The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the biggest in history, featuring 48 nations competing for football’s top prize. Alongside the traditional favorites hogging the spotlight, several smaller teams from Africa, Asia, and Europe could emerge as strong underdogs capable of surprising the world once the action begins across North America.
While it’s still too soon to predict who will lift the 23rd edition of football’s ultimate prize, excitement is already growing. The upcoming tournament promises to be the most thrilling ever, with some nations powered by their pool of superstar talent and others relying on teamwork, discipline, and determination. From fearless dark horses to ambitious newcomers, here are our early picks of the World Cup 2026 underdog teams ready to own the headlines next summer.
1. Morocco
Apart from Lionel Messi leading Argentina to World Cup glory, Morocco was the biggest story of Qatar 2022. The Atlas Lions became the first African nation ever to reach the World Cup semi-finals, topping a tough group that included Croatia, Belgium, and Canada. They then went on to beat Spain and Portugal in the knockouts before falling to France in the semis. As things stand, Morocco once again looks like Africa’s strongest hope for success in 2026.
The 2026 tournament will be even more competitive with more teams taking part, but Morocco’s squad remains solid and hungry. Under coach Walid Regragui, the team has been in excellent form, losing only twice since their fourth-place finish in Qatar. They qualified comfortably for what will be their third straight World Cup. With Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz now part of a talented squad led by PSG’s Achraf Hakimi, Sofyan Amrabat, and emerging stars such as Eliesse Ben Seghir, Morocco has both the quality and belief to compete at the highest level.
2. Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan is perhaps the biggest underdog of them all. Their qualification for the 2026 World Cup after years of near misses was a huge surprise. Uzbekistan earned its place with a talented group of players who have started to gain attention in recent years.
This is the first time in the nation’s history that they have reached a World Cup, which makes them true outsiders. Experience matters on football’s biggest stage, and while most teams know what it feels like to play at a World Cup, Uzbekistan does not. Many expect them to struggle, and that’s understandable, but if there’s one thing certain about football, it’s that surprises happen and Uzbekistan might just deliver one.
Italian legend Fabio Cannavaro has been made the new head coach ahead of the tournament. Amongst the standout players in his arsenal is Abdukodir Khusanov, who plays a pivotal role in Manchester City’s defense. Eldor Shomurodov, who currently plays for İstanbul Başakşehir in Turkey, alongside the exciting 21-year-old winger Abbosbek Fayzullaev.
3. Japan
Japan was the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup on 20 March 2025. This will mark their eighth straight appearance at the tournament. The Blue Samurai impressed many in the last World Cup in Qatar, where they stunned Germany and Spain before narrowly losing to Croatia on penalties in the round of 16.
Japan will be aiming to reach the quarter-finals for the first time and ultimately go beyond South Korea’s famous 2002 semi-final run, as they strive to bring Asia closer to winning its first-ever World Cup. Coach Hajime Moriyasu has built a strong and stable starting eleven. Players like Wataru Endo, Ao Tanaka, Daizen Maeda, Takefusa Kubo, Kaoru Mitoma, Takumi Minamino, Hiroki Ito, Daichi Kamada, Junya Ito, and Keito Nakamura have all been consistent performers in top European leagues.
Japan scored 30 goals and conceded only three during the World Cup qualifiers, showing their attacking power and defensive tenacity. Their confidence grew further in October 2025 when they made history by beating Brazil for the first time in their history.
4. United States of America
The USMNT has a good chance of performing well on home soil next year with a pool of young talent and strong national support. The new World Cup format allows more countries to play with greater confidence and freedom.
In recent years, the US national team has made clear progress, producing several top players. Christian Pulisic is now one of AC Milan’s key stars, while Timothy Weah, Antonee Robinson, Chris Richards, and Weston McKennie have all become trusted regulars for their clubs.
Under new head coach Mauricio Pochettino, the team has faced some criticism for inconsistent performances. There’s still work to be done, and it seems the Argentine coach is still testing different options to find his best line-up. However, with recent results, things are finally starting to move in a positive direction for the co-hosts
5. Ecuador
La Tri have quietly become one of the toughest sides in South America. During CONMEBOL qualifying, they conceded the fewest goals of any team. Their defensive solidity comes from a young but elite back line featuring PSG’s Willian Pacho and Arsenal’s Piero Hincapié, shielded by Chelsea’s midfield enforcer Moisés Caicedo. Together, they form a compact, athletic spine capable of frustrating even the most creative attacking sides.
Ecuador’s tactical discipline and collective spirit make them an authentic World Cup 2026 underdog team to watch. Their mix of youth, grit, and structure could easily propel them further than most expect, and few opponents will relish facing them in North America next summer.
Closing Thoughts
As the world counts down to the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament, keep these nations on your radar. They may not dominate the headlines now, but that’s exactly what makes their potential so captivating. The beauty of football lies as much in its surprises as in its certainties, and these nations look ready to write the next great shock of the World Cup.
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For more fan-centric advice and travel planning, check out our main World Cup Miami guide.
