Major League Soccer

·8 June 2026

By J. Sam Jones

As you’ve probably heard, 48 nations have secured their spots in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while many others have missed out this time.

Now, let’s be honest — a large number of these 48 sides don’t realistically stand a chance of lifting the trophy. Sorry, but it’s true. So, you might want to pick a backup team or two to cheer for. Or maybe you’re just not feeling too patriotic right now and want to explore other options.

Whether you’re looking for a primary team or a secondary one, we’ve got you sorted. Just don’t expect us to push you toward the heavyweights — that’s not nearly as much fun.

Here are a few underdogs worth considering.

Let’s start with Cape Verde — the Blue Sharks. The second smallest nation ever to qualify for a World Cup, they’ve already made history. Their passionate celebrations after qualification showed what this means to them, and a surprise result in the group stage could spark even bigger festivities.

Fans also get to watch Columbus Crew defender Steven Moreira in action as he represents the island nation.

Then there’s the smallest country ever to qualify — Suriname, coached by none other than 78-year-old Dick Advocaat, the oldest manager at the tournament.

This tiny island nation, home to about 156,000 people — fewer than the population within Salt Lake City, Utah — is the ultimate underdog story. Their squad includes former MLS players Jürgen Locadia and Eloy Room, bringing valuable experience.

Uzbekistan joins the list as another first-time qualifier, known as the White Wolves. Their country’s cuisine — plov and samsa — is worth exploring too. But on the pitch, they face a tough group alongside Portugal, Colombia and DR Congo. It will take something extraordinary for them to move forward.

Next up is Haiti, a team returning to the World Cup for the first time since 1974. Their qualification journey was unlike any other, as they couldn’t host home matches due to security and political challenges. Their success has brought hope to a nation that truly needed it.

MLS fans will recognise familiar faces like Philadelphia Union’s Danley Jean Jacques, Toronto FC’s Derrick Etienne Jr., and FC Dallas’s Louicius Deedson.

Paraguay offer something a bit different — a mix of grit, tactical stubbornness and chaos. They play compact, defend deep, and launch long passes and crosses to frustrate their opponents. It’s not the prettiest football, but it can definitely cause upsets in a tournament setting.

If you’re an admirer of Miguel Almirón or Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Andrés Cubas, or if you simply enjoy watching a team that can spoil the party for others, Paraguay might be your pick.

Sweden, meanwhile, could appeal to those who know what it’s like to do most of the heavy lifting in a group project. With Arsenal striker Viktor Gyökeres and Liverpool’s Alexander Isak leading the attack, they have what it takes to meet their potential — if their stars shine.

And then there’s the host nation — maybe you just want to support the home team. Perhaps you find it exciting to see a country known for another sport make a mark on football’s biggest stage. Or maybe you simply want to see Major League Soccer players making an impact at home. Either way, joining the home crowd could be one of the most thrilling experiences of this World Cup.

Moving toward slightly more established sides, Croatia stand out. Despite finishing second in 2018 and third in 2022, expectations are lower this time — which could make them all the more enjoyable to watch. Led by veterans like Luka Modrić, Ivan Perišić, Mateo Kovačić, Andrej Kramarić and Mario Pašalić, this is a team for those who appreciate experience over youth.

And for MLS fans, there’s added incentive: FC Dallas striker Petar Musa and Orlando City winger Marco Pašalić are part of the squad.

If you value teamwork above star power, Japan are your team. The Samurai Blue play as one of the most cohesive units in world football. Their most familiar name might be Liverpool’s Wataru Endo, but this side thrives on collective strength rather than individual brilliance.

Drawn into a challenging group with the Netherlands, Sweden and Tunisia, Japan still look capable of going deep. Their recent form has been impressive — victories over Brazil, Ghana, Bolivia, Scotland, England and Iceland, with their only defeat since September coming against the United States. Their last conceded goal came in a 3-2 win over Brazil in October.

Jumping on the Japan bandwagon may require stamina, but it’s a journey worth taking.

Norway, on the other hand, are the trendy dark horse pick led by the unstoppable Erling Haaland and Arsenal playmaker Martin Ødegaard. They rely heavily on moments of brilliance from their stars, the opposite of Japan’s collective approach.

If your gaming style in EAFC is all about pace and direct runs rather than patient build-up, Norway could be your ideal team.

Another team that’s gained dark horse popularity is Ecuador. Their strength lies in defence, with Chelsea’s Moisés Caicedo commanding midfield, PSG’s Willian Pacho and Arsenal’s Piero Hincapié securing the backline. A strong defensive unit can be the foundation for a deep run in tournament football.

Fans of MLS might recall Pedro Vite, Jordy Alcívar and Alan Franco (yes, the other one) adding depth to that connection.

Senegal, the reigning Africa Cup of Nations champions (despite having their title controversially stripped later), round out the list. They’re grouped with Norway, Iraq and France — arguably the toughest group of the tournament.

With attackers like Sadio Mané, Nicolas Jackson, Ismaïla Sarr and Iliman Ndiaye, Senegal have the firepower to challenge anyone. If you’ve ever been annoyed by losing out on a technicality, this is your team.

And finally — Scotland. The Tartan Army alone is reason enough to get behind them.