The World Cup is known for its drama, and most times, this drama comes with dark horses, the countries that rip the script.
Every World Cup produces at least one surprise package. Sometimes it is Croatia reaching the final, Morocco making the semi-finals, or South Korea’s unforgettable run on home soil. While much of the pre-tournament conversation revolves around traditional giants like Argentina, France, Brazil, and Spain, history tells us that football’s biggest stage always creates opportunities for ambitious outsiders.
The expanded 48-team format at the 2026 World Cup may create even more room for dark horses to emerge. With more knockout spots available and a Round of 32 replacing the traditional Round of 16 as the first elimination stage, several nations will believe they can make a deeper run than many expect.
Here are five countries that could surprise the football world in North America.
Netherlands
Calling the Netherlands a dark horse almost feels unfair considering their football pedigree, but they enter the tournament without the same level of hype surrounding the likes of France, Spain, and Argentina. That could work in their favour.
Who’s on the back of your shirt this summer? 😏#NothingLikeOranje #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/AxuTBiy6TX
— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) June 2, 2026
The Dutch squad is packed with experience and talent across every area of the pitch. At the back, Virgil van Dijk remains one of the world’s most commanding defenders, while midfield orchestrator Frenkie de Jong gives the team control and composure in possession. Up front, Donyell Malen has developed into one of Serie A’s most dangerous attacking players.
What makes the Netherlands dangerous is balance. They may not possess the superstar depth of some rivals, but they rarely look vulnerable in any department. They can dominate possession, defend deep when required, and have enough quality to punish teams on the counterattack.
If they win their group, a quarter-final appearance should be the minimum expectation. If the draw opens up, a semi-final run is absolutely realistic.
Belgium
Many assumed Belgium’s golden generation disappeared when players like Eden Hazard, Vincent Kompany, and Toby Alderweireld moved on. What has emerged instead is a younger, hungrier side with less pressure and more tactical flexibility.
The biggest reason Belgium could surprise people is that they still possess elite-level talent. Jeremy Doku is one of the most explosive wingers in international football, Charles De Ketelaere has developed into a creative force capable of unlocking defences, and Lois Openda has become a reliable goalscorer at the highest level.
How far will Belgium go at the 2026 FIFA World Cup? 🇧🇪 pic.twitter.com/MKlffXm6Y6
— Squawka (@Squawka) June 4, 2026
The team can still rely on Kevin De Bruyne and Thibaut Courtois to deliver and use their experience to guide the team through games.
Unlike previous Belgian teams that often entered tournaments burdened by expectations, this squad feels freer. They are no longer expected to win the World Cup, which could make them even more dangerous.
Belgium’s group is far from straightforward, but they have enough attacking quality to finish in the top two. Once they reach the knockout rounds, they become exactly the kind of opponent favourites would rather avoid.
Morocco
Morocco can hardly be considered an unknown quantity after their historic run to the semi-finals in Qatar, but many still view that achievement as a one-off. That may prove to be a mistake.
The Atlas Lions have built one of the most organised and disciplined teams in world football. Their defensive structure remains exceptional, but what makes them even more dangerous now is the growing quality throughout the squad.
🚨🇲🇦 OFFICIAL: Morocco release World Cup final squad.
Achraf Hakimi recovers, and Bouaddi is officially confirmed as part of Morocco project. pic.twitter.com/51UaUZ6pK2
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 26, 2026
Achraf Hakimi continues to be one of the best attacking full-backs in football, while Sofyan Amrabat remains the heartbeat of the midfield. Up front, Youssef En-Nesyri provides the physical presence and goals that can decide tight knockout games.
Morocco thrive in tournament football because they understand exactly who they are. They do not try to outplay technically superior teams. Instead, they frustrate opponents, stay compact, and strike with devastating efficiency when opportunities appear.
Given their recent World Cup experience, nobody should be shocked if Morocco once again reaches the latter stages.
Norway
If there is one nation that feels ready to announce itself on the global stage, it is Norway.
For years, Norwegian football produced talented individuals without assembling a truly competitive national team. That has changed. This generation may be the strongest Norway has produced in decades.
The obvious headline name is Erling Haaland. Few strikers in world football can match his goalscoring ability, physical power, or movement inside the penalty area. Alongside him is Martin Ødegaard, one of the finest creative midfielders in Europe and a player capable of controlling the tempo of big matches. Alexander Sørloth adds another attacking dimension and gives Norway a genuine threat from crosses and set pieces.
The combination of Haaland and Ødegaard alone gives Norway a chance against almost anyone. In tournament football, having elite players capable of deciding matches often matters more than possessing the deepest squad.
Their biggest challenge will be handling the pressure of expectation. If they navigate the group stage successfully, Norway could quickly become one of the stories of the tournament.
Colombia
Perhaps the most dangerous dark horse of them all is Colombia.
Unlike some of the other teams on this list, Colombia have quietly gone about their business without attracting enormous attention. Yet they possess many of the ingredients needed for a deep World Cup run.
Colombia’s squad for their return to the World Cup after failing to qualify in 2022 🇨🇴 pic.twitter.com/3BnPyVPsES
— B/R Football (@brfootball) May 25, 2026
Luis Díaz is the obvious star. His pace, dribbling ability, and knack for producing moments of magic make him one of the most exciting attackers in the tournament. Alongside him, James Rodríguez may no longer be at his peak, but his experience and vision remain invaluable in major competitions. In midfield, Jefferson Lerma provides the physicality and defensive discipline needed to compete against elite opposition.
Colombia are difficult to beat because they combine South American flair with tactical organisation. They are capable of dominating weaker teams but also have the resilience to frustrate stronger opponents.
Their group-stage clash with Portugal could even determine who finishes first in the group. If Colombia can secure a positive result in that match, they could find themselves with a more favourable path through the knockout rounds.
The expanded format suits them perfectly. They have enough quality to comfortably reach the Round of 32 and enough experience to go much further if momentum starts building.
