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COULD THERE BE SURPRISES AT THE 2026 WORLD CUP?

If there's one thing we love about football, it's that it's never set in stone. And in every World Cup, there's always a story no one saw coming: Iceland in 2018, Morocco in 2022, or Costa Rica in 2014. By 2026, with more teams, new generations, and a revamped format, surprises aren't just possible, they're highly likely! In this article, we'll tell you which teams could upset the odds, what statistics support this, and why this World Cup will be the most unpredictable of all. Get ready to discover facts, curiosities, and reasons why the tournament in North America could blow our minds.

More teams, more surprises


The 2026 World Cup will be the first with 48 teams. Yes, 48. This not only means more matches, but also more opportunities for less traditional teams to shine. The format changes completely: there will now be 12 groups of 4 teams, with the top two teams from each group and the 8 best third-placed teams advancing.


What does this mean in terms of surprises?


More groups = more chances of a Cinderella story sneaking into the round of 16 or even beyond. Let's remember:

  • Morocco reached the semifinals in 2022, becoming the first African team to do so.

  • Croatia was a finalist in 2018 and a semifinalist in 2022.

  • Costa Rica reached the quarterfinals in 2014, knocking out Italy and England.


This new format also reduces the margin for error for the giants. A stumble in the group stage could be fatal. And that... we love!


With more spots for Asia, Africa, and CONCACAF, the traditional powers will have to contend with rivals they may not know as well. And that's where the surprises blossom.

Contenders to upset the odds


We all dream of seeing a "small team" knock out a "big team." And in 2026, there are several teams with the potential to be surprise contenders. Teams with young talent, a hunger for glory, and solid development processes.


Who could pull off the upset?


  • Japan: After their impressive performance in Qatar 2022, their generation continues to mature. They play fast, technically, and fearlessly.

  • Senegal: If Sadio Mané is fit and their European stars are at their best, they can go far.

  • United States: As hosts, and with a golden generation (Pulisic, Reyna, Musah), they can be a game-changer.

  • Uzbekistan: Yes, you read that right. If they qualify, they have a solid youth system and an organized style of play.

  • Canada: Alphonso Davies, Jonathan David, and a hungry young squad. At home, they can be intimidating. Added to this are the possible returns of historic teams like Egypt or Nigeria, who could come back strong after missing out on Qatar. And watch out for Ecuador: their championship-winning U-20 generation is already starting to solidify its position. With more matches, more exposure, and more spots, everything is set for a dark horse to steal the show. Will it be Africa? Asia? CONCACAF? Fingers crossed!

The world of football is buzzing with anticipation. The 2026 World Cup is fast approaching, and national teams are battling for their place in the biggest tournament, where every match defines the dreams and hopes of millions of fans.With three host countries—the United States, Mexico, and Canada—this edition promises to be historic: more teams, more goals, and a unique global experience. Coaches are fine-tuning their strategies, and players are vying for their ticket to the most anticipated tournament.The countdown has begun. The ball is about to start rolling, and the whole world awaits the moment a new chapter begins.The World Cup is almost here… and the passion is palpable.

The world of football is buzzing with anticipation. The 2026 World Cup is fast approaching, and national teams are battling for their place in the biggest tournament, where every match defines the dreams and hopes of millions of fans.With three host countries—the United States, Mexico, and Canada—this edition promises to be historic: more teams, more goals, and a unique global experience. Coaches are fine-tuning their strategies, and players are vying for their ticket to the most anticipated tournament.The countdown has begun. The ball is about to start rolling, and the whole world awaits the moment a new chapter begins.The World Cup is almost here… and the passion is palpable.

The unpredictable: the new standard?


In the past, winning a World Cup was almost exclusively the domain of elite clubs: Brazil, Germany, Italy, Argentina, France. But that's changing. Football has become globalized, and there are no more easy matches. The data confirms it.


What do the statistics say?


  • Since 2002, at least one underdog has reached the semifinals in 4 of the last 6 World Cups.

  • In Qatar 2022, only 3 of the 8 teams that qualified for the quarterfinals were among the 10 favorites according to bookmakers.

  • Croatia eliminated Brazil and Morocco eliminated Portugal. Boom!


Furthermore, the youth factor will be key. Many national teams are betting on Under-23 players who will reach their peak in 2026. And the "big" teams don't always know how to handle that pressure against rivals who have nothing to lose. Climate and geography also play a role. Playing in Mexico, the United States, and Canada presents unique challenges: from the altitude of the Azteca Stadium to the heat of Houston or the cold of Toronto. Could there be surprises? More like... how could there not be? The 2026 World Cup is set up for footballing chaos. And in that chaos, legends are born.

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