Which teams could be the "zebra" of the World Cup?; see list
The 2026 World Cup will kick off next Thursday (11), at 4pm (Brasília time), in the match between Mexico and South Africa. The 48 participating teams are in the final stretch of preparation for the biggest edition in the history of the tournament.
Naturally, more traditional countries appear as the main candidates for the title, as is the case of France, Spain, Argentina, England and Brazil. However, some teams with good work in the four-year cycle can surprise and go far in the dispute.
Norway
Qualified for the World Cup as leader of its group in the Qualifiers, Norway is seen as the great candidate for the "zebra" of the tournament. Led by Erling Haaland, the team advanced in first place in the group that had four-time champions Italy, out of the competition for the third consecutive edition.
In attack, Haaland will be joined by midfielder Martin Odegaard, an Arsenal player and the team's main playmaker, and center forward Alexander Sorloth, who plays for Atlético de Madrid. I also look at winger Julian Ryerson, midfielder Sander Berge and winger Antonio Nusa.
Türkiye
Turkey team profiled before the match - Reproduction
Back in the World Cup after 24 years, Turkey arrives in contention after overcoming the play-off stage of the European Qualifiers. Italian coach Vincenzo Montella's team defeated Romania and Kosovo, both 1-0, to guarantee their return to the competition.
The talented Arda Güler, from Real Madrid, and Kenan Yildiz, from Juventus, lead the team in the offensive sector. Hakan Çalhanoglu brings experience to the midfield, while full-back Ferdi Kadıoglu presents a lot of physical vigor and quality in attacking from the sides of the field.
Japan
Japan x Iceland, in a friendly preparatory match for the World Cup - Publicity/Japanese National Team
Main representative of Asia in the FIFA rankings, occupying 18th place, Japan is another one that could surprise in the World Cup. Hajime Moriyasu's team beat Brazil last year and have not lost to a European team in regular time since 2018, when they were defeated by Belgium.
The Japanese team has important absences in attack, due to injuries suffered by Kaoru Mitoma, from Brighton, and Takumi Minamino, from Monaco. Even so, Wataru Endo, Daichi Kamada, Takefusa Kubo and Ayase Ueda are the main highlights and could take the team far in the tournament.
Ivory Coast
Côte d'Ivoire is qualified for the 2026 World Cup - Reproduction/FIF
Fellowed after a victory over France in the pre-Cup friendly, Côte d'Ivoire arrives at the World Cup with a squad full of young talents. Wingers Amad Diallo, 23, and Yan Diomande, 19, stand out, as well as Ange-Yoan Bonny, a center forward from Inter Milan who recently became naturalized.
In this cycle, the Elephants won the African Cup of Nations in early 2024. In the big decision, the team beat Nigeria 2-1 and lifted the cup at home.
Senegal
Senegal was runner-up in the African Cup of Nations - Photo: Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Senegal comes from a continental runner-up, achieved earlier this year after Morocco was declared champion via court decision. On the field, former player Pape Thiaw's team won 1-0, in extra time, with a goal from Pape Gueye.
Defender Kalidou Koulibaly, formerly of Napoli and Chelsea, is the defensive pillar of the Senegalese national team. Midfielder Idrissa Gueye contributes to the release of the ball and distributes the game to Pape Gueye, an important member of the midfield. Sadio Mané, Ismaïla Sarr and Nicolas Jackson are the main definers of the African team.
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Source: CNN