A larger World Cup means more nations, including many for whom simply reaching the tournament is a historic achievement. Some dismiss the smaller teams as making up the numbers, but that misreads what they bring. The underdog nations are frequently the emotional core of a World Cup, and their presence enriches the whole competition.
Their dreams are a big part of what makes the tournament matter beyond the favourites.
The romance of the improbable
A smaller nation punching above its weight — holding a giant, sneaking through a group, winning a knockout no one expected — produces some of football’s most cherished moments. These runs carry a romance the pre-tournament favourites cannot match, precisely because they are not supposed to happen. Neutrals adopt them, and the stories travel far beyond the countries involved.
The possibility that anyone can rise on the biggest stage is central to the World Cup’s appeal.
Playing without fear
Underdogs often play with a freedom the favourites lack, carrying less expectation and less to lose. That liberation can make them dangerous, especially in tournament football where a well-organised, committed side can trouble a more talented one over a single match. The pressure sits on the bigger name, and the smaller team can seize the occasion.
This is why upsets, while never the norm, are a recurring feature rather than a fluke.
Growing the game
Beyond the drama, the presence of more nations spreads the game, inspires new generations in countries far from football’s traditional powers, and broadens the tournament’s global meaning. A child watching their nation appear on the world stage for the first time may be football’s next great story.
The favourites will always draw attention, but the smaller nations give a World Cup much of its heart. In 2026, their dreams are not a footnote — they are part of the point.