The 2026 World Cup underdogs could be the most exciting story of the tournament; here are five teams flying under the radar with the talent to shock the football world.
The FIFA World Cup is the biggest stage in football. Every four years, the world’s best players and national teams gather to compete for the most prestigious trophy in the sport. While fans and pundits often focus on traditional giants such as Brazil, Argentina, France, Spain, England, and Germany, World Cup history has repeatedly shown that surprises are inevitable.
Few people expected Croatia to reach the final in 2018. Even fewer predicted Morocco’s historic run to the semi-finals in Qatar 2022. Time and again, teams that enter tournaments with little pressure have gone on to become the stories everyone remembers.
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway, several nations are flying under the radar despite possessing the talent, experience, and momentum needed to make a deep run. Here are five underdog teams that could shock the football world and exceed expectations in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
1. Japan
Japan may not receive the same attention as the traditional football powerhouses, but they have quietly established themselves as one of the most consistent national teams in world football.
The Samurai Blue have become known for their discipline, tactical intelligence, technical ability, and relentless work ethic. At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, they stunned both Germany and Spain in the group stage, proving they can compete with elite opposition.
What makes Japan particularly dangerous is their collective approach. They do not rely on a single superstar. Instead, they function as a well-organized unit where every player understands their role. Many of their players now compete in Europe’s top leagues, giving the squad valuable experience at the highest level.
In my opinion, Japan is one of the most underrated teams in the tournament. They may not have the star power of France or Brazil, but they have enough quality and organization to cause major upsets. If they navigate the knockout rounds successfully, a quarter-final or even semi-final appearance should not surprise anyone.
2. Norway
Norway enters the tournament with arguably the strongest generation of players the country has produced in decades.
The headlines naturally belong to Erling Haaland, one of the most feared strikers in world football. His goal-scoring record at club level has been extraordinary, and any team with a player of his caliber will always be dangerous.
Alongside Haaland is Martin Ødegaard, whose creativity, leadership, and technical brilliance make him one of Europe’s finest midfielders. Together, they provide Norway with a combination of firepower and creativity that few nations can match.
What has often held Norway back in previous years has been inconsistency. However, if they can find the right balance and build confidence early in the tournament, they possess enough talent to challenge some of the biggest teams.
The World Cup often rewards teams with clinical forwards, and Haaland’s ability to turn half-chances into goals could make Norway one of the tournament’s surprise packages.
3. Morocco
When Morocco reached the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, many people described it as a miracle. However, what they achieved was not luck. It was the result of tactical discipline, defensive organization, team unity, and belief.
They defeated several highly rated opponents on their way to making history as the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final. Their success inspired football fans across Africa and demonstrated that African teams can compete with the very best.
Now, Morocco returns with greater experience and confidence. Many of the players who starred in Qatar remain key members of the squad, and the team has continued to develop since that historic campaign.
One of Morocco’s greatest strengths is their mentality. They never seem intimidated by bigger nations. Instead, they thrive when people doubt them.
For me, Morocco remains the most dangerous underdog from Africa. If they can reproduce the spirit and organization they showed in 2022, another deep run is entirely possible.
4. Croatia
At this point, it almost feels strange to call Croatia an underdog. Yet somehow, they continue to be overlooked before major tournaments despite consistently delivering impressive performances.
Croatia finished runners-up at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and secured third place in 2022. Those achievements were not accidents. They reflected a football culture built on resilience, technical excellence, and mental strength.
Even as some veteran players move closer to retirement, Croatia continues to produce talented footballers capable of competing at the highest level.
What impresses me most about Croatia is their ability to remain calm under pressure. Whether they are facing a penalty shootout or defending a narrow lead, they rarely panic. That composure can be invaluable during a World Cup, where matches are often decided by the smallest margins.
Never underestimate Croatia. Every time people write them off, they find a way to prove everyone wrong.
5. Netherlands
The Netherlands has a proud football history and has produced some of the greatest players the game has ever seen. Despite that, they have often fallen just short of World Cup glory.
Many fans still remember their appearances in multiple World Cup finals, only to leave without the trophy. That history has created a perception that the Dutch are nearly men on football’s biggest stage.
However, this current generation has the quality to change that narrative.
The Netherlands combines experienced leaders with exciting young talent. Their squad possesses strength in defense, creativity in midfield, and attacking options capable of troubling any opponent.
What makes them dangerous is their tactical flexibility. They can adapt to different opponents and play styles, making them difficult to predict.
While they may not be among the leading favorites, dismissing the Dutch would be a mistake. If momentum swings in their favor, they have all the ingredients required to challenge for the latter stages of the competition.
Why Underdogs Matter at the World Cup
One of the reasons the World Cup remains the most exciting tournament in football is the unpredictability it produces.
Fans love seeing established powers challenged by teams that were never expected to compete. Every tournament creates new heroes, unforgettable moments, and stories that are remembered for decades.
Underdogs play with freedom because expectations are lower. They often enter tournaments with less pressure and more hunger, which can make them incredibly dangerous.
History tells us that one of the teams on this list could become the surprise story of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Final Thoughts
While the spotlight will naturally fall on traditional favorites such as Argentina, France, Brazil, Spain, and England, football has never been a sport that follows scripts.
Japan’s discipline, Norway’s star power, Morocco’s resilience, Croatia’s tournament pedigree, and the Netherlands’ blend of youth and experience all make them teams worth watching.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup promises drama, excitement, and unforgettable moments. And if history has taught us anything, it is that at least one underdog will rise above expectations and capture the imagination of football fans around the world.
For data-driven World Cup predictions and match forecasts visit our World Cup match analysis updated daily throughout the tournament.
The only question is: which one will it be?
Written by Damian | WinOdds Predictions.