The stage is set for the unexpected! Football fans, get ready for some thrilling plot twists in 2026 as Ecuador, Japan, and Norway are tipped by WhoScored to be the dark horses of the tournament. These underdogs have it in them to pull off the unthinkable and leave the footballing giants in their wake.
Who can forget Morocco's semi-final appearance in 2022? Or Croatia reaching the final in 2018? And let's not forget Costa Rica's quarter-final journey in 2014! These moments of magic remind us that, at this level, anything is possible – and these three nations have what it takes to make their mark.
Ecuador's got a promising young squad on its hands, consistently developing talent and showing the grit and determination needed to go toe-to-toe with the best. Japan's technical skill and tactical nous are renowned, often catching opponents off guard with their clever playmaking. And Norway boasts an impressive lineup of top-class players in Europe, making them a force to be reckoned with.
The expanded 48-team format is the perfect recipe for chaos – or, as some might say, 'beauty'! With more nations involved and more opportunities for surprises, it's going to be an absolute thrill ride from start to finish. And let's not forget the first-ever co-hosting arrangement with three countries sharing the hosting duties – the stage is truly set for a spectacle.
The anticipation is palpable as we wait to see which nation will emerge as the next dark horse! Who'll pull off that game-changing upset? Who'll defy all odds and make it to the later stages of the tournament? The World Cup magic has us hooked, and these three nations are leading the charge!
Source: WhoScored