It will be between the usual powers for a long time. Nobody on that list could put togather a real run at the cup.
Theres too much instability in African soccer to produce a world cup winning side. Unless their qualification system changes, youll continually see what we saw last year in Germany. Traditional African powers getting knocked off the totem poll because of their winner take all qualification system. Without regular participation in the tournement, there is no way any of those nations will be able to put together a generation capable of winning the world cup. You dont build a footballing nation over night. Australia, and Japan both had their golden generations, and are clearly on the decline. With Mexico and the United States regular play on the worlds biggest stage, superior financial situation, and more and more players abroad, the first world cup winners outside of Europe, or South America, will certainly be from Concacaf. Its a matter when though, as it could be a very long time
lol, what golden generations? Japan's pro league only started a little before the MLS, and Australia's league just started a couple of years ago. How can you claim they are on the decline when the domestic leagues which produce talent have just gotten started? I chose Mexico, but only because they are the best team in the list at this time.
What about China ten years from now..? They got money enough and there is a mammoth untapped talent pool as soccer is popular in China. All they need is developing their youth academies and some government support, and I bet they know it.
Mexico has the best shot in 2010, but overall I'd say long-term that the USA will end up having the best chance out of those listed
Actually, I tend to think more and more that it will come from an unexpected country. After all, why wouldn't there be a 2004 Greece during the World Cup ? I know that's there's an extra-round, but it's still manageable. South Korea was pretty close in 2002 (though I really doubt they could lose to Brazil, they miraculously got a draw against France in 2006).
lol, weak post. Yeah I'm an idiot for thinking it's a faulty question. Sure! a non- European/SA nation can, just as Italy or Japan might win the Olympic gold in hockey one day, or France becoming the worlds only superpower. All of the above can absolutely become true. But which non-Euro/SA team could be even the smallest of darkhorses and be anything but a fantasy, well no nation qualifies. But to keep you happy, I'll say Canada, I have absolutely no clue as to why I said it but I'd hate to get another reply from you with a rolleyes icon.
Mexico in the immediate future (though they probably won't). USA in the distant future (More than 10 yrs from now). Cause of this I say USA is more likely simply because I am not sure I can see Mexico winning it.
Yeah, the gap is totally the same. Crazy, then, how often Mexico has had success against Brazil and Argentina and got out of/won their group in the World Cup. Just like Japan in ice hockey!