Japan
- FIFA World Ranking: 24
- Social Progress Ranking: 9
Japan is known for its vibrant civil society and so isn’t a surprise why it ranks 9th on the SPI. Unlike a handful of countries around the world, Japan has no law prohibiting racial, ethnic, or religious discrimination or discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. In terms of football, Japan does also possess a healthy amount of quality and will aspire to reach the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup.
Belgium
- FIFA World Ranking: 2
- Social Progress Ranking: 16
The highest-ranked European country in the tournament, Belgium will look to make the most of what many believe is their ‘golden generation’ of players. In terms of societal progress, Belgium rank amongst the world’s best in areas such as ‘personal right’, ‘nutrition and basic medical care’, and ‘access to basic knowledge’. The category it ranks worst in is ‘environmental quality’ and it is no surprise as one of the main issues the country faces is air pollution. The country’s role as a European traffic crossroads has left vehicular traffic at a high level, exacerbating carbon emissions. These emissions are mainly contributed to heavy industries in areas around cities including Antwerp and Brussels. But in recent years, Belgium has attempted to address these issues.
Canada
- FIFA World Ranking: 41
- Social Progress Ranking: 10
In their first FIFA World Cup in 36 years, Canada will hope to make the most of their opportunity and showcase their young, vibrant talent. Ranking only 41st in the FIFA World Rankings, the country is not best known for its footballing talent but similar to the U.S., the sport is growing. Off the pitch, Canada ranks high on the SPI. Canada is known for being a global leader in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) metrics. A key reason for the country’s high rating is its natural resources which have enabled them to possess quality education, healthcare, and social programs.
Morocco
- FIFA World Ranking: 22
- Social Progress Ranking: 100
The north African country ranks very poorly on the SPI compared to its FIFA World Ranking. The country suffers from high unemployment rates, poverty, social inequality, mediocre healthcare and education, and a rural-urban divide which leads to its place as 100th on the index.
Croatia
- FIFA World Ranking: 12
- Social Progress Ranking: 34
Croatia boasts high scores in areas including ‘shelter’, ‘water and sanitation’, and ‘access to basic knowledge’ but the areas the country lets itself down in include ‘inclusiveness’ where despite the constitution stating that all persons shall enjoy all rights and freedoms, regardless of race, color, sex, language, religions, political opinion, national origin, property, birth, education or social status, ethnic tensions remain, specifically regarding Muslims and Serbs.
Brazil
- FIFA World Ranking: 1
- Social Progress Ranking: 62
Brazil may be the highest-ranked team in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, filled with exuberant, talented, and hardworking players but when it comes to where it ranks on the SPI, the South American country cannot boast in the same manner. Ranking only 62nd on the SPI, Brazil has faced several challenges in recent years including poverty, crime, and economic recession. This can be proven by looking at some of the areas where the country scores lowest which include personal safety, health and wellness, and inclusiveness. Brazil will look to go all the way in this tournament and are many people’s favorite but will also want to make sure they make social and economic progress within their country.