The World Cup is co-hosted by Mexico, Canada, and United States is expected to be dominated by usual favourites like Argentina, France, Brazil, and England. These are the teams that have high chances of winning the competition on paper.
However, in each and every World Cup tournament has produced some surprises where one or two teams will exceed expectations, and we look at those dark horses’ nations that will surprise people.
Morocco
In the 2022 edition held in Qatar, the North African side made history by reaching the semifinal as they eliminated Portugal. The Atlas Lions remains one of the strongest dark horses again in this year’s world cup.
Their formidable form in the last tournament was based on tactical discipline and defensive organisation.
Also, their squad is filled with players who playing at the highest level. Even though they have a new coach, but the foundation and the core of the team is still there.
They have already shown they can eliminate elite nations on the world stage and will be confident of repeating that feat.
Japan
Japan is a team that always keeps improving in every World Cup tournament they play and they slowly becoming a side that is hard to beat.
Their work rate, technical ability and intelligence is what makes them to be able to compete against the best teams in the globe.
They have previously managed to record impressive World Cup victories against European elite nations.
And the growing number of players playing in top leagues in European is another factor that makes them a team that can cause an upset in the competition.
Switzerland
The Red Crosses are a side that is consistently fly under the radar. They get much attention like other Europe’s powerhouse. However, they are remarkably difficult to beat and regularly perform well in major tournaments.
Switzerland’s style of play is about being organised, defensive, and pressing, they can also win games with quick transitions.
This is a side that that few favourites would want to face in the knockout stages.
Norway
Norway are an exciting outsider because of their attacking strength and growing confidence. Their recent progress suggests they are capable of competing with stronger nations, and if their key players perform at their best, they could become one of the tournament’s biggest surprises.
Other Nations
Other teams to look at that can surprise people at the competition are South America’s, Paraguay and Colombia. These countries have rebuilt their squad with disciplined and have a strong mentality.
Both sides like to play with flair and their attacking quality can give us surprising results. Also, Paraguay and Colombia are not easily intimidated in big competitions.
Bet on World Cup
These are the nations that nobody is expecting them to exceed the expectations. But with their previous proven records they can cause an upset and go behind what people think. These are the dark horses’ team that it will be interesting to watch them throughout the tournament.
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