EXCLUSIVE: Former Japan coach Troussier 'not surprised' by Asian teams at World Cup

[p]Such performances may surprise European observers, but for Philippe Troussier, former coach of Japan, Qatar, and Vietnam, these performances are not a matter of chance, but the result of globalisation and collective tactical discipline.[/p][p]71-year-old French coach Troussier is closely following the 2026 World Cup, taking on the role of analyst for Japanese media, where he is a true star. Recently the coach of [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/vietnam/xAcurtwO/"]Vietnam[/a], the French tactician describes himself above all as a "globe-trotting" coach. It's a well-deserved title when you look at his impressive CV, which closely connects him to five nations competing in North America this summer: [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/ivory-coast/G2FRjBgn/"]Ivory Coast[/a], [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/south-africa/W2ijYvlr/"]South Africa[/a], [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/morocco/IDKYO3R8/"]Morocco[/a], [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/japan/ULXPdOUj/"]Japan[/a], and [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/qatar/zqzHL77i/"]Qatar[/a].[/p][p]But to reduce the former[b] [/b][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/rouen/z5PJrrtm/"]FC Rouen[/a] and [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/reims/tItR6sEf/"]Stade de Reims[/a] player to just his national team roles would be to overlook a rich club coaching career across four continents. After cutting his teeth in France (at [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/red-star/2kM6ufaS/"]Red Star[/a], Créteil, and a notable stint at [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/marseille/SblU3Hee/"]Olympique de Marseille[/a] in 2004-2005), it was by going abroad that he built his legend.[/p][p]From the legendary Ivorian club [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/asec-mimosas/zsZq3dOa/"]ASEC Mimosas[/a] - where he achieved an incredible unbeaten run in the early 90s, earning him the nickname "the White Wizard" - to South Africa's [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/kaizer-chiefs/fFZ2CGx0/"]Kaizer Chiefs[/a], as well as [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/fus-rabat/zP99MHKe/"]FUS Rabat[/a] in Morocco, [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/cs-sfaxien/2BJIkFqL/"]CS Sfaxien[/a] in [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/tunisia/QqZVYk95/"]Tunisia[/a], and his experiences in the Chinese league ([a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/shenzhen-fc/zDSPtNZe/"]Shenzhen Ruby[/a], [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/hangzhou-linping/xOvFssp1/"]Hangzhou Greentown[/a], [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/chongqing-liangjiang-athletic/EqM851fB/"]Chongqing Liangjiang[/a]), Troussier has seen it all in the world of global club football.[/p][p]In 2002, Troussier made history with co-hosts Japan, taking them to the Round of 16 at the World Cup for the first time. On the occasion of this first 48-team World Cup, he shares his analysis on the rise and performances of Asian teams.[/p][p][b]From a European perspective, it's almost a surprise to see teams like Qatar holding their own against [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/switzerland/rHJ2vy1B/"]Switzerland[/a], or [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/saudi-arabia/biSY8ox4/"]Saudi Arabia[/a] against [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/uruguay/xMk44orG/"]Uruguay[/a]. Among the teams from the Asian confederation, only [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/iraq/K8aAGt6r/"]Iraq[/a], [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/jordan/vNcmJoU2/"]Jordan[/a], and [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/uzbekistan/EZYKKRMc/"]Uzbekistan[/a] have lost out of 9 matches played by AFC nations. How do you see this?[/b][/p][p]"The first match of a World Cup is always a bit misleading, you have to be careful. Remember, four years ago, Saudi Arabia beat [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/argentina/f9OppQjp/"]Argentina[/a]. That didn't stop Saudi Arabia from being eliminated in the first round, nor Argentina from becoming world champions. So you can't draw too many conclusions from a single match.[/p][p]"Every team is in a waiting position, and it's proven that winning your first match is never a guarantee of qualification. You can also understand that, in this first match, everyone is at their physical and psychological peak. Teams considered weaker usually approach this first game with more tactical and defensive organisation: they don't take risks, the idea is not to lose. That's the usual dynamic for a so-called weaker team in a first match. For the second or third game, however, the need for results changes everything, and those same teams may not have the same resources as a more experienced side.[/p][embed guid="17475c2e-26e7-40cd-bcb2-a148e401382d" url="https://x.com/afcasiancup/status/2067532870411809206" social-type="twitter" /][p]"That said, these Asian teams are also doing well because many of their players play in Europe, used to the demands of top-level competition - in [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/england/j9N9ZNFA/"]England[/a], France, Belgium, the [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/netherlands/WYintcWb/"]Netherlands[/a], [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/germany/ptQide1O/"]Germany[/a]; even in the second division, they're exposed to high-level technical programmes. That's why they're no longer really 'Asian players' in the way we used to think - except perhaps for Saudi Arabia, where most players still play in their domestic league.[/p][p]"It's also worth noting that the level of Asian leagues, especially in Saudi Arabia, has become very high, with quality foreign players raising the overall standard. All this creates an ecosystem where Asian players are no longer seen as just friendly but somewhat anonymous, as was the case a few years ago. Add to that the presence of foreign coaches leading these teams, bringing tactical experience, game plans, and complementary tactical culture, and that's what explains, in my view, the results in this first round of the World Cup."[/p][p][b]Does this also, for you, illustrate the progress made by national leagues, or more broadly by football in these countries?[/b][/p][p]"If you look at Australia, [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/south-korea/K6Gs7P6G/"]South Korea[/a], Japan, or Saudi Arabia, these are leagues of good quality. There are probably countries like Iraq or Jordan where the domestic league is less developed - which explains why they lost their first match. For [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/iran/xrRx85iA/"]Iran[/a], all the players play abroad, especially in Qatar, whose league is also of very good quality thanks to the presence of many foreign players and coaches.[/p][p]"This is partly what explains the move to 48 teams: it's a way to motivate smaller nations who can now hope to one day play in a World Cup. You could even imagine adding more. Everyone criticizes the number of teams, but when you look at the start of this 48-team World Cup, you see that no team is really dominating - maybe Germany, who won 7-1, but otherwise all the matches are close. So it's not an argument against the 48-team format. On the contrary, it pushes all these countries to get organised, invest in their leagues, infrastructure, coach and player development. Just being able to dream of a World Cup spot creates a drive that pushes a country to develop."[/p][image alt="Hwang Hee-chan of South Korea in possession against Czech Republic" id="1da90c7a-cea4-4daf-9ddf-23f2225ab499" credit-line="Ulises RUIZ / AFP / AFP / Profimedia" guid="9e18f0e2-0142-4d37-bfef-f6e8647a2c06" original-width="1400" original-height="964" /][p][b]You mentioned earlier that these teams aren't necessarily "Asian" in their style of play, because many players play in European leagues. Do you still see a distinct playing identity for these nations? Japan, for example, seems to have its own style.[/b][/p][p]"Yes and no. Knowing Japan well, I can tell you their playing identity is more about possession, collective discipline, technical mastery, and a strong tactical culture - of course linked to the fact that all their players play in Europe. There isn't a single national team player who plays in Japan; they all come from Europe. So these are technically skilled players who, when they return to the national team, reconnect with an already well-established identity and culture.[/p][p]"Japan won't be better than [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/sweden/OQyqbHWB/"]Sweden[/a] or the Netherlands physically, for example. But they know how to avoid physical battles by controlling the ball, making the opponent run, tiring them out, and playing with very quick technical execution. That's often enough to break down even strong defences. This identity really exists - I know, since I was their coach from 1998 to 2002, and it was already our weapon back then to stand up to the big nations. The Japanese don't have a culture of athletic or physical commitment; their culture is more about ball control, game rhythm, acceleration, and players capable of creating unpredictability. All this forms a balance that the coach, like a conductor, has to orchestrate.[/p][p]"But today, most players at the World Cup play in Europe, no matter their nation. So the playing identity is increasingly tied to the coach's philosophy. If you put Mourinho in charge of Japan, or Guardiola, or Luis Enrique, the playing style will change depending on the coach. It's the coach who, in a way, creates the team's playing identity."[/p][p][b]Given your deep knowledge of Asian football, are you surprised by these nations' results at the World Cup?[/b][/p][p]"No, I'm not surprised, at least not for Japan, because you shouldn't judge just what's happening now, but what's been happening for years. Japan has beaten Germany 4-1 in Germany, [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/brazil/I9l9aqLq/"]Brazil[/a] 3-2, England at Wembley, [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/scotland/fZRU25WH/"]Scotland[/a] at home. And at the 2022 World Cup, they beat [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/spain/bLyo6mco/"]Spain[/a] and Germany. Anything can happen in a single match, we know that. But a World Cup is played over time, so you have to look at Asian teams' performances across the whole tournament.[/p][p]"I'm not surprised because football has evolved a lot individually, physically, athletically, and tactically. There's a huge amount of information available now for young players to get passionate and improve, through small exercises you can find everywhere. We're now immersed in this culture of player development.[/p][p]"There's also another advantage: Asian society is rigorous and disciplined, the individual serves the collective - I'm thinking especially of the Japanese and Koreans. You never play for yourself, in the selfish sense. Success comes from interactions, from synergy between teammates, from the trust you have in yourself and your partner. These are things deeply rooted in Asian society: go to Japan or Korea, you'll see these are very disciplined countries. Anyone who tries to stand out individually doesn't get far; as soon as someone sticks out, they're brought back in line. Everyone has to be at the same level, everyone has to come together. That's an advantage, because 80% of football is about the collective.[/p][p]"On the other hand, you could criticize them for not taking enough risks or individual initiatives. In Japan, for example, if you make two mistakes, you quickly feel the pressure. They see failure as the opposite of success, whereas in Europe, we tend to think failure is part of the path to success: you make mistakes, try to understand why, correct yourself, and by correcting yourself you gain new knowledge - which makes you stronger the next day. In Europe, learning is linked to failure, whereas in Japan, failure is almost forbidden, because you're taught to do things the right way. The problem is, in football, there isn't really a "right" way: any move is allowed if it scores a goal. But this search for the 'right' move, unique to Japanese culture, produces very disciplined players who execute passes, controls, shots, and crosses very well. Add to that discipline, listening, and respect for the coach, and all this maintains the quality of Asian football and the desire to play in synergy with teammates.[/p][image alt="Ryan Gravenberch Netherlands (L) and Daichi Kamada of Japan" id="0d29cded-6248-4a62-a1cc-6bc3f0163471" credit-line="Sports Press Photo, SPP Sport Press Photo. / Alamy / Profimedia" guid="b0e7ee3b-3221-44f7-b050-41a111214808" original-width="1400" original-height="933" /][p]"I've also coached in Africa, where discipline is more of a weakness: players are more unruly. There, I spent my time asking them to be more disciplined, whereas in Japan, I ask them to be less disciplined! In Japan, I tell them to keep the ball, to stop getting rid of it too quickly; in Africa, I tell them to try to release it. These are two very different cultures, and you have to find a balance: having both discipline and tactical structure, but also a structure that allows those who want to take individual initiatives to do so safely. You feel safe when you know your teammates know what you're going to do, in a structure that protects you. It's not about instinct: playing individually has to be understood and accepted by the group. And that's exactly what happens in Asia in general."[/p][p][b]Do you feel there's a sense of pride among Asian nations at reaching this level, at least after the first round? There was a lot of criticism when the World Cup expanded to 48 nations, but the Asian teams have responded well.[/b][/p][p]"Yes. I'll say it again, all the matches are close, and that's not unique to Asian teams: you could mention other examples. Yesterday, [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/portugal/WvJrjFVN/"]Portugal[/a] drew with [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/d-r-congo/phn9mm8H/"]Congo[/a], which wasn't expected. [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/cape-verde/MocyWdm7/"]Cape Verde[/a] drew with Spain. We talk a lot about the Asians, but we could just as well talk about the Africans - it's a similar dynamic, especially since all these players also play in Europe.[/p][p]"So yes, there's definitely pride, because when you talk about the World Cup and the national team, you're talking about the flag, about the nation: the achievement belongs to the whole country. That can create real pride among players and coaches. I can imagine the pride of the Congolese coach and players yesterday, the pride of the Cape Verde players after their match against Spain, the Australians after their win over [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/turkey/QeijuHo5/"]Turkey[/a], or the Japanese people - because you have to think about the people, not just the team - after Japan's draw with the Netherlands.[/p][embed guid="3a46e328-57cf-47c7-9f88-3291f21c127e" url="https://x.com/FIFAWorldCup/status/2066658409173148108" social-type="twitter" /][p]"This World Cup is wonderful to watch on TV: every fan wears their country's shirt, their colours, and everyone mixes together - there's a real melting pot of nations. It's a magical global event, even for Iran, a country currently in crisis because of the war with the [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/usa/fuitL4CF/"]United States[/a], and yet their flag is flying in the stands - in the United States itself. These are magical moments that sport in general, football in particular, and the World Cup especially, can offer us."[/p][p][b]Having coached youth teams, do you feel this also motivates young people to take up football, in countries where it's not necessarily the number one sport?[/b][/p][p]"I'd almost say that football is already the number one sport in most of these countries. Take Japan: people often think baseball is the top sport, and that's true if you look at TV ratings. But if you listen to the streets, football is definitely number one. The achievements of a national team can obviously have an impact on society, especially on young people's desire to sign up for football. That's often how it goes: a team's participation in the World Cup immediately sparks a desire among young people to join. And beyond the competition itself, seeing Asian players play in Germany, Spain, France, or England is also a huge source of inspiration. These players are real ambassadors for the youth."[/p][p][b]Last question: how did you experience the match against the Netherlands in Japan? Were there screens in the streets? What was the atmosphere like?[/b][/p][p]"No, you don't see that kind of street celebration like you do in Europe. But in all the bars with TVs, yes, there's a real buzz. I think the World Cup is lived socially, everywhere in the world, even if for us the matches are at 4AM: everyone is up, and above all, it's a party in Japanese bars. When it's a Japan-Netherlands match, you'll even find Japanese and Dutch fans together in the same bars, which creates a little match within the match, but this time over beer![/p][p]"There are still some matches broadcast at more reasonable hours for me: the Japan-Tunisia match, for example, will be at 1PM here, so that's fine, it's right in the middle of the day."[/p][p][b][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/soccer/world/world-championship/"]Follow every team at the 2026 World Cup on Flashscore.[/a][/b][/p]