How the underdogs are faring at the World Cup | OneFootball

Underdogs went into the 2026 World Cup knowing it wasn’t going to be easy.

But from the very first whistle in North America, the supposed also-rans have been turning the group stage on its head, and it’s been great to see, adding further excitement to proceedings.

The expanded 48-team format was supposed to make it easier for the big nations in the group stage.

However, what’s actually happened is that underdogs have risen to the challenge, seeing this as their opportunity to shock the world.

Cape Verde: The debutants nobody can beat

The story of the group stage so far belongs to Cape Verde – a nation of just over half a million people, making their World Cup debut.

They held European champions and tournament favourites, according to football betting odds, Spain, to a goalless draw in their opening game.

Goalkeeper Vozinha, at the age of 40, became an overnight sensation as he helped repel 27 shots.

Cape Verde followed that result up by drawing 2-2 with Uruguay. Their compact, disciplined defensive structure forces opponents into positions where it’s difficult to create clear-cut chances, which has been the key to their success.

South Korea and the art of the comeback

South Korea pulled off a fantastic comeback in their opening fixture, coming from a goal down against Czechia to win 2-1.

Strikes from Hwang In-beom and Oh Hyeon-gyu turned the game around, with the manner of the victory being composed, high-energy and tactically sharp.

They remain in contention to progress heading into their final group game, and their brand of composed, high-energy football has already shown it can trouble anyone.

Norway no longer the dark horses

Norway are making their first World Cup appearance in 28 years and are refusing to be treated as tourists.

Ahead of the competition beginning, Norway were tipped to be the dark horses, primarily because they have Erling Braut Haaland leading the line.

When you have an elite goalscorer in attack, you stand a chance of defeating anyone, which is already proving to be the case.

Haaland made his World Cup bow in great fashion, scoring twice in a 4-1 win over Iraq.

He quickly followed that up with two more goals in Norway’s win over Senegal, helping to secure safe passage to the Round of 32. Four goals in two games prove Norway and Haaland are the real deal.

Why the underdogs are thriving

In tournament football, it’s always been the case that anything can happen on the day.

We saw it at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, when Argentina lost their opening game to Saudi Arabia before going on to win the tournament.

The expanded format this summer has changed the landscape. While many of them are underdogs, they’ve come with the mentality that they can compete through sheer will and a bit of quality, and it’s working a treat.

Nobody is saying that an underdog will win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, although you never know.

However, what they have shown is a willingness to do whatever it takes to upset the odds, which makes for great viewing, unless it’s your team on the end of a shock result.