New Delhi, June 8 -- In 2022, Morocco defied all expectations to reach the FIFA World Cup semifinals for the first time in history, beating the likes of Belgium in group stage, and eliminating Spain and Portugal. In fact, Morocco became the first African team to reach the last four of a FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Ranked seventh in the FIFA rankings at the moment, Morocco are on the cusp of breaking into the top five. While Morocco have gone beyond the dark horses tag after their 2022 success, Japan are highly touted to take up the mantle in 2026 in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

The Blue Samurais were in tremendous form in the AFC Qualifying, winning all six games in the second round. In the third round, Japan won seven out of 10 g...