With the FIFA World Cup 2026 set to get underway, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has revealed that defending champions Argentina will have his support throughout the tournament.
The President shared his football loyalties during a World Cup-themed event held at the President’s Office, where officials gathered to sign official tournament footballs ahead of the competition’s opening matches.
Responding to a question from Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Fitness Abdulla Rafiu, President Muizzu said his admiration for Argentina dates back many years and was largely inspired by legendary football icon Diego Maradona.
The President described Maradona as one of the greatest figures in football history and said his support for Argentina began through his admiration for the former captain, whose influence on the sport continues to be felt decades after his playing career.
While identifying Argentina as his preferred team, Muizzu also revealed that England holds a special place among his football favorites.
The President explained that his connection to England stems from the years he spent studying there. He added that his long-standing support for English Premier League giants Manchester United has also contributed to his affinity for the national team.
Asked to predict who might lift the World Cup trophy this year, Muizzu pointed to France as one of the strongest contenders for the title. However, he also suggested that the Netherlands could emerge as a surprise package and potentially go all the way in the tournament.
The President noted that the timing of some matches may prove challenging for viewers in the Maldives and admitted there is a possibility he may miss certain games because of scheduling constraints.
Despite that, he expressed hope that football fans across the country would enjoy a memorable World Cup experience and praised efforts being made to ensure widespread public access to the tournament.
This year’s World Cup will be available to viewers in the Maldives free of charge through arrangements facilitated by the government. Public Service Media (PSM) and MediaNet have partnered to broadcast the matches, allowing MediaNet subscribers to watch the tournament without additional fees.
In addition to live match coverage, PSM has announced a range of World Cup-related programming, including match analysis shows, special features and interactive activities designed to engage football fans throughout the tournament.
The FIFA World Cup remains the world’s most watched sporting event, attracting billions of viewers globally. Argentina enters the 2026 edition as defending champions after lifting the trophy in Qatar in 2022, led by one of the most celebrated squads in modern football history.
As anticipation builds across the Maldives, football enthusiasts are preparing for a month-long festival of sport, with the President himself among those hoping to see another memorable World Cup unfold.
