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Oxford Languages defines a 'dark horse' as "a candidate or competitor about whom little is known but who unexpectedly wins or succeeds."
In this case, we're referring to a soccer nation, and where better for an underdog story to unfold?
The FIFA World Cup has produced countless tales of heroism since its birth nearly a century ago, with one-time upsets giving way to deep tournament runs that capture the imagination of fans worldwide.
Rarely does a tournament pass without an underdog making waves. Four years ago in Qatar, Morocco became the first African nation to reach the semifinals, having eliminated Belgium and Portugal along the journey.
So, who will be this year's Morocco? An expanded tournament means more contenders to consider than ever before, and here are Sports Illustrated's 10 top dark horse candidates for the 2026 World Cup.
10. Mexico
Qatar suffered a quick exit in 2022, but World Cup host nations tend to feed off electric atmospheres and build unstoppable momentum following early victories.
South Korea, Germany and Russia are among the hosts to surpass pre-tournament expectations this century, and at least one of the three host nations is bound to ignite extraordinary dreams this summer.
Mexico is a consistent World Cup presence, having advanced to the round of 16 in each of the seven tournaments prior to 2022. They fell short of the knockouts four years ago after being undone by some Lionel Messi brilliance on Matchday 2.
Javier Aguirre's side has been placed in a favorable Group B, which they should top, though the tournament's expansion means there's an additional round to navigate before reaching their preferred destination.
It's difficult to define what 'success' looks like for Mexico given its consistent modern World Cup record. A first quarterfinal appearance since 1986 isn't out of the question, particularly if 17-year-old Gilberto Mora takes to the global stage with ease.
9. Scotland
Scotland's qualifying campaign appears somewhat less convincing, given that Denmark was later knocked out by Czechia in the playoffs to secure their spot.
Furthermore, Steve Clarke's side has badly disappointed at consecutive European Championships, bowing out tamely in the group stage on both occasions.
But World Cup excitement is set to grip the Tartan Army this summer. Scott McTominay carries a Neapolitan flair, and a seasoned squad has surely drawn lessons from previous underwhelming major tournament performances.
Clarke is unlikely to repeat Ally MacLeod's 1978 blunder of convincing an entire nation they could win the whole thing, but Scotland is a cohesive unit capable of causing problems in North America.
Watch out, Brazil.