ANALYSIS | The senior men’s World Cup in perspective: Dlangalala

The World Cup of the World is an event that truly represents the entire globe, with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) having 46 members, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) having 54, the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) with 41, South America (CONMEBOL) containing 10, the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) with 11, and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) boasting 55.

This totals 227 National Football Federations, each with its unique story, challenges, identity and aspirations.

The journey to the Cup begins much earlier, in the under-8s and under-10s, with plans aimed at bearing fruit in the future. The assessment of all aspects that existed prior to June/July 2026 is crucial to understanding the successes and failures, identifying areas of improvement and enhancement. Success in the World Cup is not an event but a process, involving sacrifices and collaboration from those not directly involved in the game.

The Senior Men's World Cup has retained its tradition, despite unwarranted interferences, including the disregard of Laws of the Game and physiological considerations. The human body does not negotiate, and performance is consistent regardless of technological, tactical or other changes. The World Cup does not merely reward talent but readiness, with identity being a crucial aspect for any nation aspiring to reach the podium.

Certain nations, like Argentina, Brazil, England, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Uruguay, and West Germany, have won the cup nine times, highlighting the importance of readiness. Those who have tried different approaches have not come close, as the World Cup rewards readiness over talent. The identity of each nation is vital, and losing it through foreign coaches has proven disastrous.

Only those led by native coaches have managed to win, with all nine previous winners having native coaches. Countries that used to be strong contenders and/or previous champions, but have lost their identity/DNA, struggle to reach advanced stages in the World Cup.