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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WHO WILL BE THE UNEXPECTED CHAMPION OF THE 2026 WORLD CUP?
If there's one thing each World Cup teaches us, it's that football doesn't follow a fixed logic. Sometimes the expected team wins, but every now and then a team like Morocco, Croatia, or South Korea emerges and shakes things up. The 2026 World Cup, with 48 teams and a format full of variables, is fertile ground for an unexpected team to be crowned champion. In this article, we delve into data, trends, and historical moments to identify who could be the dark horse that ends up lifting the trophy. So, if you're someone who bets with your heart, pay attention to these potential sleeping giants.
History backs up the surprises
In every World Cup there is at least one team that surprises. Some reach the semifinals, others the final, and a few manage to defy football logic. From Uruguay's "Maracanazo" in 1950 to Croatia's final in 2018, unexpected champions are not a myth, they are a constant possibility. Examples that inspire: South Korea was a semifinalist in 2002. Ghana came close to the semifinals in 2010. Costa Rica knocked out Italy and England in 2014. And Morocco, with solid, collective football, made it into the top four at Qatar 2022. The moral of the story? Underestimating the "underdogs" can cost you the title.
Croatia played in the 2018 final as an underdog
Turkey finished third in 2002
Sweden was runner-up in 1958 and a semi-finalist in 1994
Morocco made history as the best African team in 2022
Senegal eliminated world champions in 2002 and 2022
In 2026, with more teams and more matches, the probability of an atypical final rises like foam.
Contenders to pull off a shock
Who could lift the trophy and leave the world speechless? There are several teams emerging as potential unexpected champions. They aren't traditional powerhouses, but they have everything they need to go far if the stars align (and the penalties go their way).
Morocco, a second act?
It's no longer a surprise, but they're still not the favorites. Morocco showed in Qatar that they have structure, mentality, and a rock-solid defense. Players like Hakimi, Amrabat, and Ziyech have World Cup experience and a hunger for glory.
United States: Young Talent and Home Advantage
With a generation led by Pulisic, Musah, Reyna, and company, the U.S. has a fast, technically gifted team with potential. They play at home, have top-notch infrastructure, and the media pressure can be a powerful motivator. What if soccer takes the definitive leap?
Japan and South Korea
Disciplined, tactical, and fast. Japan has been growing for decades and has given European powers a run for their money. South Korea, with Son as its standard-bearer, knows how to play under pressure. They've already been in the semis once. Why not another one?
The United States will host and has an average age of 24
Japan beat Spain and Germany in Qatar 2022
Morocco was the team with the fewest goals conceded in 2022 until the semifinals
South Korea was a top 4 finisher in 2002 and qualified in 2022 with good football
Denmark and Switzerland could also cause an upset with established squads
The dark horses have something in common: cohesion, hunger, and a script that allows them dream.
Factors that could tip the scales
In such a long tournament, with 48 teams and 104 matches, many variables can determine the champion. Beyond talent, there are details that could allow an unexpected team to reach the end of the fairytale.
Format, climate, and mentality
The new format allows many third-placed teams to advance, which can make it easier for teams that start slowly but improve in the round of 16. The climate will also play a part: the heat in venues like Dallas or Mexico City can level the playing field. And mentality is key: teams with zero pressure tend to play without fear, and that makes them dangerous. The power of a winning streak. A victory in the opening match can be the necessary morale boost. Many unexpected champions start well and grow stronger with each game. A last-gasp goal, a goalkeeper in top form, a miraculous play… and suddenly, you're in the final.
Since 1994, 3 champions have started the tournament winning by a single goal
In 2022, 7 teams won matches with goals after the 85th minute
Surprises tend to increase in the round of 16, when there is no margin for error
Fair play can decide qualifications in case of a tie
Home advantage or crowd support for underdogs influences the emotional aspect
In short: the road to the title is not straight ahead, and in 2026, the shortcuts will be more open than ever. Who will be the unexpected champion of the 2026 World Cup? We don't know yet, but one thing is for sure: if someone achieves it, their story will be told for generations. And that, my fellow football fan, is what makes us love this sport so much.
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