Top News

Every major football tournament tends to produce an unexpected contender, and the question ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is — which sides could emerge as the dark horses this time?

Often underrated or overlooked, several teams have the potential to defy expectations and make it deep into the tournament. Here are five nations that could surprise many.

Erling Haaland will spearhead a Norwegian squad making its first World Cup appearance in over twenty years. Norway not only qualified but did so in dominant style — eight wins from eight matches, including emphatic home and away triumphs over Italy, secured their ticket to North America in convincing fashion.

Haaland netted 16 goals across those eight fixtures — more than double the tally of any other European player during qualification. Yet, the Manchester City star is far from Norway’s only standout performer. Arsenal skipper Martin Ødegaard will captain Ståle Solbakken’s side, while Alexander Sørloth, following a 20-goal campaign for Atletico Madrid, is expected to partner Haaland in attack. Borussia Dortmund’s Jules Ryerson, who registered 15 league assists in the 2025/26 season, will play a key role from right-back in supplying the front pair.

Norway clearly possess the talent to make a statement but will need a strong start after being drawn alongside France, Senegal, and Iraq in a challenging group.

Meanwhile, Ecuador impressed in South American qualifying, finishing second behind Argentina and ahead of traditional heavyweights such as Colombia, Uruguay, and Brazil.

La Tricolor have never advanced beyond the Round of 16 in their World Cup history, but the current squad looks well-prepared to change that. A defensive core featuring Joel Ordonez, Willian Pacho, Piero Hincapie, and Pervis Estupinan conceded just five goals in 18 qualification matches, with Chelsea’s midfield enforcer Moises Caicedo offering robust protection in front of the backline.

While Ecuador may lack attacking superstars, their rock-solid defence could form the base for a memorable campaign.

Japan also enter the 2026 World Cup brimming with belief after a superb run of form. The Samurai Blue have recorded six consecutive wins leading into the tournament, with notable victories over Scotland and England. Having shocked both Germany and Spain at the 2022 World Cup and recently beaten Brazil last October, Japan have proven they can challenge any opponent.

Their track record against European teams remains impressive — they have not lost in regulation time to a European side since the 2018 World Cup, an unbeaten streak spanning nine matches. Confident and fearless, Japan will aim to finally break their Round of 16 barrier.

Morocco made history by becoming the first African team to reach a World Cup semi-final in Qatar, their dream run ending against France in the last four. Since then, they have captured the 2026 AFCON title on home soil after the tournament was controversially reassigned.

The Atlas Lions are arguably the best-equipped side outside Europe and South America to challenge for the title. With Achraf Hakimi offering world-class quality and creative sparks from Brahim Diaz, Ismael Saibari, and Abde Ezzalzouli, Morocco possess both skill and depth. Keep an eye on teenage prodigy Ayyoub Bouaddi, who chose to represent Morocco over France and is already tipped for stardom.

Turkey also return to the World Cup for the first time since their third-place finish in 2002, buoyed by confidence following a quarter-final appearance at Euro 2024. Head coach Vincenzo Montella commands an exciting array of attacking talent — Arda Guler, Kenan Yildiz, and Barış Alper Yılmaz are all players with the potential to light up the tournament. With Hakan Calhanoglu orchestrating play in midfield, Turkey boast the technical class to cause major upsets.