FIFA WC 2026: The Dark Horses Who Failed and the Ones Who Are Living to Tell the Tale

Despite taking 62 shots, Türkiye is out of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is proving to be a tournament full of surprises. The World Cup, with its new format and rules, has certainly made the tournament even more exciting, despite some pundits and fans opposing the changes, as small African nations have snatched victories from big teams and handed them draws, while some dark horses have failed.

With the focus more on small nations than on historic teams, let’s look at the dark horses who failed and those who are still alive to tell the tale.

Türkiye to Ecuador

Despite having the likes of Arda Güler, Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Kenan Yıldız, and a few more, Türkiye has already been eliminated from the tournament. The team lost to a 10-man Paraguayan side, suffered defeats at the hands of Australia, and seems to be on course for another defeat against the USA.

Belgium is no better, with its golden generation now long gone. The nation has attempted 69 shots at the World Cup since a Belgian player last scored. Without a win and two draws, Belgium definitely needs to win against New Zealand if it wishes to continue.

Ecuador lost to the Ivory Coast and drew against World Cup debutant Curacao. Their last match is against Germany, and a victory seems unlikely.

The ones who are fighting

Let’s begin this group with Cape Verde—draws against Spain and Uruguay have put them in the race for the R32, but they need a victory over Saudi Arabia, whereas Spain needs to defeat Uruguay.

Erling Haaland has finally reached the World Cup with Norway, beating Iraq 4-1. The team still has to deal with France and Senegal—a victory against France seems impossible, but Norway could steal a draw, whereas against Senegal, victory seems possible.

Ghana have started their campaign with a victory, but they definitely need to draw, at the very least, against the likes of England and Croatia. Two draws will give Ghana five points and put them in a comfortable position to progress.

It seems North Americans are finally catching up with both the USA and Canada in the race to reach the round of 32. Both teams are leading their respective groups. In fact, the USA is among the first three teams to qualify for the R32.

Overall, the tournament has definitely taken a new direction, with the most unexpected teams rising to the occasion. Many fans believe that there’s even a possibility that this World Cup could witness a new winner.

Curated for you

FIFA WC 2026: CR7 as a Sub? Stats Suggest It Could Be Beneficial for Ronaldo and Portugal

Against DRC, Ronaldo touched the ball 25 times, the lowest by a Portuguese player in the playing XI Since Portugal drew with the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cristiano Ronaldo has received severe flak from all quarters. Many have pointed out that his obsession with playing the full 90 minutes or ...

buzztribe.news is our initiative through which we wish to create a journalistic impact that acts as the foundation of an informed and happy society. In a world that’s changing fast, joy is fleeting, and the news is disturbing, we bring you your daily dose of buzzworthy news that has the “joy of knowledge” and the “happiness in truth” at its core.

More from Buzztribe News

Get in Touch

39A,
Shanti Kunj Main, Sector D,
Vasant Kunj,
New Delhi
110070
India