As the quarter-finals take form, let’s look at the most significant upsets of the tournament so far.
1/7The 2026 FIFA World Cup has been defined by its unpredictability. A wave of surprising outcomes has reshaped the tournament. Traditional football powerhouses have faltered, enabling rising nations and determined underdogs to seize their moment on the world stage. As the quarter-finals approach, here are the most notable upsets thus far. (Image Reuters)
2/7Brazil’s defeat against Norway (Round of 16) | Brazil, a five-time world champion, entered the tournament as one of the favourites under Carlo Ancelotti. However, Norway had different ideas. A solid defensive performance set the stage, and Erling Haaland’s two late goals clinched a stunning 2-1 victory, eliminating Brazil from the tournament. (Image Reuters)
3/7Germany’s defeat to Paraguay (Round of 32) | Germany faced a stunning exit after Paraguay drew 1-1 before winning in a penalty shootout. This exit marked one of the earliest in the World Cup for Germany and was a significant milestone for Paraguay. (Image Reuters)
4/7Netherlands’ loss to Morocco (Round of 32) | Morocco impressed with a thrilling penalty shootout victory against the Netherlands after a 1-1 draw in the Round of 32, showcasing their rise in international football. They later demonstrated their capability with a commanding 3-0 win against co-hosts Canada to advance to the quarter-finals. (Image Reuters)
5/7Germany’s defeat against Ecuador (Group stage) | Ecuador stunned Germany with a 2-1 victory in a pivotal Group E match, securing their advancement to the Round of 32. Gonzalo Plata’s late goal ignited jubilant celebrations from the South American fans at the MetLife Stadium. (Image Reuters)
6/7Portugal vs Democratic Republic of Congo (Group stage) | The Democratic Republic of Congo made a notable impact with a surprising 1-1 draw against Portugal, forcing Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates to settle for a single point. João Neves opened the scoring for Portugal, but Yoane Wissa equalized with a well-placed header, highlighting DR Congo’s strong performance in their first World Cup in 52 years. (Image Reuters)
7/7Cape Verde vs. Spain (Group Stage) | Cape Verde made their World Cup debut with a thrilling goalless draw against Spain in Atlanta, delivering one of the tournament’s early surprises. Although Spain maintained possession, they struggled to capitalize on opportunities, while goalie Vozinha’s standout performance secured a historic clean sheet for Cape Verde. (Image Reuters)
