Everyone's talking about Argentina, France, Brazil. The usual suspects. But the smart money — the people who actually study the data — is whispering about three teams that could absolutely wreck everyone's bracket. Not 'maybe win a game.' We're talking DEEP runs. These aren't lottery tickets — the numbers back them up.

Scenario A: Japan Reaches the Semifinals

You think this is crazy? Japan beat Germany 2-1 in 2022. Then beat Spain 2-1. In the SAME tournament. They topped a group with two of the last three World Cup winners. This isn't a fluke — it's a pattern.

Japan's Credentials

2022 World Cup: Beat Germany 2-1, Beat Spain 2-1, topped Group E
Key Players: Mitoma (Brighton), Kubo (Real Sociedad), Tomiyasu (Arsenal)
Style: Counter-attacking, high-energy pressing, technically elite

Japan at around 40.00 to win is generous. But reaching the semifinals? That's a different conversation. Japan thrives when bigger opponents underestimate them.

"Japan has beaten Germany and Spain in back-to-back World Cups. At some point, we have to stop calling it luck."

Scenario B: Morocco Does It Again

In 2022, Morocco became the first African nation to reach a World Cup semifinal. They beat Belgium, Spain, and Portugal. Cristiano Ronaldo walked down the tunnel in tears. Now their 2026 squad is even better — Hakimi, Bono, and new young attacking talent. They've proven they can beat anyone. At 50.00 odds, the market still isn't taking them seriously.

Scenario C: Canada Becomes the Story

Canada is hosting. They have Alphonso Davies — the best left-back in the world. Jonathan David scores goals for fun. Ismael Kone is breaking out. And most importantly: host nations ALWAYS overperform. South Korea reached semis as co-hosts. Russia made quarters. Canada has the talent to capitalize on that energy.

The Bottom Line

Nobody's saying these three will lift the trophy. But deep tournament runs? Absolutely possible. The World Cup is built on upsets — every tournament has at least one team that goes way further than predicted. In 2026, it could be all three.

Frequently Asked Questions

Could Japan really reach the World Cup 2026 semifinals?

Absolutely. Japan has beaten Germany and Spain at World Cups, and their 2026 squad is deeper. They counter-attack brilliantly against stronger opponents.

What makes Morocco dangerous in 2026?

Morocco reached the 2022 semifinals. Their 2026 squad is arguably better with Hakimi, Bono, and new young talent. They know how to win knockout matches.

Why take Canada seriously?

Host nation with Alphonso Davies, Jonathan David, and home-field advantage. Host nations historically overperform — South Korea made semifinals, Russia made quarters.

What are the odds for these underdog teams?

Japan ~40.00, Morocco ~50.00, Canada even longer. These are tournament winner odds — quarterfinal/semifinal runs are far more realistic.

Odds data for entertainment/analysis only. Not betting advice. World Cup predictions are for fun — enjoy the beautiful game.

Key Takeaways

upset predictions

3 World Cup Upsets That Could Actually Happen