[Tervuren]

Having seen the results via computer games of what happens when you break up the faction based player vs player to make it all solo que I'm in favor of these "tribal rivalries" in sports.

What country does, it gives you a set of teammates that you have to rise or fall together with.
You can't just run over and find whoever wherever.
It means that to win, you want to improve the land you are from.
Without it, you just take from whichever.
Without it, it is all self centered.

The country based structure provides a social connection that makes it less about self.
Unfortunately, this year, some seem to have gone delusional and have gone full on self-centered.
However, hopefully the relevent societies correct that.