London: With the expanded 2026 World Cup now into its Round of 32, several of football's traditional powers are again prominent in the knockout stages. France, Argentina, and other established football nations are once again progressing towards the latter stages of the tournament while other teams strive to compete at the same level.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, this pattern is not just a sporting phenomenon but raises questions about the persistent dominance of the old empires in the World Cup. Although matches are decided in 90 minutes, footballing success is deeply rooted in historical and generational factors, including human capital, migration, and institutional development-factors that have historically shaped global economic power.
The World Cup has long seen a concentrated circle of winners. Out of the 22 completed editions from 1930 to 2022, only eight countries have claimed the trophy, all hailing from Europe and South America. Europe boasts 12 titles across five nations, while South America has 10 titles shared by Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. This dominance suggests a duopoly in the tournament, despite its global reach.
The concentration of success extends beyond trophy counts. Teams like France and Spain have consistently performed well, with France reaching multiple finals and Spain achieving a historic streak between 2008 and 2012. Smaller nations such as Portugal, the Netherlands, and Belgium have also excelled, producing remarkable teams despite their limited populations.
Colonialism played a significant role in spreading football globally, influencing the development of the sport in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Colonial powers like Britain, France, and Portugal introduced football through their administrative, educational, and migratory networks. This historical influence has left lasting linguistic, migratory, and institutional linkages that continue to shape how football talent is nurtured and integrated into global systems.
South America's success in football also aligns with this pattern. Despite being former colonies, countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay were deeply influenced by British economic practices in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. British involvement in trade, railways, and finance facilitated the spread of football, with early clubs founded by British expatriates.
Migration networks have become crucial in developing football talent. Countries that can effectively harness these networks gain significant advantages. For instance, England benefits from Commonwealth-linked migration, the Netherlands from ties to Suriname and the Dutch Caribbean, and France from its connections to North and West Africa. France's 2018 World Cup-winning squad exemplifies this, with many players having African roots but being products of the French development system.
Morocco's success offers a counter-narrative, showing how transnational connectivity can be a strategic asset. Over 70% of its squad were born outside Morocco, primarily in France and Spain. This approach combines European academy training with national cohesion, demonstrating that colonial legacy can be repurposed as an asset.
Although colonialism imposed significant economic and social costs, it also left networks, languages, and migration corridors that can be leveraged for success. Morocco's rise is a result of deliberate strategy and investment in football infrastructure, showcasing that history provides raw material rather than determining destiny.
The broader lesson from football is that success depends on human capital, migration networks, and institutional quality, echoing the factors that drive economic success. Countries like Cape Verde illustrate this by leveraging Lusophone migration networks to punch above their weight on the global stage.
For nations like Malaysia, this serves as a reminder that passion alone cannot achieve footballing success. It requires patient investment, credible institutions, and strategic thinking beyond immediate matches.