remain largely the same as those who competed four years ago in Saudi Arabia.

Portugal continues to feature familiar faces such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, and Ruben Dias.

Similarly, Argentina still boasts stars like Lionel Messi, Rodrigo de Paul, Julian Alvarez, Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister, and Nicolas Otamendi.

“I have two favourites — Portugal and Argentina. I see that Argentina hasn’t made many changes to its squad, and Portugal is quite similar,” Toni Ho told reporters on Wednesday (June 3, 2026).

Portugal has been drawn into Group K alongside the Republic of Congo, Uzbekistan, and Colombia.

Meanwhile, Argentina will compete in Group J with Algeria, Austria, and Jordan.

Toni Ho added that the presence of world-class icons in both teams could be the decisive factor in their matches — Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal and Lionel Messi for Argentina.

He described both players as the greatest of all time, serving as role models for their younger teammates.

“Ronaldo is the key man for Portugal, and Messi remains the heart of Argentina. Both are respected leaders and inspirations for the younger players,” said the AFC Pro-licensed coach.

On the other hand, Toni Ho predicted that Japan could surprise many at this year’s World Cup.

He pointed out that the Samurai Blue have been in excellent form during their recent friendlies, winning all seven of their matches.

Among their impressive results, Japan defeated Brazil 3-2 and stunned England with a 1-0 victory.

“Japan is my dark horse. I’ve seen them perform consistently in friendlies — they made history beating Brazil and also overcame England,” he noted.

However, Toni Ho acknowledged that Japan will face a tough challenge at the World Cup.

Led by coach Hajime Moriyasu, Japan has been placed in Group F alongside strong teams such as the Netherlands, Sweden, and Tunisia.

Despite the difficult draw, Toni Ho remains confident that Japan can make a significant impact.

He highlighted that many Japanese players currently play in top European leagues, giving them valuable experience and exposure.

Among them are Ko Itakura, Takehiro Tomiyasu (Ajax), Tsuyoshi Watanabe (Feyenoord), Hiroki Ito (Bayern Munich), Wataru Endo (Liverpool), Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad), and Ayase Ueda (Feyenoord).

“Japan’s key players are those playing in Europe’s top leagues,” he said.

Toni Ho has followed 13 World Cup tournaments in his lifetime, having first watched the global showpiece in 1974.

That year, West Germany hosted the tournament, and a then-16-year-old Toni Ho was captivated by the event.

“I watched the 1974 World Cup. At that time, not all matches were broadcast — only selected ones. The TV screens were still black and white,” recalled the Makassar-born coach, who was born on April 8, 1957.

According to Toni Ho, the 1974 tournament left a lasting impression on him because it was filled with world-class stars from every nation.

The Netherlands were led by Johan Cruyff, West Germany had Franz Beckenbauer and Gerd Muller, Argentina featured Mario Kempes and Daniel Passarella, while Poland had Grzegorz Lato.

“The 1974 World Cup was the most memorable for me because it was full of stars. Every country had great players,” Toni Ho concluded.