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"Who Could Be the Next Morocco"?: The Dark Horses of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Ranked
- Anweshan Ghosh
- Jun 6
- 7 min read
Updated: Jun 6
The FIFA World Cup is less than a week away, and we've already identified and discussed the favourites. Argentina, France, Spain, England, and Portugal are being touted as the teams to watch in the summer's biggest tournament. However, football is full of surprises, and the game's history suggests that at least one unexpected nation will shock the football world and punch above its weight.
Each World Cup produces unforgettable stories. South Korea's incredible run to the semi-finals in 2002 surprised everyone, as no one expected them to advance past the group stage.
Croatia stunned the world in 2018 when they advanced to the final, defeating Argentina, Denmark, and England. Four years ago, Morocco emerged as the surprise package, becoming the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final, defeating Belgium, Spain, and Portugal along the way.
With this edition of the World Cup expanded to 48 teams and an additional round of 32 knockout rounds, the chances for such surprises are greater than ever. We will rank six of these dark horses, as well as one wildcard, who are capable of writing history on American soil.
Norway: The Golden Generation of the Vikings
Norway returned to the grandest stage of football for the first time since 1998, and this time they brought their golden generation with them. Norway's squad, led by Erling Haaland, one of Europe's most prolific strikers, and Arsenal's skipper Martin Ødegaard, boasts unprecedented midfield and attacking talent. Norway had one of the best qualifying campaigns, winning all eight games, scoring 37 goals and conceding only five.
The Vikings' reliance on more than just Haaland and Ødegaard adds to their threat. Alexander Sørloth, Antonio Nusa, Oscar Bobb, and Jørgen Strand Larsen are responsible for one of the most brutal attacks targeting the United States, Mexico, and Canada. With a disciplined defensive approach and the ability to maintain their qualifying form, they have the potential to trouble any major team this season.
Norway’s World Cup Group Schedule:
Iraq vs Norway on June 16 at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA.
Norway vs Senegal on June 23 at New York New Jersey Stadium in New Jersey, USA.
Norway vs France on June 27 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA.
Japan: Mission Blue Lock
Other than Japan, no Asian team has been able to compete at the same level as South American and European teams in the World Cup. With their performances in the last two World Cups in Qatar and Russia, the Land of the Rising Sun has gained greater respect. The last time, they showed incredible discipline and tactical skill by winning the group stage and defeating both Germany and Spain.
Many of the players on Japan's squad are currently playing in the top leagues in Europe. They are among the hardest teams to play against in international football because of their pressing structure, quick transitions, and defensive discipline. They recently demonstrated their abilities by shocking England in a friendly match at their own stronghold. In contrast to other dark horses, Japan is not afraid to attack and has consistently exceeded expectations on the biggest stage of football.
Japan's World Cup Group Schedule:
Netherlands vs Japan on June 15 at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, USA.
Tunisia vs Japan on June 21 at Monterrey Stadium in Guadalupe, Mexico.
Japan vs Sweden on June 26 at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, USA.
Senegal: The Lions of Teranga
While Morocco is making headlines for its success in the 2022 World Cup, one of Africa's strongest teams should not be overlooked. The Teranga Lions have a squad with elite physicality and athleticism to match any major opponent in the knockout rounds. Led by Sadio Mane, they will be a force to be reckoned with in this tournament.
They've consistently competed with the world's best teams in recent competitions, and their talent pool is comparable to that of some of Europe's best. The majority of the squad's players play in Europe's top leagues, and their disciplined defensive structure is difficult to break down. On the counter, their quick attackers can tear apart defences. In a tournament where individual brilliance and margins are important, Senegal has the ingredients for a memorable campaign this time.
Senegal’s World Cup Group Schedule:
France vs Senegal on June 17 at New York New Jersey Stadium in New Jersey, USA.
Norway vs Senegal on June 23 at New York New Jersey Stadium in New Jersey, USA.
Senegal vs Iraq at Toronto Stadium in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Morocco: No Longer Underdogs?
Morocco's historic campaign four years ago demonstrated that their success was not due to luck, as they were tactically superior, defensively rock-solid, and ruthless in counter-attacks. They advanced to the semi-finals by defeating big teams like Belgium and Spain, and then eliminated Portugal, shattering Cristiano Ronaldo's dream of winning the World Cup.
Their core remains intact, with skipper Achraf Hakimi leading PSG as one of the world's best full backs. They also carry momentum from their previous World Cup experience, giving them an advantage over emerging nations in the new expanded format. If the Atlas Lions can maintain their similar organisation and mentality from four years ago, another run this season would not be surprising.
Morocco's World Cup Group Schedule:
Brazil vs Morocco on June 14 at New York New Jersey Stadium in New Jersey, USA.
Scotland vs Morocco on June 20 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA.
Morocco vs Haiti on June 25 at Atlanta Stadium in Georgia, USA.
Colombia: The Challengers from South America
Colombia is entering the World Cup with less hype than Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay, which could be a blessing in disguise for them because they can play freely without feeling pressure. They have a balanced squad, and I believe it is more balanced than Brazil or Uruguay.
Colombia, led by Luis Díaz and veteran James Rodríguez, is one of the South American nations expected to advance beyond the group stages. They demonstrated their ability to compete against the elite teams of CONMEBOL in the Copa America and qualification stages, finishing higher than Brazil. They are one of the teams to beat heading into the World Cup, thanks to their defensive discipline and strong technical midfield.
Colombia’s World Cup Group Schedule:
Uzbekistan vs Colombia on June 18 at Mexico City Stadium in Ciudad de México, Mexico.
Colombia vs DR Congo on June 24 at Guadalajara Stadium in Zapopan, Mexico.
Colombia vs Portugal on June 28 at Miami Stadium, Florida, USA.
Ecuador: The Wall of South America
Ecuador, like Colombia, has not received as much attention as Argentina or Brazil, but they are one of the most difficult teams in CONMEBOL. They finished third in the qualifying standings, conceded the fewest goals, and defeated elite teams such as Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay on the road. With a core of players from Europe's top leagues, they will be a force to be reckoned with.
With players like Moises Caicedo, Piero Hincapie, and William Pacho, Ecuador has one of the best defensive teams, as evidenced by statistics. Ecuador can be dangerous in counter-attacks, and they have consistently demonstrated their ability to compete with higher-ranked nations. If they can improve their final third efficiency, Ecuador could be one of the World Cup's biggest surprises.
Ecuador’s World Cup Group Schedule:
Ivory Coast vs Ecuador on June 15 at Philadelphia Stadium in Pennsylvania, USA.
Ecuador vs Curacao on June 21 at Kansas City Stadium in Missouri, USA.
Ecuador vs Germany on June 26 at New York New Jersey Stadium in New Jersey, USA.
Scotland: My Dark Horse Wildcard
Scotland may not be among the favourites, but they have emerged as one of Europe's most competitive teams. Under Steve Clarke, the team qualified for its first World Cup since 1998. They have the ability to outmuscle larger opponents due to their defensive organisation and resilience.
The Scots, led by Andrew Robertson and in-form midfielders such as Scott McTominay and John McGinn, have a combination of experience and youth that makes them difficult to beat. The expanded 48-team format could also benefit them, particularly given their ability to produce results. While they are unlikely to win the World Cup, they have all of the ingredients to create one of the most memorable stories of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Scotland’s World Cup Group Schedule:
Haiti vs Scotland on June 14 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA.
Scotland vs Morocco on June 20 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA.
Scotland vs Brazil at Miami Stadium in Florida, USA.
Why this World Cup may produce more upsets than previous editions
The expanded World Cup, with 48 teams, has altered the tournament's overall landscape. More teams are expected to advance to the knockout rounds in the round of 32, providing additional opportunities for underdogs to punch above their weight and gain momentum. One strong performance or a penalty shootout victory can instil a lot of confidence, as Croatia experienced in 2018.
Football has produced many stories, and its most famous tournaments have always been marked by the unexpected. While the news headlines and spotlight debates focus on whether Argentina will defend its World Cup title, France will reach a third consecutive final, or the Iberian nations of Portugal and Spain's dream, one of these dark horses could make history.
The question isn't whether there will be a surprise package in the World Cup but which of these teams it will be.
Which dark horse has the best shot at making a long run in the World Cup?
Norway
Japan
Senegal
Morocco
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