2026 World Cup dark horses: Japan leads list of teams most likely to surprise in expanded tournament
By
Andy Lewis
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Summary
The article ranks the most likely dark horse teams to surprise at the 2026 World Cup, which features three host nations and 48 teams for the first time. Japan is ranked as the top contender to spring a surprise, given their strong performance at Qatar 2022 where they beat both Spain and Germany in the group stage before losing to Croatia on penalties. The piece analyzes several nations that could exceed expectations in the expanded tournament in North America.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledJapan seem to have been on the brink of a World Cup breakthrough for decades but have never made it beyond the Round of 16.
It should not be forgotten that they beat both Spain and Germany in their group at Qatar 2022 before losing on penalties to Croatia.
With such a large tournament, the chances are that at least one unfancied team will tear up the form book and go on a deep run in North America.
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