2026 World Cup Early Predictions: Who Are the Dark Horses?

The 2026 World Cup is just months away, and the excitement surrounding the tournament is already building. With that in mind, it’s never too early to reveal some predictions for the World Cup 2026.

With the newly expanded 48-team tournament, the chances for surprises have never been greater. While the spotlight shines on popular teams like France, Spain, or Brazil, history has proven that smaller teams can also steal the show. Some dark horses could upset the odds and make headlines at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Here are the early predictions of the 2026 World Cup.

Some giants will dominate the show, while others will struggle

Favourite teams like Argentina, Brazil, and France are predicted to still dominate the tournament. These giant teams have proven themselves consistently in the World Cup. Brazil remains the favorite with its endless attacks, while France has a strong squad led by a superstar, Kylian Mbappé.

On the other hand, giants like Germany and Italy are struggling. The teams have very talented players, but the overall balance is off. As the teams are in the middle of talent cycles, these giants struggled in qualification. They are predicted to struggle in the World Cup unless something drastic changes.

Weather conditions affect the outcomes

The 2026 World Cup kicks off in the summer months in North America. The weather conditions are going to be a huge factor that can affect the game outcomes. Players from Europe will have to adjust to the new climate. But the heat will be a huge advantage for teams who are used to playing in a warmer climate.

More surprises with the expanded 48-team tournament

The 2026 World Cup is the first time the tournament has expanded to 48 teams. More teams mean more surprises to happen. Fans can expect to see more playing strategies and more talents. The expansion gives opportunities for more countries to compete on the global stage. But more teams also mean more group-stage matches and more unpredictable outcomes.

Dark horses predictions

There are going to be dark horses with surprises in the 2026 World Cup. Small teams like Japan, Croatia, and Morocco can challenge the giants. Japan showed a fearless playstyle and upset giants like Germany and Spain in 2022. Norway has a solid defense and superstars, Erling Haaland, Martin Odegaard, and Antonio Nusa. Croatia has experience and resilience on the international stage. Other teams to watch out for include Ecuador, Colombia, and Paraguay. Colombia has talents, and Ecuador has a solid defense. Rising stars like Turkiye, Switzerland, and Sweden are also predicted to shine in the 2026 World Cup.

One of the host nations will shine

One of the three host nations for the 2026 World Cup is predicted to go on a very deep run. The USA, Canada, and Mexico will enjoy the home advantage. The teams are familiar with stadiums and the weather conditions. Local supporters can bring energy and lift the teams during matches. Canada is predicted to stand out with the great balance and togetherness in their squad.