The 2026 FIFA World Cup has already delivered everything fans could have hoped for – dramatic penalty shootouts, underdog stories, and heavyweight nations crashing out earlier than expected. While some results will be remembered as classic giant-killings, others have stood out because of the remarkable journeys made by teams that few expected to compete at this level.
At the same time, several pre-tournament favourites have failed to justify the hype, proving once again that reputations mean very little once the knockout stage begins. Here are the biggest upsets, surprises, and disappointments of the tournament so far.
1. Paraguay Knock Germany Out in the Tournament’s Biggest Upset
If there is one result that defines this World Cup so far, it is Paraguay’s dramatic penalty shootout victory over Germany in the Round of 32. After a tense 1-1 draw, Paraguay held their nerve to win 4-3 on penalties and eliminate one of Europe’s traditional powerhouses.
Germany were considered one of the tournament’s favourites after topping Group E, but they struggled to convert chances when it mattered most. The defeat instantly became this World Cup’s biggest upset, ending Germany’s campaign much earlier than expected.
2. Norway End Brazil’s Dream
Brazil looked comfortable after defeating Japan 2-1 in the Round of 32, but their campaign came to a shocking end against Norway in the Round of 16. Erling Haaland produced another clinical display, scoring twice as Norway secured a memorable 2-1 victory.
Brazil failed to convert a penalty in the first half, and Norway punished nearly every defensive mistake. The result immediately entered discussions as one of the World Cup’s defining upsets, with one of soccer’s most decorated nations falling before the quarter-finals. For Norway, the victory marked a historic milestone, as they advanced to the quarter-finals for the first time.
3. Turkey’s Campaign Ends in Bitter Disappointment
Turkey arrived in North America carrying genuine momentum after an impressive qualifying campaign, but their World Cup quickly unravelled. A damaging 0-1 defeat to Paraguay left them needing results elsewhere, and the early elimination became one of the competition’s biggest disappointments.
For many supporters, it felt even more painful because Turkey had entered the tournament with expectations of reaching the knockout rounds. Instead, inconsistent defending and a lack of accuracy in front of goal proved costly. While it cannot compare historically with their worst World Cup qualifier loss when they fell 0-8 to England in 1984, Turkey’s collapse serves as a reminder that strong qualifying form guarantees nothing once the finals begin.
4. Cape Verde Become Everyone’s Favourite Underdogs
Cape Verde may not have produced a headline-grabbing victory over Argentina in the Round of 32, but their performances have still been among the tournament’s greatest surprises. Making their World Cup debut, they progressed beyond the group stage before pushing the defending champions to extra time in a 3-2 defeat.
Very few fans expected Cape Verde to compete with one of the strongest squads at the tournament. Yet they matched Argentina for long periods with fearless attacking soccer and outstanding organisation. Far from being labelled a FIFA World Cup worst team, Cape Verde have shown that smaller nations can compete with elite squads.
Brazil’s Stars Fail to Deliver When It Mattered
Beyond the result itself, Brazil’s exit raised uncomfortable questions about their biggest names. Entering as bookmakers’ favourites with one of the most talented squads in the field, their stars failed to deliver in the decisive moments.
Several experienced stars struggled to influence the decisive knockout match, while Norway’s intensity exposed defensive weaknesses that had rarely appeared earlier in the competition. Some supporters have gone as far as debating the World Cup’s worst player, pointing to individual performances in the defeat rather than Brazil’s collective defensive failures. Although that label is harsh, there is little doubt that Brazil delivered one of the worst World Cup performances relative to expectations among the tournament’s genuine title contenders.
The World Cup knockout stage has once again reminded everyone why it remains soccer’s greatest spectacle. Established giants have fallen, emerging nations have captured global attention, and new heroes have announced themselves on the biggest stage.
