The Dark Horses: 5 Teams to Keep an Eye on in the 2026 World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is just around the corner, and while the usual suspects like Brazil, Germany, and France are always a threat to lift the trophy, there are several dark horses that could make a deep run in the tournament. These teams may not be as well-known or heavily favored, but they possess the talent, depth, and momentum to cause upsets and make a lasting impression on the global stage. Here are five teams to keep an eye on in the 2026 World Cup:
1. Portugal
After a disappointing 2018 World Cup campaign, Portugal has undergone a significant transformation under the guidance of coach Roberto Martínez. The team has rediscovered its attacking flair, with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, João Félix, and Diogo Jota leading the charge. Portugal’s defense has also improved, with the addition of experienced players like Rúben Dias and José Fonte. With a mix of youth and experience, Portugal is poised to make a deep run in the tournament.
2. Croatia
The 2018 World Cup finalists have been quietly building a strong squad, and their performances in the Nations League and European Championship qualifiers have been impressive. Croatia’s midfield trio of Luka Modrić, Ivan Perišić, and Marcelo Brozović is one of the most formidable in the world, and their defense has been solidified by the addition of players like Dejan Lovren and Domagoj Vida. With a strong team spirit and a wealth of experience, Croatia is a dark horse to watch.
3. Senegal
The Lions of Teranga have been one of the most exciting teams in African football over the past few years, and their performances in the 2018 World Cup and 2021 Africa Cup of Nations have shown that they are capable of competing with the best. Senegal’s attack is led by the pacey Sadio Mané and the clinical Sadio Gueye, while their defense has been solidified by the addition of players like Kalidou Koulibaly and Abdou Diallo. With a strong team spirit and a wealth of talent, Senegal is a dark horse to watch.
4. Colombia
After a disappointing 2018 World Cup campaign, Colombia has undergone a significant transformation under the guidance of coach Reinaldo Rueda. The team has rediscovered its attacking flair, with the likes of James Rodríguez, Luis Muriel, and Duván Zapata leading the charge. Colombia’s defense has also improved, with the addition of experienced players like Yerry Mina and Santiago Arias. With a mix of youth and experience, Colombia is poised to make a deep run in the tournament.
5. Morocco
The Atlas Lions have been one of the most consistent teams in African football over the past few years, and their performances in the 2018 World Cup and 2021 Africa Cup of Nations have shown that they are capable of competing with the best. Morocco’s attack is led by the pacey Hakim Ziyech and the clinical Youssef En-Nesyri, while their defense has been solidified by the addition of players like Romain Saïss and Achraf Hakimi. With a strong team spirit and a wealth of talent, Morocco is a dark horse to watch.
These five teams may not be as heavily favored as some of the other teams in the tournament, but they possess the talent, depth, and momentum to cause upsets and make a lasting impression on the global stage. As the 2026 World Cup approaches, keep an eye on these dark horses, as they could be the teams that make the biggest impact on the tournament.
