With the FIFA World Cup at its climax, the question on everyone's mind is: who do FIFA want to win it? It's a tricky one, given the political undercurrents and the desire to shake up the established order. Here's a ranking of the quarter-finalists by FIFA's potential preferences, with a heavy dose of commentary and analysis.
8) Belgium: FIFA's least favorite option, as a win for Belgium would reignite the Balogun controversy and potentially trigger an international incident. Their performance against the United States, sparked by the Balogun decision, has only added fuel to the fire. FIFA would prefer to avoid any further political fallout.
7) England: A traditional headache for FIFA, as an England victory would be unbearable for the rest of the world. It would be like Arsenal winning the Premier League and Tottenham ending their trophy drought, all at the same time. FIFA, already frustrated with UEFA's dominance, would be further annoyed by England's success, which could challenge their authority.
6) France: While France is a strong contender, FIFA's desire to shake off the 'closed shop' label might make them hesitant to support a team that has won recently. The idea of a global game is threatened by a potential French hegemony, and FIFA's interest in promoting a more open tournament could be at odds with France's recent dominance.
5) Spain: Spain is often perceived as a big gun, but their historical World Cup performance doesn't quite match the reality. FIFA might see Spain as a safe option, but their lack of consistent success across decades could be a concern. A Spanish win might not be as groundbreaking as FIFA would hope.
4) Norway: Norway's potential victory is appealing to FIFA as it represents a new winner and a break from the established order. However, their success would be more impactful if they were from a non-UEFA confederation. FIFA's desire for a fresh face is there, but the lack of a non-European breakthrough is a limitation.
3) Switzerland: Switzerland is the epitome of FIFA's desire for a neutral and unassuming winner. Their lack of controversy and boldness makes them an ideal candidate. FIFA's headquarters in Zurich and their close relationship with the organization further solidify their appeal.
2) Argentina: FIFA's obsession with fixing it for Lionel Messi is well-known. Despite the recent controversy, FIFA's desire to see Messi win a World Cup remains strong. The GOAT debate and the potential for a historic achievement make Argentina a top choice. However, FIFA's late decision to support Messi's career might be seen as a gamble.
1) Morocco: FIFA's ultimate dream is an African or non-European winner, and Morocco is the strongest candidate. Their mix of star quality and squad depth, coupled with their impressive tournament performance, makes them a formidable force. FIFA's desire to break the UEFA hegemony and promote a new era of global football is embodied by Morocco's run to the final eight.
