Migrations have played a transformative role in the success of national football teams in recent World Cups. Evidence shows that teams embracing migration often achieve better results on the field. This trend is exemplified by Morocco’s remarkable performance in the FIFA World Cup 2022.
Migrations Influence World Cup Success
Morocco entered the 2022 tournament ranked 22nd in the world and had never gone beyond the round of 16. Nevertheless, they defeated top-ranked teams, including Belgium, Spain, and Portugal, reaching the semi-finals, a first for an African team. This achievement sparked discussions about the role of diaspora players in national selections.
Foreign-Born Players in National Teams
- 14 out of 26 Moroccan players were born abroad, the highest percentage in the tournament.
- The 2026 World Cup is expected to feature more players born outside their representing countries than any previous edition.
- Approximately 25% of the 1,248 players selected for national teams will be foreign-born.
Some teams have even higher proportions of foreign-born players. For instance, Curaçao has 96%, the Democratic Republic of Congo 85%, and Morocco 73%. Overall, foreign-born players make up the majority in eight of the 48 teams participating in the tournament.
The Historical Context of Migration in Football
Migrations have been part of the World Cup narrative since its inception. In the 1938 edition, 12% of players represented countries different from their birthplace. The FIFA regulations governing player eligibility were only introduced in 1962, allowing players to represent multiple countries during their careers.
Player Eligibility through Ancestry and Residency
Many players are eligible to represent countries through parental lineage or residency. For example, Ivan Rakitić, who represented Croatia, was born and raised in Switzerland. Similarly, Pepe, born in Brazil, played for Portugal after obtaining citizenship at 24.
The Case of Diasporic Representation
The French national team, which won the World Cup in 2018, illustrates the impact of immigration. Among its 23 players, 12 had African roots. This composition reflects France’s historical connections with North and West Africa.
Continued Migration Impact on Other Teams
The Swiss national team has increasingly included players with backgrounds from the former Yugoslavia due to the conflicts in the 1990s. The upcoming England team also includes players with immigrant roots, showcasing the diverse backgrounds of its squad.
Research on Migration and Performance
- A 2022 study of World Cups from 1970 to 2018 concluded that national teams with more foreign-born players perform better, with each additional foreign player linked to approximately 0.15 extra matches played.
- Another study published in 2023 demonstrated that teams with higher diversity achieved better results in tournaments, with varied strengths contributing to performance.
Diversity enhances the player pool and skills available, leading to improved performance on the field. For example, Ghana’s 2026 World Cup team draws significantly from its diaspora in Western Europe, benefiting from elite training systems.
Conclusion
While migration does not solely guarantee World Cup victories—evidenced by Argentina’s 2022 success without foreign-born players—it undeniably influences the dynamics of international football. The Moroccan team’s significant reliance on foreign-born players raises questions about the impact of diaspora participation in future tournaments. Should Curaçao replicate Morocco’s outstanding journey, the conversation around migrations enhancing sports success will become increasingly prominent.
