By Amarjeet Singh @ AJ | Opinion |
The FIFA World Cup 2026 has now entered the stage where reputation no longer protects anyone.
The group stage was about settling down. The Round of 32 is about survival. This is where the real World Cup begins.
Teams had three games to adjust to time zones, climate, stadiums, travel, pressure and tournament rhythm. Now there are no more excuses. One mistake, one missed chance, one penalty, and the dream can be over.
And yesterday, football reminded us why it is still the greatest game in the world.
Morocco did it again.
The Netherlands led 1-0 and looked ready to manage the game. But Morocco refused to disappear. They fought back, made it 1-1, dragged the match into penalties and held their nerve when it mattered most. This was not luck. This was belief. This was work rate. This was tournament mentality. Morocco’s 2022 semi-final run was not a one-time miracle. It was the birth of a football nation that now believes it belongs with the giants.
The message is clear: Do not call them underdogs anymore. Call them dangerous.
On the same day, Paraguay shocked Germany on penalties. Another traditional powerhouse fell. Germany had possession, history and reputation. Paraguay had discipline, courage and belief. In knockout football, the badge does not win matches. Mentality does.
Brazil also survived a tough test against Japan, winning 2-1. Japan once again showed why Asian football can no longer be taken lightly. Disciplined, organised and fearless, they pushed Brazil until the end. As a Brazil fan, my heart is happy they advanced.
But my football brain still asks questions. Where is the old Brazilian rhythm? Where is the samba? Where is the fear factor of 1998, 2002 and 2006? Brazil has talent, but talent alone does not win the World Cup. They must now find their identity quickly.
Canada also moved forward with a 1-0 win over South Africa. As co-hosts, their confidence will only grow. Home support can become a powerful 12th man when the knockout pressure rises.
This World Cup is becoming exactly what I felt earlier. Open. Unpredictable. Dangerous for the favourites.
France, Argentina, Spain, Portugal, England and Brazil remain strong names. But Morocco, Paraguay, Canada, Japan and others have already shown that this tournament will not be decided by history alone.
The old football order is being challenged. The so-called smaller teams are fitter, smarter and more organised than ever before. They press better. They defend better. They believe more. They are no longer coming just to participate. They are coming to eliminate giants.
The Round of 32 has already given us drama, penalties, heartbreak and history. And this is only the beginning.
The World Cup does not reward the famous. It rewards the brave. It rewards the team that suffers together, runs together, fights together and believes until the final whistle.
Morocco has done it again.
Paraguay has shaken Germany.
Japan has warned Brazil.
Canada has marched forward.
Now the question is simple: Who will be the next giant to fall?
Amarjeet Singh @ AJ is a Malaysia-based business consultant with over 25 years experience
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