With less than a week until the 2026 World Cup kicks off on Thursday, June 11, when Mexico faces South Africa, the conversation around the tournament has already shifted beyond the usual favorites. France, Spain, Argentina, England and Brazil are widely considered the heavyweight contenders, but a crop of less celebrated teams have arrived on strong four-year cycles and could deliver major surprises. According to specialized press analysis, the leading candidate among potential dark horses is Norway. The Scandinavian side heads into the tournament after topping its qualifying group, edging out four-time champion Italy — which missed the World Cup for the third consecutive edition. The Norwegian squad's offensive firepower, anchored by unstoppable striker Erling Haaland and Arsenal playmaker Martin Odegaard, has drawn considerable attention.
Norway’s Offensive Firepower Elevates Dark Horse Expectations
The Norwegian national team topped its World Cup qualifying group, leaving four-time champion Italy — absent from the tournament for the third straight cycle — behind. Central to this success is a forward line featuring Erling Haaland, a prolific scorer, and Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard, the squad’s primary playmaker. Atletico Madrid striker Alexander Sorloth completes the attacking trio. However, the team’s strength extends beyond offense: fullback Julian Ryerson, defensive midfielder Sander Berge and winger Antonio Nusa provide balance across the pitch. This well-rounded unit has analysts believing Norway can advance deep into the World Cup.
Haaland and Odegaard Form the Core of a Lethal Attack
Haaland’s reputation as a relentless goal scorer needs little introduction, but the creativity of Odegaard gives the attack a different dimension. The Arsenal captain dictates tempo and unlocks defenses with precise passing. Together with Sorloth’s physical presence, Norway possesses a versatile frontline capable of troubling even the strongest defenses. The midfield and defensive contributions from Ryerson, Berge and Nusa ensure the team does not rely solely on its stars. This blend of firepower and discipline is what makes Norway the top dark horse candidate, according to observers.
Turkey Returns to World Stage After 24-Year Hiatus
Turkey qualified for the 2026 World Cup by winning two narrow playoff matches — both 1-0 decisions against Romania and Kosovo under Italian manager Vincenzo Montella. The team ended a 24-year absence from the tournament, a gap that underscores both the difficulty of European qualifying and the resurgence of Turkish football. Montella’s side combines youthful exuberance with veteran know-how. Real Madrid’s Arda Güler and Juventus forward Kenan Yıldız are the primary attacking talents, while veteran Hakan Çalhanoğlu brings experience and stability to midfield. Fullback Ferdi Kadıoğlu adds physical energy and width.
Montella’s Mix of Youth and Savvy Promises Unpredictability
The blend of emerging stars and seasoned players gives Turkey an unpredictable edge. Güler, just 21, dazzled at Real Madrid with his technical ability, while Yıldız has shown maturity beyond his years at Juventus. On the other hand, Çalhanoğlu, a stalwart for both club and country, orchestrates play from the center. Kadıoğlu’s relentless running on the flank allows the team to switch between defensive solidity and quick counterattacks. That versatility makes Turkey a dangerous opponent for any favorite.
Japan and African Challengers Also Pose Significant Threats
Japan, ranked 18th by FIFA, has demonstrated remarkable consistency against European sides. The Samurai Blue defeated Brazil last year and have not lost to a European team in regulation time since 2018, when Belgium beat them. Despite losing crucial attackers Kaoru Mitoma and Takumi Minamino to injury, Japan still fields a strong core including Wataru Endo, Daichi Kamada, Takefusa Kubo and Ayase Ueda. Manager Hajime Moriyasu’s side has proven it can compete with the world’s best.
Ivory Coast arrives with high morale after a pre-World Cup friendly victory over France and a recent Africa Cup of Nations title, won at home against Nigeria in early 2024. The squad features young talents like 23-year-old winger Amad Diallo and 19-year-old Yan Diomande, along with newly naturalized Inter Milan striker Ange-Yoan Bonny. Senegal, runner-up in the Africa Cup earlier this year, possesses defensive strength through Kalidou Koulibaly and an attack led by Sadio Mané, Ismaïla Sarr and Nicolas Jackson. Both African teams bring recent success and momentum that could translate into deep runs.