Football fans have spoken, and they have identified Japan as the tournament's dark horse for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which kicked off in Mexico. The quadrennial event, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, began with holders Argentina facing Algeria in Group J on Wednesday, June 17, as they aim to become only the third nation to successfully defend the trophy.
Favourites and Dark Horses
Lionel Messi and his Argentina teammates are among the frontrunners to win the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19, but they face stiff competition from Brazil, Germany, France, Spain, and England. However, the tournament is known for producing unexpected heroes, as Morocco demonstrated in 2022 by reaching the semi-finals.
Many football supporters have been tipping their dark horse nations, and one team has emerged as a clear favourite. "I'm secretly riding with Japan," declared one X user. "They've got the tactical discipline of a chess grandmaster, a squad that never quits, and they already showed they can scalp big teams in friendlies. 48-team format = chaos. One perfect run and they're in the quarters shocking everyone again."
Japan's Credentials
Another fan added: "Japan have impressed in their friendlies ahead of the World Cup indeed! I think we should consider Japan as a dark horse. They can even challenge Netherlands for the group win (Sweden and Tunisia will face off for 3rd place)." A third concurred: "For me, Japan are the dark horse of this tournament. The way they've been playing lately, you just can't write them off."
Japan's recent form includes a thoroughly convincing performance at Wembley in March, where they outplayed England with Kaoru Mitoma scoring the decisive goal against Thomas Tuchel's side. The Samurai Blue now face a challenging Group F, featuring the Netherlands, Sweden, and Tunisia.
Norway Also in the Mix
Other fans believe Norway, led by Erling Haaland, could spring a surprise. Having qualified for their first World Cup since 1998, they are drawn in Group I against France, Senegal, and Iraq. "Because of the 48-team expansion they are my dark horse of the tournament though," noted one X user. "Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard are quietly flying under the radar. With that world-class attack, don't be shocked when Norway goes way deeper in the bracket than anyone expects."
Another fan agreed: "Norway might be the undisputed dark horses of this World Cup. They scored a staggering 37 goals and just conceded 5 goals in the just concluded World Cup qualifiers. Watch out for them." A third pondered: "I think there's a fair few dark horses in terms of getting far, but Norway are the team I look at as potentially really surprising people, their qualifying performances were insane. Awful draw though. Quite a few on-paper dark horses (Morocco, Senegal, Japan) have terrible draws."
Who is your dark horse for the World Cup? Let us know in the comments section below.
