Not every team that makes a run starts the tournament as a favorite. These are the countries we believe have just enough defensive structure, star power, or momentum to ruin someone else’s tournament and become one of the stories of the World Cup.
Ecuador, La Tricolor, are ranked 23rd in the world but finished second in South American qualifying. They are known for their defense, which is the best in South America. They have players such as Piero Hincapie, Willian Pacho, and Pervis Estupinan, along with midfielder Moises Caicedo.
Their issue is the attack. Ecuador’s forwards may not have enough quality to carry them deep into the tournament. This team could win its group and maybe even make a semifinal run, but a round-of-16 exit feels more likely.
Côte d’Ivoire, Les Éléphants, are ranked 33rd in the world. They went through African World Cup qualifying without conceding a single goal.
Their defense is excellent, with players such as Singo, Ndicka, and Agbadou, and Ousmane Diomande. They also have one of the best young wingers in the World in Yan Diomande, who won Bundesliga Rookie of the Sea. Amad Diallo and Simon Adingra give them even more quality out wide.
This should be a fun team with a very strong defense. They will most likely bow out in the round of 16, but their defense could be good enough to take them even further.
Senegal, Les Lions de la Téranga, are ranked 15th in the world. They won the AFCON final, though that result was later overturned in court, and Senegal are appealing the decision.
Senegal remains one of the best teams in Africa. They are led by captain Sadio Mane, who is probably playing in his last major international tournament. Senegal also have quality wingers waiting behind him, including Iliman Ndiaye, Ismaila Sarr, and Ibrahim Mbaye. Nicolas Jackson gives them another attacking option up front.
The midfield could be what holds this team back. Senegal has the quality to make a deep run, but their maximum might be a quarterfinal run.
Japan, Samurai Blue, are ranked 18th in the world. They made noise at the last World Cup, upsetting Germany and Spain in group stage before losing to Croatia in round of 16.
Japan is missing three important players: Endo, Mitoma and Minamino. Even with those absences, they still have quality players such as Takefusa Kubo, and Daichi Kamada. They are well organized, difficult to break down, and dangerous when they punish opponents’ mistakes.
Kubo’s fitness is a major concern because Japan would become much less intimidating without him. Still, this team has enough talent to reach quarterfinals and maybe even do more.
United States, a host of the tournament and our last dark horse. USMNT, are ranked 17th in the world and are led by head coach Mauricio Pochettino. Their star player is AC Milan winger Christian Pulisic, who has dealt with several injuries this season.
The U.S. has plenty of attacking quality: Pulisic, Balogun, Weah, Mckennie, Reyna. This may be the most talented American team ever.
There are still two major weaknesses. Outside of Chris Richards, the center backs are not very convincing. The goalkeeper is also underwhelming, with Matt Turner and Matt Freese as the main options.
The U.S. may be overlooked for many reasons, but this team has the quality to upset stronger opponents.
