Few events in international football generate as much instant debate as a World Cup draw, but this one stood out as particularly chaotic. From unbalanced groups to unexpected matchups and logistical confusion, the draw kicked off what fans already expect to be a particularly uneasy major tournament in North America next year, in a pretty confusing way.
What was meant to be a structured ceremony quickly turned into a reminder that football, even at its most organized, is still ruled by unpredictability. Yet within that chaos lies opportunity. While giants of the game now face unusually difficult paths, several underdogs have emerged with genuine chances to shock the world. Whilst the tournament is famed for lesser nations having the chance to shine in front of the world, with the new 64 team format, and an added round, more may get a chance to do so. With this article looking at those that could not only achieve that, but how their players shining In Europe right now, could pose a genuine threat to the big boys of world football.
Ecuador: South America’s Feisty Longshot
Under the lights at the Estadio Monumental In September, Ecuador beat reigning champions Argentina to book at their place at a second consecutive world cup after bowing out at the group stage in Qatar 3 years ago. Now though, under the stewardship of Sebastian Beccacece, the South American side are looking to progress further at footballs premier competition, and have the players to do it. One key aspect of their side is a strong, robust defensive unit, as under the leadership of their new manager, they only conceded twice on their way to qualification.
A big part of this sturdiness comes from 3 of their back four plying their trade in Europe’s top 5 leagues Left back Pervis Estupinan has cemented himself as AC Milan’s starting left back since leaving Brighton, but its really the centre back partnership that has aided their great record. PSG’s William Pacho has often been overlooked when compared to his partners at club level, being paired with Marquinhos or Illia Zabarnyi, but since his arrival from Frankfurt, he has looked a consummate professional at the back for the European champions. He has averaged 4+ tackles a game so far this season for the Parisiens and last year kept 12 clean sheets, but more importantly only picked up 2 yellow cards, as he showed he can keep his nerve.
His partner, however, is the more feisty Piero Hincapie, the now Arsenal centre back has really been a versatile ever present for Mikel Arteta this season, filling in at LB and both left and right sided CB. The 23 year old was also a part of the incredible Bayer Leverkusen side that won the Bundesliga unbeaten in 23/24.
We cannot talk about Ecuador though without discussing the quality they possess In midfield with Moises Caicedo. The 100 million pound man endured a slightly nervy first season at Chelsea, but has established himself as one of the world’s best midfielders now under Enzo Maresca. He has also proved himself to be an excellent all round talent, transitioning from his previous role as a more one dimensional, holding player. He has put up an excellent passing record this season, with an accuracy of 92.2% across every game this season, but has also improved going forward, as he boasts 3 goals and 2 assists in all competitions, often grabbing involvement sin big games too, so there will be no surprise if La Tricolor look to him to progress far in the tournament.
Scotland- the Tartan Army in America
The Scots may have found themselves in group that wont allow them to emulate their qualifying heroics, but there is no doubt Steve Clark’s men will give it their all to book their spot in the knockout stages of a world cup for the first time In their history. Just as with Ecuador, Scotland boast one standout talent who has been tearing up Europe for the last twelve months, in Scott Mctominay, who has looked revitalised since his move to Naples in 2024. The former Manchester United man won the Serie A player of the year last season, as he guided Napoli to the Scudetto with Antonio Conte, and became one of the continent’s best goalscoring midfielders. Last season he put up 12 goals and 4 assists as he looked to break through from midfield and act as a late runner into the penalty area to finish off moves. He also scored the incredible bicycle kick to kick start the dramatic game against Denmark that saw them secure qualification. Currently ranking in the 99th percentile for shots per game amongst midfielders in Europe and in the 95th percentile for touches in the opposition’s area, Mctominay will hope to translate his domestic form to the international stage and take his side out of what is a tough group containing Brazil, Morocco and debutants Haiti.
The side also owes a lot of thanks to current premier league regulars too. First of which is their modified engine John Mcginn. The Villa man has started all 16 of his club sides games so far this season, and featured in all of Scotland’s qualifiers too. He boasts an excellent record for the tartans too, with 20 goals in 60 appearances reflecting an excellent record for a midfielder. He has once again shown how important he can be to any team though, wtih him putting up an average of 3.7 balls recovered per game, as he acts as a screen in front of the defence, and also a threat up front too.
Alongside him in Steve Clark’s midfield is Bournemouth’s Ryan Christie. Despite the Cherries undergoing major surgery in the summer In the wake of several departures, the Scot has continued his good form, particularly for his country, as he acts a metronome in the middle of the park for his nation, as he put up a passing accuracy of 94% in qualifying, alongside two goals as well.
Norway- The Vikings looking for Victory
It seems strange to refer to a side so full of talent as ‘underdogs’, but given this is their first major tournament since 2000, there has to be some reservations about their experience, particularly as they have landed themselves in a group with France and African giants Senegal. We simply cannot ignore though the sheer quality Ola Solbakken’s side has though, particularly in the forward areas, and especially at the feet of Erling Haaland. After 3 excellent seasons In the premier league for Manchester City, the striker has kicked on to another level in 25/26 as so far he has 40 goals in 31 games in this campaign. In a world cup that is believed to be reliant on moments of quality due to the heat at some of the host venues, the Scandinavians will no doubt look to their talisman to get them through tough moments and to make the difference in what may prove to be 3 very difficult games in North America.
Should he not be able to emulate his form from qualifying onto the big stage, Solbakken does have other firepower he can call upon. His Captain Martin Odegaard may not have enjoyed the moist fruitful last 12 months at Arsenal, as it has been littered with injuries and dips in form, but he has shown his quality for both club and country in recent years, including in 22/23 when he put up 15 non-penalty premier league goals, and if he can recapture that form for his nation come the summer, they will look to go deep at the tournament.
Another key part of the Norweigan forward line is the hulking figure of Alexander Sorloth. The former palace man endured a tumultuous career before finding his home in Madrid and has been a key part not only for Diego Simeone’s side but for his nation too. He put up 6 goals in qualifying and is not afraid to get in the box and rile opposing centrebacks. With this, he currently ranks in 97th percentile for all strikers in Europe for duels won, and Norwegian fans will hope that physicality can aid in their pursuit of knockout qualification.
As well as the established names of European football, Norway also have several young talent they can call upon should they need. Notably, RB Leipzig’s Antonio Nusa has impressed, in the main for his nation too. In Qualifying he supplied 2 goals and 3 assists in just 477 minutes, including one in the 4-1 win over Italy in Milan. He will just hope his current ankle won’t set him back too much. In addition, they also possess the talent of 21 year old Andreas Schjelderup, who made the move from Nordsjaelland to Benfica in 2022 and hasn’t looked back. The tricky winger wasn’t a main feature in qualifying but has averaged 12 goals and assists per season for the last 3 years at club level, which represent solid stats for someone so young. He will hope to really establish himself in Solbakken’s side and join the other attacking talent in taking Norway far in this tournament.
Morocco- Can the Africans go again?
Not many teams will have as good a warm up to a world cup than Morocco this year, with them playing in both the Arab Cup and the African Cup Of Nations, which they will host, as part of their build up for next summer, and they will hope this preparation will aid them in emulating their heroics of 2022. Still under the guidance of Walid Regragui, the African side also boasts a host of talent that can help them do so. One player having a fine season is striker Hamza Igamane, who moved from Rangers to Lille in the summer, and has helped catapult the French side into the Ligue 1 title race. The 23 year old has started the season in fine form both domestically and in Europe, as he boasts 9 goals and 2 assists so far, as well as gaining a recognition for dragging his side through games. This is evidenced by the fact he ranks in the 99th percentile for successful take-ons versus other forwards and in the 95th for progressive carries per 90.
The side also possesses talent that will shine behind the likes of Igamane, with Real Betis winger Abdessamad Ezzalzouli having a fine season so far for the side sitting 6th in LaLiga. Now in his third season at the Seville based side Ezzalzouli has established himself as one of the key players not only in the side but in the league too, and with 6 goals and 4 assists across all competitions this season, he will hope to not only finish chances, but create them too, as he tries to take his side to the knockouts again. In midfield too, Morocco possess the talent of Assedine Ounhi, who enjoyed a breakout campaign in Qatar 3 years ago and has continued that excellent form since then. Now at Girona and looking to keep the Spanish club in the top flight, Ounahi has cemented himself as one of the best deep lying playmakers on the continent and will try to express his metronomic talent on the world stage this summer once more. The 24 year old has an average of 7.59 progressive passes per 90, ranking him in the 92th percentile, and his bravery also has him complete 3.49 progressive carries per 90, the best amongst his position in Europe. With the goalscoring talent of Igamane, Ezzalzouli and others up front, and a strong midfield too, the first African side to reach the last 4 of a world cup in history will look tp try and repeat that feat once more.
Who Else Can Pose a Threat?
With the new format, new teams and an expanded roster there will be a whole plethora of teams looking to beat their previous records and make their own history, with the above perhaps three of the best placed teams looking to do so. Will Croatia be able to emulate their heroics of 2018? Will rookies such as Uzbekistan or Jordan upset some of the established regulars? Or will it be the time for a sleeping giant to awaken? ( all eyes on you Mr Tuchel). One thing is for certain is that we will see the talent lighting up Europe’s premier club competitions try and translate that form to the world stage, and for some, lead their sides to glory against all odds.
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