Japan and Morocco will attempt to upset the established order when they face Brazil and the Netherlands respectively in the World Cup last 32. These fixtures represent the most credible threat yet to the dominance of Western Europe and South America, who have supplied every tournament winner since the competition began.
Historical patterns weigh heavily on the competition. Only eight countries from these two regions have ever lifted the trophy, with France and Spain the most recent additions to that list. Despite repeated expansions and format changes designed to globalise the sport, nations from Africa, Asia and elsewhere have remained shut out of ultimate success. Morocco and Japan arrive at this knockout stage hoping to fracture that narrative.
Morocco’s Dual Development Model
The Atlas Lions have constructed their challenge through a combination of diaspora talent and domestic investment. Nineteen members of their 26-man squad were born outside Morocco, with several raised in the Netherlands. Many benefited from schooling at elite European academies whose resources provide educational and sporting standards difficult to match elsewhere.
Yet the kingdom has simultaneously funded local infrastructure to secure long-term sustainability. The Mohammed VI football academy outside Rabat supplied four players for the historic 2022 semi-final squad. While only midfielder Azzedine Ounahi remains from that specific cohort in the current team, the programme has expanded to four additional cities. This suggests future squads will increasingly blend home-developed talent with European-raised players.
Japan’s Domestic Foundation
Japan have pursued a markedly different route. Established in 1992, the J League has developed into a highly productive finishing school for domestic talent. Just three members of the current squad still ply their trade in Japan, yet the pipeline from the J League to major European clubs now operates with minimal friction. Scouts no longer view the transition as unusually risky compared to other secondary-tier leagues.
Under manager Hajime Moriyasu, the Samurai Blue have cultivated a recognisable tactical identity. They apply organised pressing in waves and maintain technical, possession-based football. This methodology helped them navigate the group stage and sets up a compelling stylistic contrast against Brazil.
The Significance of Progress
Morocco already hold the distinction of being the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final, achieving the feat in Qatar four years ago. Japan have consistently progressed beyond the group stage in recent tournaments, demonstrating their reliability at this level.
Victory for either side would represent more than a single upset. It would challenge the economic and historical advantages that have restricted world titles to a handful of wealthy European and South American federations. For supporters across Africa and Asia, these matches offer a genuine possibility that the tournament’s next chapter might finally feature new authors.