2026 World Cup: Top 10 dark horse countries ranked

The 2026 World Cup is expected to produce surprise nations like Morocco did in 2022. Japan, under Hajime Moriyasu with Kaoru Mitoma and Ayase Ueda, is favored for a deep run. Ecuador qualified with a stout defense (5 goals conceded in 18 matches). Norway relies on Erling Haaland, Martin Ødegaard, and Alexander Sørloth. Senegal, Colombia, and Austria round out the list of ten dark horses.