The group stage of the 2026 World Cup confirmed that the teams with the least lineup are already competing on equal terms with the powers. After 72 games, several teams broke the predictions and showed that the gap with the big favorites is getting smaller and smaller.
The big revelation was Cape Verde. In its first World Cup participation, the African country achieved a historic qualification to the round of 32 after closing the group stage undefeated with three draws.
The Blue Sharks surprised from their debut by drawing goalless against Spain thanks to an outstanding performance by goalkeeper Vozinha. They then tied 2-2 against Uruguay, a match in which they scored their first goals in their history in a World Cup.
Cape Verde sealed its qualification with another draw against Saudi Arabia and will now face the biggest challenge in its history. In the round of 32 they will face the current world champion, Argentina, seeking to extend their historic World Cup adventure.
The growth of African football was once again evident during the group stage of the 2026 World Cup. In addition to Cape Verde’s historic qualification, South Africa and DR Congo also advanced to the next round with outstanding performances.
DR Congo returned to a World Cup after more than five decades and managed to advance as one of the best third places. Ghana and Ivory Coast also showed the continent’s competitive growth with high-level performances.
Ecuador was another of the teams that surprised in the first phase. After a setback in their debut, they reacted with a valuable victory over Germany, while Norway confirmed their growth with figures such as Erling Haaland, Martin Ødegaard and Alexander Sørloth.
Not all the news was positive for the traditional powers. Uruguay, led by Marcelo Bielsa, was eliminated without achieving a single victory and was the protagonist of one of the biggest disappointments of the group stage of the 2026 World Cup.