The 2022 FIFA World Cup semifinal bracket featured Argentina, France … Croatia and Morocco?
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That’s right. Two of football’s historic powerhouses were joined in the penultimate round by nations not familiar with the later stages.
Croatia, of course, fell to France in the 2018 final, though a second straight semifinal berth wasn’t entirely expected. Morocco made its best run yet, but it didn’t have enough goal threat to upset France after already eliminating Spain and Portugal.
Most World Cups tend to feature at least one team that makes an unexpected leap. Which teams have that chance in the 48-team 2026 World Cup? Let’s look at five:
Senegal
Croatia and Morocco won’t make this list due to recent tournaments though the latter qualifies, while the Netherlands and Belgium have hovered around the elites for a while. Japan is on the brink, but ultimately didn’t make the cut.
So the list starts with Senegal, one of Africa’s gems the last few years. Despite the controversial AFCON final ruling vs. Morocco, the Lions of Teranga possess a satisfying fusion of ready-now veterans and up-and-coming stars. Sadio Mane, Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly, Ismaila Sarr and Nicolas Jackson are among the players who have been in elite competitions for several years. Iliman Ndiaye, El Hadji Malick Diouf, Lamine Camara, Assane Diao, Ibrahim Mbaye and Habib Diarra are among the players at solid clubs ready for the next step.
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Senegal will have to survive a brutal group that features France and Norway, but don’t be surprised if the Lions of Teranga live up to their name.
Ivory Coast
It’s been a while since Ivory Coast made some waves. Perhaps even too long. More hidden of an African gem than Senegal at this current time, the Elephants are coming into this tournament just under the tier of Senegal. Odilon Kossounou, Evan Ndicka, Wilfried Singo, Seko Fofana, Franck Kessie and Nicolas Pepe are among the players in their prime or just beyond that should play key roles. Ousmane Diomande, Guela Doue, Christ Inao Oulai, Ange-Yoan Bonny, Bazoumana Toure and Yan Diomande are young rising talents who can make a difference, too, among others. Goalkeeping is a weakness, but the rest is a solid squad. The Elephants are with Germany, Ecuador and Curacao.
Norway
Two of the sports biggest names currently represent Norway: striker Erling Haaland and midfielder Martin Odegaard. With the expanded tournament and more quality coming through, Norway finally gets its moment on the big stage. Those two will need to be in peak form to have a chance, while Antonio Nusa, Alexander Sorloth, Julian Ryerson, Andreas Schjelderup, Oscar Bobb and more will need to stand out from the supporting cast. Norway’s depth is a tad bit weaker, but their starting 11 is in a solid shape in a group with France, Senegal and Iraq.
Turkiye
A possible contender from a weaker group could be Turkiye, which is in Group D alongside the U.S. men’s national team, Australia and Paraguay. Young stars Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiz are the faces of the team, though they have a supporting cast that features versatile role players in Baris Yilmaz, Ferdi Kadioglu, Can Uzun, Hakan Calhanoglu, Yunus Akgun, Mert Mudur and more. If the Crescent-Stars can stay disciplined defensively, they have some underrated difference makers in attack. It wouldn’t be surprising if they top the group, too.
Ecuador
Rounding out the list is arguably the most underrated defense in international football. Despite missing a star goalie, La Tricolor’s backline features defensive midfielder Moises Caicedo, left-backs Piero Hincapie and Pervis Estupinan and center-backs Willian Pacho and Joel Ordonez, a potential breakout player. The attack will need more juice beyond veteran striker Enner Valencia and youngsters Kendry Paez and Nilson Angulo, but Ecuador doesn’t rely on scoring to win games. La Tricolor is with Ivory Coast, Germany and Curacao, and they should frustrate their opponents with their defensive mentality.
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