When outsiders shine

Football’s biggest stage has a habit of producing surprises, and the 48-team format gives more nations a platform. In 2022, Morocco became the first African side to reach a World Cup semi-final, beating Belgium, Spain and Portugal along the way.

Candidates for 2026

Morocco will fancy another deep run, while Croatia — finalists in 2018 and third in 2022 — have made over-achievement a habit. Expanded qualification also brings energetic sides from Africa and Asia who could trouble bigger names in the group stage.

• Morocco — 2022 semi-finalists
• Croatia — serial knockout specialists
• Emerging African and Asian qualifiers

Why upsets are likely

More teams, more matches and a punishing summer schedule across three countries create perfect conditions for shocks. With eight third-placed teams advancing, a single positive result can send an underdog into the knockouts — where, as Morocco proved, anything is possible.