From Cape Verde to Australia: The Biggest Upsets of World Cup 2026

The 2026 World Cup group stage has delivered a string of upsets, with underdogs repeatedly troubling the tournament's bigger names.

The headline shock came from debutants Cape Verde, who held European champions Spain to a 0-0 draw despite facing 27 shots, then drew 2-2 with Uruguay. Australia produced what many regarded as the most underrated upset, beating Turkey — a popular dark-horse pick — 2-0 by simply outworking them.

There was more. New Zealand, the lowest-ranked side in the entire field at 85th, twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with Iran. Qatar held Switzerland, and Bosnia and Herzegovina pegged back co-hosts Canada.

The run of results reflects the unpredictability of an expanded tournament, where lesser-known nations have shown they can compete with the established powers.