Garudayaksa FC Academy Advisory Board Member Fary Djemy Francis predicts the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico will be the stage for the birth of new champions.
"Today, success is no longer solely determined by fame, but by the quality of the system, squad depth, and adaptability. In this context, the Netherlands and Japan deserve to be called two disruptive forces at the 2026 World Cup," Fary said in a written statement on Thursday.
The World Cup, which will be played for the first time in three countries with 48 participating countries, will open between Mexico and South Africa at the Azteca Stadium, Mexico City.
The opening match was a repeat of the 2010 World Cup which ended 1-1 after South Africa's Siphiwe Tshabalala's goal was cancelled out by Mexican legend Rafael Marquez at Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg.
At the same time, the Netherlands has a very strong football foundation, a clear playing philosophy, and a long tradition of producing world-class players.
Fary said that, although they are not always among the top favorites, the Netherlands often perform effectively when public expectations are not too high.
The Orange are in Group F with Japan, Sweden and Tunisia.
