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What are the chances of a non-European team winning the FIFA World Cup?

Marybeth Macieiczyk

Well, the FIFA World Cup is indeed the most watched international sporting event, and many teams from all around the world compete for the trophy every four years. However, there's always been a bit of bias towards European teams winning the cup. But that doesn't mean it's impossible for non-European teams to come out victorious.

The statistics don't really favor non-European teams though. Out of the 21 World Cup tournaments that have been held so far, only 8 have been won by teams outside of Europe and South America. Brazil alone has won the title 5 times, and Germany and Italy have both won it 4 times. These numbers clearly indicate that European teams have dominated the competition in the past.

But let's not forget that football is a sport where anything can happen on the day of the match. Underdogs can rise to victories, and favorites can falter. We've seen teams like South Korea, Ghana, and Costa Rica put up strong performances in recent World Cups. Who could forget when Japan defeated Colombia in the group stage of the last World Cup in Russia.

Moreover, many non-European teams have been strengthening their squads with players who play in some of the top European leagues. Take the case of Egypt, who now have Liverpool sensation Mohamed Salah. Nigeria has players who play for Arsenal and Leicester City. Even Peru, making their first World Cup appearance in 36 years in 2018, had players who played in Germany, Denmark, and Brazil.

Another factor to consider is the shift in the power dynamic of football in recent years. While European teams have still been dominant, the gap between the top footballing nations and the rest of the world has somewhat decreased. Teams like Mexico, Japan, and Iran have given strong performances in recent tournaments.

So, what are the chances of a non-European team winning the FIFA World Cup? I'd say it's still unlikely given the history and statistics, but definitely not impossible. It would take a lot of hard work, determination, and a bit of luck, of course. But then again, who doesn't love an underdog story?