Study imagines 2026 World Cup without children of immigrants

A hypothetical study by the Spanish sports daily Marca has examined how the 2026 World Cup squads might look if players were restricted to representing only the country of their parents or ancestors. This thought experiment reveals the profound impact of migration on the landscape of international football.

The analysis suggests that the composition of major global teams would be drastically reshaped under such a scenario. It underscores the significant role that the children of immigrants now play in the success of national teams. Historically, national selections primarily consisted of players born in the country and with families originating from that same territory. However, globalization, migration, conflicts, and historical ties have dramatically changed this reality.

France, a traditional football powerhouse, is highlighted as a prime example. The study indicates that the French team, often a favorite for major tournaments, would lose substantial potential if only players born in France to French parents were eligible. This hypothetical scenario would also alter the makeup of many other leading nations.

Spain, for instance, could potentially top this virtual ranking despite losing key players like Lamine Yamal, whose family is of Moroccan descent, and Nico Williams, from a Ghanaian family. The study also points to international stars like Belgium's Romelu Lukaku, who could have played for the Democratic Republic of Congo, and England's Harry Kane, who has Irish heritage. Kylian Mbappé, with Cameroonian and Algerian roots, and Swiss defender Manuel Akanji, of Nigerian descent, are also mentioned as players whose national team choices could have differed.