TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian football analyst and Garudayaksa FC Academy supervisory board member Fary Djemy Francis has predicted that the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico could mark the emergence of a new champion.
He said success in modern football is no longer determined solely by big names, but by system quality, squad depth, and adaptability. In that context, he described the Netherlands and Japan as potential “disruptive forces” at the tournament.
“Success is no longer defined by big names alone, but by systems, squad depth, and adaptability. In this sense, the Netherlands and Japan can be seen as two disruptive forces at the 2026 World Cup,” Fary said in a written statement on Thursday.
The 2026 World Cup, the first to be hosted across three countries and expanded to 48 teams, will kick off on Friday at 02:00 AM WIB with the opening match between Mexico and South Africa at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.
The opening fixture is a rematch of the 2010 World Cup encounter that ended in a 1-1 draw, when Siphiwe Tshabalala’s goal for South Africa was equalized by Mexican legend Rafael Márquez at Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg.
Fary noted that the Netherlands continue to rely on a strong football foundation, a clear playing philosophy, and a long tradition of producing world-class players.
He added that although the Netherlands are not always considered among the top favorites, they often perform effectively when expectations are lower.
The “Oranje” are placed in Group F alongside Japan, Sweden, and Tunisia.
Fary said that with a blend of experienced players and a new generation developed in top European leagues, the Netherlands could emerge as a “silent contender” capable of eliminating stronger opponents on their way to the final.
He also highlighted Japan as a team that represents a different model of football development.
Unlike teams built around individual talent, Japan’s progress has been driven by collective discipline, long-term investment, youth development, and a consistent football culture. The team has grown into a symbol of modern, efficient, and competitive Asian football on the global stage.
“In recent years, Japan have shown they can defeat top-tier teams. This demonstrates that the gap between favorites and underdogs is becoming increasingly narrow,” he said.
When asked to predict the eventual winner on July 20, Fary said both the Netherlands and Japan have the potential to lift the trophy.
“If that scenario happens, the 2026 World Cup will be remembered not for the dominance of traditional powers, but as the beginning of a new order in world football,” he said.
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