Will Antoine Griezmann make it to the 2026 World Cup with France? We analyze statistics, current events, and his role with Les Bleus on their way to the most important tournament on the planet.
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WHICH LATIN AMERICAN TEAMS CAN SPEAR AN UPSET?
Latin America always brings passion and grit to the World Cup, but beyond the traditional powerhouses, there are teams hungry for glory that could pull off a major upset in 2026. With new talent, solid development programs, and a longer World Cup, the chances of a surprise are more alive than ever. In this article, we'll review which teams from the region could defy expectations, what the numbers say, who their key players are, and why we shouldn't underestimate them.
The new World Cup landscape favors surprises
The 2026 World Cup will be the biggest in history: 48 teams, more groups, and a format that opens the door for less traditional teams to reach the round of 16 or even further. What does this mean? That the chances for a less well-known Latin American team to pull off an upset increase considerably.
Furthermore, many teams from the region are strengthened by new talent, longer development processes, and players increasingly present in competitive leagues. It's no longer enough to underestimate them for not having titles: these teams go to the World Cup to compete, not just to participate.
How Latin America Qualifies
With the new format, South America will have 6 direct spots and 1 playoff spot. Concacaf also has more spots, and with Mexico being one of the hosts, Central American teams have a better chance of qualifying. This means we'll see new faces or anticipated returns at the tournament.
More spots = more chances of someone surprising everyone.
Format with more matches = greater margin for error to advance.
Long schedule = physical preparation will be key.
All of this works in favor of the teams that aren't favorites but arrive prepared. The stories of Costa Rica in 2014 or Morocco in 2022 remind us that miracles exist… and they are built with hard work.
South Americans with the potential to surprise
Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay always arrive as favorites. But there are other South American teams that could sneak into the quarterfinals—or even further—if the stars align. Let's look at some names to keep a close eye on.
Ecuador: the new generation is already a reality
In Qatar 2022, they made a great impression despite not advancing past the group stage. Their physical, dynamic, and youthful style of play prevailed against several opponents. With players like Moisés Caicedo, Piero Hincapié, Kendry Páez, and Gonzalo Plata, Ecuador has a solid and still-growing foundation. If they gain more experience and tactical maturity, it wouldn't be surprising to see them reach the round of 16 or even further. They are fast, powerful, and have a modern style of play, ideal for a long tournament. Colombia: The Return of Joyful Football. Colombia missed out on Qatar, but they are coming back strong for 2026. With Néstor Lorenzo as coach, they have recovered their identity, balance, and confidence. Luis Díaz, Jhon Arias, Rafael Santos Borré, and James Rodríguez (if he arrives) lead a group with talent and experience. Undefeated for more than 15 matches in 2023 and 2024. They beat Germany, Brazil, and Mexico in recent friendlies. With a mix of youth and experience, they are potential dark horses. Chile and Paraguay: if they qualify, watch out! Both are in the midst of rebuilding, but if they manage to get into the World Cup, they could be dangerous underdogs. Chile has young talents like Darío Osorio and Ben Brereton Díaz, while Paraguay relies on Julio Enciso and a tenacious defense. With history and character, they shouldn't be underestimated.
South America is always a factory of upsets. And in 2026, another unexpected one might arrive.
Central America and the Caribbean: Silent Talent
Central America has shown it can spring surprises. Costa Rica reached the quarterfinals in 2014, Panama debuted in 2018, and Jamaica boasts a generation of talent unseen for years. Although often viewed as modest teams, in the current context they have a greater chance of defying expectations.
Costa Rica: Another Golden Generation?
Although its golden generation is retiring (Navas, Ruiz, Borges), new talents are emerging, such as Brandon Aguilera, Jewison Bennette, and Anthony Hernández. If they manage to qualify and revamp their defense, they could repeat their competitive performance from 2014.
Jamaica: Physical Power and European Talent
With several England-born players who have chosen to wear the colors of the “Reggae Boyz,” such as Michail Antonio and Leon Bailey, Jamaica has a squad that can make the leap. Qualifying is the first challenge, but if they do, they can trouble anyone.
Honduras, El Salvador, or Guatemala: Surprises in the Making
These teams are fighting to improve their structure and processes. While they are not favorites, a good draw and smart preparation could give them passage to a historic second round. Anything can happen in World Cups… and we've seen it before.
With more spots, more margin for error, and more matches, Central America's chances have never been so real.
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