2026 World Cup Teams to Watch: Dark Horses to Challenge Favorites

Dark Horses of World Cup 2026

The 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be an exciting tournament, with several teams emerging as potential dark horses. Here are some teams to watch out for.

Which national teams could be considered dark horses at World Cup 2026?

The draw for World Cup 2026 is just around the corner, with each country waiting with bated breath to see how difficult a path they will need to follow if they want to reach the latter stages of the competition.

A newly expanded competition for the first time - FIFA in their wisdom have decided to make next year's showpiece a 48-team event rather than the usual 32 - and an extra round, means that the tournament will last for a record 39 days.

2026 World Cup to Span Three Countries

The 2026 World Cup will be hosted by USA, Mexico, and Canada, marking the first time the tournament will be held in three countries.

Favourites to Lift the Trophy

Defending champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, are expected to be strong contenders, potentially in Messi's final appearance for La Albiceleste. Spain's new generation of talented players also makes them a team to watch. England, who qualified with a perfect record, France, Germany, and the Netherlands will rely on their experience to go deep into the tournament.

The procedures and pots have been revealed for the Final Draw. 🏆#FIFAWorldCup

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 25, 2025

Oldest Coach in World Cup History

Curacao is coached by 78-year-old Dick Advocaat, who will make history as the oldest coach at a World Cup.

Newcomers Make History

Four teams are set to make their World Cup debuts, with Curacao being one of them. They qualified after a goalless draw with Jamaica, and as the smallest nation ever to compete, with a population of just 150,000.

Cape Verde, Jordan, and Uzbekistan join Curacao as debutants in the World Cup. These teams will be looking to make a statement in the tournament.

As for dark horses, there are several teams that could surprise everyone with a strong run. These are teams that might get a relatively easy draw and capitalize on it. Some possibilities include Ecuador, Senegal, and Morocco, who have all shown promise in recent tournaments. Other teams like Colombia, Uruguay, and Italy could also be sleepers, with the right mix of talent and circumstances.

Haaland Leads Norway's Charge

Norway's qualifying campaign has been impressive, with Erling Haaland leading the charge. They topped their group, beating Italy 4-1 and securing their World Cup spot for the first time in 28 years.

WE MADE IT! 🇳🇴 pic.twitter.com/sB5hENUzx9

— Erling Haaland (@ErlingHaaland) November 17, 2025

Unstoppable Force

Norway's performance has been remarkable, bulldozing opponents with their strong team dynamic and firepower. Haaland's goalscoring prowess has been key to their success, making them a team to watch in the tournament.

Norway's impressive qualifying campaign saw them win all eight games, scoring 37 goals - the most of any European team. Erling Haaland led the charge, scoring 16 goals in those eight games, the most of any player in World Cup qualifying.

The Norwegians have a strong team dynamic, with more to their game than just Haaland's goalscoring prowess. Their attacking firepower and solid defense make them a formidable opponent.

Norway's attacking lineup boasts talented players like Alexander Sorloth and Jorgen Strand Larsen, who can be as lethal as Haaland on their day. Young prospect Antonio Nusa is also making waves, and along with Oscar Bobb, he's a threat to defenders.

Martin Odegaard is the creative spark behind Norway's attacks, and if he stays injury-free, he'll be crucial to their World Cup campaign. Stale Solbakken's side has a strong lineup, and they could make a statement in the tournament.

The Arsenal player has been instrumental in driving Norway forward, leading by example throughout the qualifying campaign. The team's defensive strength, anchored by Julian Ryerson and Kristoffer Ajer, combined with Sander Berge's midfield prowess, has created a solid squad. Erling Haaland's impressive performances, including 16 goals in eight qualifiers, have been a major factor in Norway's success, making them a dark horse for the World Cup.

Brazil's Challenges Ahead

Brazil will be relying on Vinicius Junior, Estevao, and others to step up big time if they want to contend for the title. Their fifth-placed finish in South American qualifiers under Carlo Ancelotti might not have been enough for the previous format, but the expansion gives them a new lease on life.

The South American nations that have booked their spot at next year’s FIFA World Cup. 🌎

Visit https://t.co/zJTWWlwshQ to find out where you can watch the Draw in your territory.

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 2, 2025

Ecuador's Hidden Gem

Ecuador could be the surprise package in the World Cup, with a talented squad and a strong team dynamic. They've quietly built a solid team that could make a deep run in the tournament.

Ecuador's qualification journey has been understated, but they've built a solid team with a strong defense. Moises Caicedo, Piero Hincapie, Willian Pacho, and Joel Ordonez are key players who have helped them concede just five goals in 18 games.

La Tri's low-scoring games won't make them easy to beat - they're a team that will be hard to break down. With their defensive strength, Ecuador is a team to watch out for, and opponents underestimate them at their own peril.

Colombia's Balanced Squad

Colombia finished just a point behind Ecuador in the qualifiers, with a strong attacking lineup that includes experienced players like James Rodriguez and young guns making their mark. Their 28 goals in qualifying showcase their firepower.

New Faces and Old Hands

Colombia's mix of experience and youthful energy could take them far, with players who are hungry to make an impact on the world stage. Their attacking depth and defensive solidity make them a team to watch.

Colombia has talented players like Luis Diaz, who can cause any defense problems. Jhon Duran, Jhon Arias, and Richard Rios will also be key players, adding to the team's strength.

Uruguay, under 70-year-old Marcelo Bielsa, could also make a strong run. This might be Bielsa's last World Cup, and he'll likely want to go out on a high note.

El viernes sabremos qué grupo nos toca en la @FIFAWorldCup 👀 pic.twitter.com/7FCJzsebtt

— Selección Uruguaya (@Uruguay) December 1, 2025

Uruguay's qualification was a bit rocky, but they ended strong with 28 points, matching Colombia, Brazil, and Paraguay. They have a solid core with players like Ronald Araujo, Jose Maria Gimenez, Manuel Ugarte, and Giorgian de Arrascaeta.

These teams could shake things up and trouble the favorites. The World Cup is shaping up to be an exciting tournament, with plenty of surprises in store.