FRA 16.5%
ESP 16%
ENG 11.5%
POR 9.4%
ARG 8.9%Analysis
Dark Horses: Five Teams That Could Crash the 2026 Party
By The Group Stage··
Morocco are ranked inside the world's top eight, Colombia and Uruguay are dangerous, and Japan keep improving. The contenders the favourites least want to face.
Every World Cup is defined as much by its surprises as its champions. These sides have the profile to beat their pre-tournament billing.
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Africa's flag-bearers and more
Morocco's run to the 2022 semi-finals was no fluke, they are now ranked 8th in the world, Africa's highest. Colombia (#13) carry Luis Díaz and James Rodríguez, while Bielsa's Uruguay (#17) press teams into mistakes.
The wildcards
Japan remain Asia's most polished team and a popular pick to finally reach a quarter-final, and Croatia's ageless midfield keeps defying the odds. None would be a shock in the last eight.
