World Cup Upsets That Still Haven't Happened: Which Giant Is Going Home Early?

[NeverQuitZach33]

Every World Cup produces group stage eliminations that shock the football world. Germany went out in the 2018 group stage as defending champions. South Korea eliminated Germany in 2018. Japan knocked out Germany and Spain in 2022. The tournament is running and the favourites have mostly performed but the final group rounds are where upsets materialise.

Belgium could go home behind New Zealand. England could stumble against Panama. A big name from another group could find their final game is a shock exit. Which established footballing nation are you putting your money on to go home earlier than expected? And which underdog do you think has what it takes to cause the next big upset?

[Anthony_51]

England have a habit of qualifying efficiently and then going out in a manner that breaks your heart. Panama is the easy game. It's who comes after that worries me

[TheGame92]

Germany looked vulnerable against Ivory Coast before winning. They're not the dominant force they once were. The right team at the right moment could get them

[BretHart_99]

Portugal without Ronaldo in his prime would be obvious candidates. With him scoring at six World Cups they're less vulnerable than they appear

[ScarletWrench]

Japan causing another major upset is completely plausible. They eliminated Germany and Spain in 2022. They have the tactical discipline and the quality to do it again

[Diane82]

Morocco going deep again is not an upset. They reached the semifinal in 2022. They're organised dangerous and motivated. Opponents underestimate them at their peril

[Aaron]

The real upsets come from teams nobody's watching. Saudi Arabia won't do it twice. But someone in the less-covered groups is quietly preparing something

[Hollow Pete]

New Zealand upsetting Belgium in the final round would complete one of the tournament's great group stage stories. Everything in place for it to happen