World Cup 2026 Dark Horses: 5 Teams That Could Surprise Everyone

Every World Cup throws up at least one team that nobody saw coming. In 2022 it was Morocco. In 2018 it was Croatia. In 2026, with 48 teams and a longer bracket to navigate, there are more opportunities than ever for a surprise package to reach the latter stages.

Morocco 🇲🇦 (Group C)

Morocco’s 2022 run to the semi-finals was no fluke. They have built a cohesive defensive unit and carry real threat on the counter-attack. In Group C alongside Brazil, Haiti, and Scotland, they have a genuine chance of advancing as group winners. If they navigate the Round of 32 draw well, a quarter-final run is entirely credible.

Japan 🇯🇵 (Group F)

Japan have quietly become one of Asia’s most technically complete squads. In Group F with Netherlands, Sweden, and Tunisia, they will not be favourites — but Japan have beaten Germany and Spain in tournament football before. They are perfectly capable of repeating that kind of result.

Switzerland 🇨🇭 (Group B)

Switzerland are chronic over-achievers at major tournaments. In Group B alongside Canada, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Qatar, they look well-placed to advance. Their defensive solidity and experienced squad make them dangerous in knockout football.

Türkiye 🇹🇷 (Group D)

Türkiye return to the World Cup with a squad that combines domestic league quality with European club experience. In Group D with the USA, Paraguay, and Australia, they have a genuine chance of advancing — and tournament football has historically been kind to them (third place in 2002).

Uruguay 🇺🇾 (Group H)

Uruguay are always competitive but rarely fancied. In Group H alongside Spain, Cape Verde, and Saudi Arabia, they are unlikely group favourites — but their tactical discipline and goalscoring threat make them dangerous opponents for any team in the Round of 32.

Include one of these dark horses in your World Cup 2026 prediction bracket and see how far they can go.