The FIFA World Cup often sees changes in its format and host nations, yet the ultimate victor has consistently emerged from a select group of eight countries, all hailing from Western Europe or South America. Since Argentina's triumph in 1978, only France and Spain have added their names to the list of champions, their success underpinned by robust youth development programmes and significant financial investment within UEFA.
However, this tournament presents a compelling narrative of potential disruption to this established order. The last-32 stage features two highly anticipated matches where Japan will face Brazil, and Morocco will take on the Netherlands. While the Netherlands have never lifted the World Cup trophy, their three final appearances and economic standing firmly place them within the 'old order' of footballing powerhouses.
Morocco, in particular, has demonstrated remarkable progress on the global stage, surpassing their achievements in the Africa Cup of Nations. In 1986, they made history as the first African team to advance from the group stage of a World Cup, a feat they built upon by becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals four years ago. Their success has been significantly bolstered by their diaspora, with 19 of their 26-man squad born outside Morocco, many benefiting from high-calibre European academy training. Furthermore, Morocco is investing in its own infrastructure, with the Mohammed VI football academy contributing four players to their 2022 squad.
Japan, similarly, has impressed with their consistent form throughout the group stage, building on their preparations. Both nations highlight a broader trend in global football where strategic investment in talent development and leveraging international player networks are enabling countries outside the traditional elite to compete at the highest level. This shift aligns with FIFA President Gianni Infantino's broader agenda, who often positions himself as a champion of the 'global south', relying on support from African, Asian, and Latin American federations.
The expansion of the Club World Cup and other FIFA initiatives are often viewed within the context of Infantino's ongoing power dynamics with UEFA. While these changes provide new revenue streams, they also underscore a desire to spread influence beyond Europe's traditional footballing strongholds. This World Cup could therefore be a pivotal moment, signalling a potential new era where the dominance of a few established nations faces a credible challenge from emerging footballing powers.