World Cup approaching: which national teams to watch and the most underrated ones in the 2026 FIFA World Cup

As it is approaching, more and more attention is being focused on the national teams that could surprise in the biggest tournament in football. In addition to the traditional favorites, some teams are quietly building competitive squads capable of challenging the established order and creating new history on the world stage.

Norway and Cape Verde among the most interesting teams

Norway is considered one of the most promising national teams for this World Cup. With Erling Haaland in attack and Martin Ødegaard in midfield, the Norwegians have individual quality that can make the difference in any match. After a long absence from major tournaments, Norway’s “golden generation” seems ready to compete with elite teams.

Although they are in a strong group with France and Senegal, the Nordic side combines physical strength with technique and tactical discipline, elements that make them a serious opponent.

Another special story is Cape Verde, which will take part in a World Cup for the first time. The “Blue Sharks” secured qualification after eliminating Cameroon, showing organization and tactical maturity. Even without big-name players, the African side relies on teamwork and compact defense, which could trouble stronger opponents.

Japan and Croatia seeking confirmation

Japan remains one of the most underrated national teams, despite strong performances in recent years. At the 2022 World Cup, Japan shocked Germany and Spain, proving they can compete with football’s biggest powers.

High pressing, tactical discipline, and speed in transition remain the main weapons of the “Samurai Blue,” who aim to go even further in this edition.

Meanwhile, Croatia continues to defy skepticism. Finalists in 2018 and semi-finalists in 2022, the Balkan team keeps showing stability in major competitions. With the experience of Luka Modrić and the energy of a new generation, Croatia remains a team that knows how to handle high-pressure matches and produce surprises.

Ecuador and Uzbekistan, teams to watch out for

Ecuador impressed during South American qualifiers with energy and tactical discipline. With a young and dynamic squad, the Latin American side combines physical intensity with creativity in attack.

Following positive performances in the Copa América, Ecuador enters the World Cup with high confidence and is considered a difficult opponent for any national team.

Uzbekistan is also expected to be one of the possible surprises of the tournament. The Asian national team has built a group of players developed in youth competitions and has shown good organization during qualifiers. Although inexperienced on the world stage, Uzbekistan aims to follow in the footsteps of historic surprises such as South Korea in 2002.

Teams that risk disappointing

On the other hand, some teams that have qualified historically may struggle at this high level of competition.

Curaçao is making its first World Cup appearance, but the lack of international experience could have a strong impact. Despite quality players such as Tahith Chong and Joshua Brenet, the squad is not yet fully consolidated at this level.

A similar situation applies to Jordan, which had an excellent qualifying campaign but is expected to face difficulties in a group with much stronger opponents such as Argentina and Algeria. Enthusiasm and effort may not be enough to cover technical and tactical gaps.

Scotland also remains a team that fights hard but often struggles to make an impact in major tournaments. Organization and character are not lacking, but the lack of creativity and squad depth may again hold them back.

Austria, meanwhile, is considered a disciplined and compact team, but without the ability to make a decisive breakthrough on the world stage. Although they can produce solid performances, their journey risks being correct but not memorable.

A World Cup that could reshape the hierarchy

The 2026 World Cup is expected to bring not only spectacle, but also new stories of surprises and disappointments. Smaller national teams are increasingly showing that the gap with traditional powers is narrowing, while tournament pressure could also affect more experienced sides.

In a competition where everything can change within minutes, every national team will enter the pitch hoping to write its own history.

“KORÇA BOOM”