The World Cup is not only about celebrating the best teams on the planet, but also the dark horses who defy expectations.
Everyone already knows about Spain , France , England , Brazil , Argentina and the other favourites to win the tournament.
Many football fans would rather learn about the underdogs than the heavyweights — and we have that covered.
Here are three underrated nations who could realistically reach the latter stages of the 2026 World Cup .
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Given that many will predict Senegal or Morocco to make a deep run, the Ivory Coast are the real African dark horse this summer.
They have responded well since losing 3-2 to Egypt in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year.
The Elephants won 4-0 against South Korea and 1-0 against Scotland in their two friendlies during the March international break.
The Ivorian squad consists of many quality players from European clubs, such as Amad Diallo ( Manchester United ) and Nicolas Pepe ( Villarreal ).
Meanwhile, centre-back Ousmane Diomande and winger Yan Diomande are two of the top prospects in world football.
Therefore, the Ivory Coast should fancy their chances of making it out of Group G alongside Germany , Ecuador and Curacao .
The World Cup's expansion from 32 to 48 teams means it will be easier than ever to reach the knockout rounds.
That is why two teams from Group G (the Ivory Coast and Ecuador) can both be considered dark horses to make a deep run.
Ecuador's team is built on an excellent defensive unit, led by Arsenal 's Piero Hincapie, PSG 's Willian Pacho and Chelsea 's Moises Caicedo .
Fellow Chelsea wonderkid Kendry Paez and World Cup hero Enner Valencia will be responsible for providing the creative spark.
Ecuador have not lost since their 1-0 defeat to Brazil in September 2024, so they should not be overlooked heading into the World Cup.
Photo by Heuler Andrey/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Uruguay's 1-1 draw with England at Wembley Stadium in March proved why they are a team to watch this summer.
Marcelo Bielsa's side has a superb spine despite the absence of their greatest player, Luis Suarez .
Darwin Nunez , Federico Valverde , Manuel Ugarte , Ronald Araujo and Jose Maria Gimenez are just some of their Champions League-level players.
Plus, left-back Maximiliano Araujo, who has been linked with Man Utd and Arsenal, could be one of the breakthrough stars of the tournament.
Uruguay also have a favourable group (H), as they should have already beaten both Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde by the time they face Spain.
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