My Favorite Soccer Nation at the 2026 World Cup — And the Philosophy That Changed the Game Forever

People always ask me who I root for at the World Cup.

Not Brazil. Not France. Not the USA.

The Netherlands.

And if that surprises you, let me explain — because this is not just about a team. It is about a philosophy that changed the entire sport forever.

Let me take you back to 1974.

Johan Cruyff steps onto the World Cup stage with the Netherlands and introduces the world to something nobody had ever seen before. Total Football. A system where every player could play every position. Fluid, intelligent, creative, and completely revolutionary.

The Netherlands played the most beautiful soccer the world had ever seen that tournament. They were unstoppable. They were electric. Everyone watching knew they were seeing something historic.

They made the final.

And lost.

Cruyff never got his World Cup trophy. And honestly — it still bothers me to this day. Because if there was ever a player who deserved to lift that trophy, it was him. The smartest soccer mind of his generation. Maybe ever.

But here is the thing about Total Football — it was bigger than any trophy.

That philosophy went on to influence every great coach that came after Cruyff. Guardiola built the Barcelona dynasty on it. Klopp's high press has DNA from it. The entire modern possession-based game traces its roots back to what the Netherlands built in the 1970s.

Total Football said something radical — soccer is not just about athleticism. It is about intelligence, movement, creativity, and collective effort. Every player thinks. Every player contributes. Every player can go anywhere on the field.

As a coach, that speaks to me deeply. That is exactly what I try to build in my players at GSI every single day.

Now today the Netherlands does not dominate the way they used to. The world has caught up. Soccer is truly global now — and Week 1 of this World Cup already proved it. Cape Verde held Spain. Morocco matched Brazil. The gap is closing everywhere.

But when I watch the Netherlands play I still see traces of that DNA. That identity. That belief that soccer is an art form as much as it is a sport.

Their only World Cup final appearance ended in a loss to Spain in 2010.

Still waiting for that trophy.

Maybe 2026 is finally the year.

Who is YOUR favorite team at this World Cup? Drop it in the comments — I want to know who you are riding with.

Want to channel all this World Cup energy into real development for your young athlete this summer?

About Markens: personalizedsoccertraining.com/about-markens
Training: personalizedsoccertraining.com/home
Join GSI Gunners: why.mygunners.com

FAQ Section:

Why is the Netherlands your favorite World Cup team?
Because of the philosophy they gave the world. Total Football changed how the game is played and coached at every level. That brand of intelligent, creative soccer is what I try to teach my players every single day.

Who is Johan Cruyff and why does he matter?
Johan Cruyff was the greatest player of his generation and one of the most influential soccer minds in history. He led the Netherlands to the 1974 World Cup final and later built the Barcelona dynasty as a coach. He never won a World Cup but his impact on the game is unmatched.

Does the Netherlands still play Total Football today?
Not in its purest form — the world has caught up and soccer has evolved globally. But the DNA is still there. The emphasis on technique, intelligence, and positional awareness that Cruyff built still lives in Dutch soccer culture today.

Can the Netherlands win the 2026 World Cup?
They have the talent and the pedigree. After finishing runner up in 2010 this tournament could be their moment. We will be watching closely.