Five Dark Horse Teams Predicted to Shock at 2026 FIFA World Cup
The New York Post has identified five underdog nations—Norway, Ecuador, Colombia, and two others—that could surprise at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico with an expanded 48-team format. The article cites Morocco's 2026 semifinal run as precedent for how underdogs can thrive in World Cup tournaments. The expanded format and multi-country hosting across different time zones and climates are expected to create conditions favorable to upsets.
The article argues that the 2026 FIFA World Cup's expanded 48-team format and tri-national hosting across the United States, Canada, and Mexico will create ideal conditions for underdog nations to advance further than expected. Drawing on Morocco's surprising 2022 semifinal run as a model, the piece identifies teams built on chemistry, athleticism, and adaptability rather than star power alone as likely contenders. Norway is highlighted as a sleeping giant making their first World Cup appearance since 1998, anchored by Manchester City's Erling Haaland and Arsenal's Martin Odegaard. Ecuador is presented as a team well-suited to the heat of North American summers, having developed a disciplined defensive approach under manager Sebastian Beccacece. Colombia is characterized as an attacking-minded team with players like Luis Diaz and James Rodriguez, though noted for defensive vulnerabilities. The article suggests that the tournament's logistical complexity—vast distances, multiple time zones, and varied climates—will reward teams with strong team cohesion over those relying solely on individual talent.
What's missing
The article is incomplete—it mentions five dark horses and two 'true Cinderella stories' but only details three teams (Norway, Ecuador, Colombia) before cutting off. The identities of the remaining two dark horses and the two Cinderella teams are not provided in the excerpt.
What different sources said
- New York PostRight
2026 FIFA World Cup dark horses: Five teams that could shock the world
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