2026 World Cup Pot 2 complete guide to the outsiders

Meet the 12 teams ranked 10-21 in the world, the sides capable of causing major upsets and potentially winning the tournament

If Pot 1 contains the favorites, Pot 2 is where the danger lurks. These 12 teams, ranked between 10th and 21st in the world, include recent World Cup semi-finalists, established tournament performers, and emerging football powers. They're the teams that can make life miserable for the top seeds and have genuine aspirations of reaching the latter stages of the tournament. World Cup tickets, including World Cup final tickets, for all matches are avialable via our booking system.

Being drawn into a group with a strong Pot 2 team can transform what looks like a straightforward group into a genuine "group of death." Let's analyze each Pot 2 team in detail.

Understanding Pot 2 Placement

Pot 2 consists of teams ranked 10th through 21st in the world rankings (released November 19, 2025) who have qualified for the tournament. These teams will be distributed across the 12 groups, with each group receiving one Pot 2 team alongside their Pot 1 seed.

The key advantage for Pot 2 teams is that they avoid the absolute elite in the group stage while still being strong enough to challenge for top spot in many groups. Several Pot 2 teams are capable of topping groups containing weaker Pot 1 seeds like the USA, Mexico, or Canada.

The Pot 2 Teams

1. Croatia (World Ranking: 10th)

Tournament History: 0 World Cups (finalists 2018, 3rd place 2022), 0 European Championships

Croatia narrowly missed Pot 1, being edged by Germany in the final rankings. The 2018 finalists and 2022 semi-finalists remain one of the most dangerous teams in world football despite their relatively small population of just 4 million.

Current Form and Qualifying Campaign

Croatia qualified comfortably from their European group, demonstrating their trademark resilience and technical quality. They continue to punch well above their weight, producing world-class midfielders and maintaining their status as one of Europe's most consistent performers.

Key Players

• Luka Modrić (Midfielder): At 40 years old (in 2026), the Real Madrid legend may be in his final tournament. His vision, passing, and leadership remain world-class even in the twilight of his career.
• Mateo Kovačić (Midfielder): The Manchester City midfielder is Croatia's present and future. His technical quality, press resistance, and ability to control games are exceptional.
• Josko Gvardiol (Defender): The Manchester City defender is one of the world's best young defenders. His pace, defensive intelligence, and ball-playing ability make him crucial.
• Andrej Kramarić (Forward): The experienced striker provides goals and creativity. His tournament experience is invaluable for Croatia.

Strengths

Croatia's midfield remains world-class. Their technical quality and ability to control possession can dominate any team. Croatia are masters of knockout football, they reached extra time in all four knockout matches at the 2018 World Cup and still made the final. Their mental strength and tournament experience are exceptional. Croatia never give up and always find a way to compete.

Potential Weaknesses

Age is catching up with Croatia's golden generation. Modrić, Perišić, and others are in their late 30s. Their lack of a world-class striker has been a long-standing issue. Croatia can struggle against physically dominant teams that press them aggressively. Their relatively small population limits their depth compared to bigger nations.

World Cup Prospects

Croatia are capable of another deep run. They've proven at the last two World Cups that they can compete with anyone. Reaching the quarter-finals should be their minimum expectation. If they get favorable draws and Modrić can produce one final masterclass, another semi-final appearance is possible. They're the most dangerous Pot 2 team for any Pot 1 side to draw.

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2. Morocco (World Ranking: 11th)

Tournament History: 0 World Cups (4th place 2022), 2 Africa Cup of Nations (1976, 2024)

Morocco's stunning run to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals announced them as a major force in world football. They've since won the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations on home soil, confirming their status as Africa's strongest team and one of the world's most improved sides.

Current Form and Qualifying Campaign

Morocco dominated African qualifying, showcasing the confidence and quality that comes with being continental champions. They're organized, athletic, and possess genuine world-class talent throughout their squad. Their recent form suggests they're even better than the team that shocked the world in Qatar.

Key Players

• Achraf Hakimi (Defender): The Paris Saint-Germain wing-back is one of the world's best in his position. His pace, attacking quality, and defensive work rate make him indispensable.
• Hakim Ziyech (Midfielder/Forward): The experienced playmaker brings creativity and goals. His technical quality and set-piece delivery are crucial.
• Sofyan Amrabat (Midfielder): The Manchester United midfielder (on loan) provides defensive solidity and ball-winning ability. His performance at the 2022 World Cup was exceptional.
• Youssef En-Nesyri (Forward): The striker provides aerial presence and goal-scoring threat. His physical attributes and finishing are important to Morocco's attack.

Strengths

Morocco's defensive organization is exceptional. They're incredibly difficult to break down and rarely concede goals. Their athleticism and work rate allow them to compete physically with any team. Morocco have proven they can beat European giants, they defeated Belgium, Spain, and Portugal at the 2022 World Cup. Their team unity and spirit are remarkable, with players genuinely fighting for each other.

Potential Weaknesses

Morocco can struggle to create clear chances against well-organized defenses. They lack a truly elite striker who can guarantee 20+ goals. Morocco's approach can be too defensive at times, limiting their attacking potential. They also may struggle to replicate the underdog mentality now that they're expected to perform well.

World Cup Prospects

Morocco are genuine dark horses to win the tournament. Their 2022 semi-final run proved they can compete with anyone. With home advantage in Africa geographically close (though not in the same confederation), expect significant Moroccan support in venues. Reaching the quarter-finals should be their minimum target, with another semi-final appearance entirely possible. They're the strongest African team at the tournament.

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3. Uruguay (World Ranking: 12th)

Tournament History: 2 World Cup titles (1930, 1950), 15 Copa America titles

Uruguay are one of football's traditional powerhouses, though they haven't won a World Cup since 1950. La Celeste qualified for the 2026 tournament despite a difficult qualifying campaign that saw them struggle for consistency in South American qualifying.

Current Form and Qualifying Campaign

Uruguay's qualifying campaign was turbulent. They showed flashes of quality but also concerning vulnerabilities. Internal issues and tactical questions have created uncertainty around the team. However, their quality means they remain dangerous on their day.

Key Players

• Federico Valverde (Midfielder): The Real Madrid midfielder is Uruguay's best player. His athleticism, technical quality, and goal-scoring ability from midfield make him world-class.
• Darwin Núñez (Forward): The Liverpool striker is Uruguay's main goal threat. His pace, power, and finishing ability make him dangerous, though his consistency can be questioned.
• Ronald Araújo (Defender): The Barcelona defender brings defensive solidity and leadership. His physicality and aerial dominance are crucial to Uruguay's organization.
• José María Giménez (Defender): The Atlético Madrid defender provides experience and defensive quality. His partnership with Araújo forms a formidable center-back pairing.

Strengths

Uruguay's defensive tradition remains strong. They're physical, aggressive, and difficult to play against. Their fighting spirit and refusal to give up is legendary, La Celeste never know when they're beaten. Uruguay have genuine quality in key positions, particularly in midfield and defense. Their tournament experience and history of success give them psychological advantages.

Potential Weaknesses

Uruguay's attacking play can be inconsistent. Núñez's finishing is unreliable, and they lack creative playmakers to unlock tight defenses. Their recent form and internal issues raise questions about team cohesion. Uruguay can also be overly aggressive, collecting bookings and suspensions that disrupt their campaigns. They lack depth compared to European giants.

World Cup Prospects

Uruguay are unpredictable. They could reach the quarter-finals or exit in the group stage, both scenarios are possible. Their quality suggests they should advance from most groups, but their inconsistency means nothing is guaranteed. If they can find form and cohesion, they're dangerous. If internal issues persist, they'll struggle.

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4. Colombia (World Ranking: 13th)

Tournament History: 0 World Cups (quarter-finals 2014), 1 Copa America (2001)

Colombia are enjoying a renaissance under their current management. They reached the 2024 Copa America final, losing to Argentina, and qualified comfortably for the World Cup. Los Cafeteros are one of South America's most exciting attacking teams.

Current Form and Qualifying Campaign

Colombia's recent form has been excellent. They played attacking, entertaining football throughout qualifying and at Copa America 2024. They're organized, confident, and possess genuine quality throughout their squad. Colombia look like a team capable of surprising bigger names.

Key Players

• Luis Díaz (Forward): The Liverpool winger is Colombia's star player. His pace, dribbling, and goal-scoring ability make him one of South America's most dangerous attackers.
• James Rodríguez (Midfielder): If selected at 35, James brings world-class creativity and experience. His 2014 World Cup performances remain legendary in Colombia.
• Jefferson Lerma (Midfielder): The Crystal Palace midfielder provides defensive solidity and ball-winning ability. His physical presence balances Colombia's attacking flair.
• Jhon Durán (Forward): The young Aston Villa striker brings pace and finishing ability. His development has given Colombia a genuine goal-scoring threat.

Strengths

Colombia's attacking play is exciting and effective. They can hurt any team with their pace and creativity. Their recent Copa America final appearance shows they can compete with the very best. Colombia have excellent team spirit and cohesion under their current coach. They're tactically flexible and can adapt to different opponents.

Potential Weaknesses

Colombia's defense can be vulnerable against top attacking teams. They lack the tournament experience and winning mentality of some other South American sides. Colombia have a history of underperforming at World Cups despite their talent. Their reliance on Díaz means injuries to key players could be devastating.

World Cup Prospects

Colombia are exciting dark horses. Their Copa America final run suggests they're capable of a deep tournament run. Reaching the quarter-finals is realistic, and they have the quality to go further if they get favorable draws. They're the type of team that could upset a Pot 1 favorite and win their group.

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5. Japan (World Ranking: 15th)

Tournament History: 0 World Cups (Round of 16 - 2002, 2010, 2018, 2022), 4 Asian Cups

Japan were dominant in Asian qualifying, becoming the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The Samurai Blue have reached the Round of 16 at the last four consecutive World Cups and are determined to break through to the quarter-finals for the first time.

Current Form and Qualifying Campaign

Japan's qualifying campaign was exceptional. They showed tactical maturity, technical quality, and consistency throughout. Japan are the strongest Asian nation at the tournament and have steadily improved their standing in world football over the past two decades.

Key Players

• Takefusa Kubo (Midfielder/Forward): The Real Sociedad star is Japan's most technically gifted player. His dribbling, creativity, and goal-scoring ability make him world-class.
• Kaoru Mitoma (Winger): The Brighton winger is one of the Premier League's most exciting players. His pace, dribbling, and unpredictability terrorize defenses.
• Wataru Endo (Midfielder): The Liverpool midfielder brings defensive solidity and leadership. His experience in European football is valuable.
• Takehiro Tomiyasu (Defender): The Arsenal defender provides versatility and defensive quality. His ability to play multiple positions is useful.

Strengths

Japan's technical quality is excellent. They're well-coached, tactically disciplined, and incredibly fit. Japan have proven they can compete with European and South American giants, they beat Germany and Spain at the 2022 World Cup. Their work rate and team ethic are exceptional. Japan also have significant depth with many players at top European clubs.

Potential Weaknesses

Japan have a psychological block in the Round of 16, they've reached that stage four consecutive times but never advanced further. They can struggle against physical teams that dominate them aerially. Japan lack a truly elite striker who can guarantee goals. Their relatively small physical stature can be exploited by bigger, more physical sides.

World Cup Prospects

Japan should reach the Round of 16 again, anything less would be disappointing. Breaking through to the quarter-finals is their realistic target. They have the quality to achieve it, but they need to overcome their psychological barrier. Japan are capable of topping groups containing weaker Pot 1 seeds. They're Asia's best hope for a deep tournament run.

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6. Senegal (World Ranking: 16th)

Tournament History: 0 World Cups (quarter-finals 2002), 2 Africa Cup of Nations (2021, 2022)

Senegal are reigning African champions (won back-to-back titles in 2021 and 2022) and qualified comfortably for the World Cup. The Lions of Teranga have established themselves as one of Africa's strongest nations and possess genuine quality throughout their squad.

Current Form and Qualifying Campaign

Senegal navigated African qualifying with authority, demonstrating their status as one of the continent's elite teams. They're organized, athletic, and possess players at top European clubs. Senegal have maintained their high standards even after the retirement of some key players from their golden generation.

Key Players

• Sadio Mané (Forward): The Al Nassr forward remains Senegal's talisman despite moving to Saudi Arabia. His pace, finishing, and leadership are crucial.
• Kalidou Koulibaly (Defender): The Al Hilal defender is one of Africa's best. His defensive quality and leadership anchor Senegal's organization.
• Edouard Mendy (Goalkeeper): The goalkeeper provides world-class shot-stopping and experience. His presence makes Senegal's defense more solid.
• Idrissa Gueye (Midfielder): The experienced midfielder brings ball-winning ability and tactical intelligence. His work rate allows Senegal's attackers freedom.

Strengths

Senegal's athleticism and physicality give them advantages over technical but smaller opponents. Their defensive organization is excellent. Senegal have proven tournament winners, they've won back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations titles. Their mental strength and ability to grind out results is impressive. Senegal also have experience of reaching World Cup quarter-finals (2002).

Potential Weaknesses

Several key players have moved to Saudi Arabia, raising questions about their sharpness against elite opposition. Senegal can struggle to break down organized defensive teams. They rely heavily on Mané, if he's neutralized or injured, they lack comparable quality. Senegal's tournament experience at World Cups is limited compared to other nations.

World Cup Prospects

Senegal should reach the knockout stages. They're strong enough to finish top two in most groups. Reaching the quarter-finals would match their best-ever World Cup performance and should be their target. They're capable of upsetting weaker Pot 1 teams and could potentially reach the semi-finals if they get favorable draws.

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7. South Korea (World Ranking: 17th)

Tournament History: 0 World Cups (4th place 2002), 2 Asian Cups

South Korea are regular World Cup participants, having qualified for the last 11 consecutive tournaments. The Taeguk Warriors reached the semi-finals when co-hosting in 2002 and consistently reach the knockout stages of Asian competitions.

Current Form and Qualifying Campaign

South Korea qualified comfortably from Asian qualifying, demonstrating their status as one of the continent's strongest teams. They're well-organized, technically competent, and possess key players at major European clubs. South Korea have maintained consistent standards over many years.

Key Players

• Son Heung-min (Forward): The Tottenham captain is South Korea's greatest-ever player. At 34 (in 2026), this could be his final World Cup. His pace, finishing, and leadership are irreplaceable.
• Lee Kang-in (Midfielder): The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder is South Korea's future star. His technical quality and creativity provide a different dimension.
• Kim Min-jae (Defender): The Bayern Munich defender is one of Asia's best. His defensive quality and leadership anchor South Korea's organization.
• Hwang Hee-chan (Forward): The Wolves forward provides pace and goal-scoring threat. His Premier League experience is valuable.

Strengths

South Korea's organization and work ethic are exceptional. They're incredibly fit and can maintain high intensity for 90 minutes. Son remains world-class and can single-handedly win matches. South Korea have significant World Cup experience, having participated in 11 consecutive tournaments. Their mental toughness and ability to compete against bigger nations is impressive.

Potential Weaknesses

South Korea rely too heavily on Son. If he's neutralized or injured, they lack comparable quality. They can struggle to break down defensive teams despite their technical quality. South Korea haven't reached a World Cup knockout stage since their home semi-final run in 2002. They lack depth compared to European and South American giants.

World Cup Prospects

South Korea should target reaching the Round of 16. They have the quality to achieve this in most groups. Advancing beyond that stage would require favorable draws and Son producing heroic performances. This tournament represents Son's likely final World Cup, adding emotional significance to South Korea's campaign.

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8. Iran (World Ranking: 18th)

Tournament History: 0 World Cups (group stage exits), 3 Asian Cups

Iran qualified for the World Cup comfortably and are one of Asia's strongest teams. Team Melli have participated in the last three World Cups but have never advanced beyond the group stage, making breakthrough their primary objective for 2026.

Current Form and Qualifying Campaign

Iran dominated Asian qualifying, showcasing their defensive organization and tactical discipline. They're well-coached and difficult to beat, though they can lack attacking creativity against stronger opposition. Iran have established themselves as Asian powerhouses.

Key Players

• Sardar Azmoun (Forward): The striker is Iran's main goal threat. His movement, finishing, and aerial ability make him crucial to their attacking play.
• Mehdi Taremi (Forward): The Inter Milan forward brings goals and experience. His movement and finishing are important to Iran's attack.
• Alireza Jahanbakhsh (Winger): The experienced winger provides creativity from wide areas. His technical quality and crossing ability are valuable.
• Alireza Beiranvand (Goalkeeper): The goalkeeper provides shot-stopping quality and experience. His presence makes Iran more solid defensively.

Strengths

Iran's defensive organization is excellent. They're incredibly difficult to break down and rarely concede many goals. Iran are physically strong and competitive in every match. Their work rate and discipline allow them to frustrate superior opponents. Iran have proven they can compete with top teams, they pushed USA and England close at the 2022 World Cup.

Potential Weaknesses

Iran struggle to create chances against organized defenses. Their attacking play can be too conservative and predictable. Iran lack players at elite European clubs compared to other Asian nations. They have a poor World Cup record, never advancing beyond the group stage. Iran's tactical approach can be too negative, limiting their potential.

World Cup Prospects

Iran's primary goal is to finally reach the knockout stages for the first time. They have the defensive organization to achieve this in the right group. However, their attacking limitations may prevent them from advancing. Finishing third in their group is a realistic outcome unless they get a favorable draw.

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9. Switzerland (World Ranking: 19th)

Tournament History: 0 World Cups (quarter-finals 1934, 1938, 1954), 0 European Championships

Switzerland are consistent qualifiers for major tournaments and reached the quarter-finals of Euro 2020. The Swiss qualified for the World Cup comfortably and remain one of Europe's most organized and difficult teams to beat.

Current Form and Qualifying Campaign

Switzerland navigated European qualifying with their trademark efficiency, securing automatic qualification. They're well-organized, tactically disciplined, and possess quality throughout their squad. Switzerland have maintained consistent standards for over a decade.

Key Players

• Granit Xhaka (Midfielder): The Bayer Leverkusen midfielder is Switzerland's captain and leader. His passing range, tactical intelligence, and leadership are crucial.
• Manuel Akanji (Defender): The Manchester City defender provides defensive quality and ball-playing ability. His presence makes Switzerland more solid.
• Breel Embolo (Forward): The Monaco forward is Switzerland's main goal threat. His physicality and finishing ability are important.
• Xherdan Shaqiri (Midfielder/Forward): The veteran provides creativity and big-game experience. His technical quality remains valuable despite his age.

Strengths

Switzerland's organization and tactical discipline are exceptional. They're incredibly difficult to break down. Switzerland have proven they can upset bigger names, they've beaten France and knocked out France at Euro 2020. Their mental toughness and ability to grind out results is impressive. Switzerland also have significant experience at major tournaments.

Potential Weaknesses

Switzerland lack world-class match-winners. They don't have players who can single-handedly win matches against elite opposition. Switzerland can be too conservative tactically, limiting their attacking potential. They lack depth compared to bigger nations. Switzerland's tournament ceiling seems to be the quarter-finals, they struggle to go further.

World Cup Prospects

Switzerland should reach the knockout stages. They're organized enough to finish top two in most groups. Reaching the quarter-finals would match recent tournament performances. Going beyond that would require exceptional circumstances. Switzerland are reliable but unlikely to win the tournament.

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10. Austria (World Ranking: 20th)

Tournament History: 0 World Cups (3rd place 1954), 0 European Championships

Austria qualified for the World Cup and have emerged as one of Europe's most improved teams in recent years. Das Team play exciting, aggressive football and are no longer the pushovers they once were at major tournaments.

Current Form and Qualifying Campaign

Austria won their World Cup qualifying group, demonstrating their improvement as a footballing nation. They play intense, high-pressing football that can overwhelm opponents. Austria have developed a clear tactical identity under their coach and possess genuine quality throughout their squad.

Key Players

• Marcel Sabitzer (Midfielder): The Borussia Dortmund midfielder is Austria's captain and best player. His goals, creativity, and leadership are crucial.
• Konrad Laimer (Midfielder): The Bayern Munich midfielder brings energy, pressing intensity, and tactical intelligence. His work rate is exceptional.
• Christoph Baumgartner (Midfielder): The RB Leipzig midfielder provides goals and creativity from midfield. His versatility is valuable.
• David Alaba (Defender): The Real Madrid defender brings world-class quality and experience. His leadership and ball-playing ability anchor Austria's defense.

Strengths

Austria's pressing intensity and work rate can overwhelm opponents. They're aggressive, fit, and willing to take the game to anyone. Austria have improved significantly in recent years and are no longer intimidated by bigger names. Their team spirit and unity are excellent. Austria also have players at top European clubs who understand high-level football.

Potential Weaknesses

Austria lack tournament experience at this level. They haven't competed at a World Cup since 1998. Their aggressive pressing can leave them vulnerable to counter-attacks. Austria lack a world-class striker who can guarantee goals. They also have limited depth compared to bigger European nations.

World Cup Prospects

Austria are dark horses who could surprise. Reaching the Round of 16 should be their target. They have the quality and tactical approach to achieve this in the right group. Going beyond that would be a bonus. Austria could potentially upset weaker Pot 1 seeds and top their group.

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11. Norway (World Ranking: 21st)

Tournament History: 0 World Cups (Round of 16 1998), 0 European Championships

Norway's return to the World Cup after 27 years is one of the tournament's most compelling storylines. Erling Haaland will finally compete at a World Cup, and his presence transforms Norway from outsiders to genuine contenders to cause upsets.

Current Form and Qualifying Campaign

Norway topped their European qualifying group, dramatically defeating Italy in their final match to secure automatic qualification. Haaland's two goals in two minutes against Italy showcased why Norway are so dangerous, they have the world's most lethal striker.

Key Players

• Erling Haaland (Forward): The Manchester City superstar is the world's most prolific goal-scorer. His physical attributes, positioning, and clinical finishing make him unstoppable. Norway's entire strategy revolves around getting him chances.
• Martin Ødegaard (Midfielder): The Arsenal captain is Norway's creative hub. His passing, vision, and technical quality create opportunities for Haaland and others.
• Antonio Nusa (Winger): The young winger brings pace and dribbling ability. His development has given Norway another attacking threat.
• Sander Berge (Midfielder): The midfielder provides defensive solidity and ball progression. His physical presence balances Norway's attacking flair.

Strengths

Norway have Erling Haaland, arguably the world's best striker. His goal-scoring ability gives them a chance in any match. Ødegaard's creativity complements Haaland perfectly. Norway are athletic, physically strong, and well-organized. Their recent qualifying performances showed genuine quality. The emotion and motivation of returning to the World Cup after 27 years will drive them.

Potential Weaknesses

Norway are overly reliant on Haaland. If he's neutralized or injured, they lack comparable quality. Their defense can be vulnerable against elite attacking teams. Norway lack tournament experience, most of their squad has never competed at a World Cup. They also lack depth compared to bigger nations.

World Cup Prospects

Norway are the ultimate wild card. With Haaland firing, they can beat anyone. Without him performing, they could struggle. Reaching the Round of 16 should be their minimum target given their quality. They're capable of going further if Haaland produces a golden boot-winning performance. Norway are the most unpredictable Pot 2 team.

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12. Ecuador (World Ranking: 22nd)

Tournament History: 0 World Cups (Round of 16 2006), 0 Copa America wins

Ecuador qualified from the brutally competitive South American qualifying format, demonstrating their quality and resilience. La Tri have established themselves as consistent qualifiers for World Cups in recent cycles.

Current Form and Qualifying Campaign

Ecuador navigated CONMEBOL qualifying successfully, showing resilience and tactical maturity. They're well-organized and difficult to beat, particularly when playing at altitude in Quito. Ecuador have maintained steady improvement over recent years.

Key Players

• Moisés Caicedo (Midfielder): The Chelsea midfielder is Ecuador's star player. His defensive work, passing range, and physical attributes make him world-class.
• Enner Valencia (Forward): The veteran striker is Ecuador's all-time leading scorer. His experience and goal-scoring ability remain crucial despite his age.
• Piero Hincapié (Defender): The Bayer Leverkusen defender brings quality and composure. His ball-playing ability helps Ecuador build from the back.
• Kendry Páez (Midfielder): The young talent is Ecuador's future star. His technical quality and creativity provide attacking spark.

Strengths

Ecuador's organization and tactical discipline are excellent. They're difficult to break down and well-coached. Caicedo is genuinely world-class and can dominate midfield battles. Ecuador have proven they can compete in CONMEBOL qualifying, the world's toughest qualifying format. Their resilience and fighting spirit make them dangerous opponents.

Potential Weaknesses

Ecuador lack world-class attackers. They create chances but struggle to convert them consistently. Ecuador's playing style can be too conservative, limiting their attacking potential. They lack the depth and quality of other South American teams. Ecuador also have limited experience at World Cups compared to other nations.

World Cup Prospects

Ecuador should target reaching the Round of 16. They're organized enough to compete in most groups. Advancing beyond the Round of 16 would be an achievement. Ecuador are unlikely to win the tournament but could be stubborn opponents who make life difficult for favorites.

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Pot 2 Power Rankings

Ranking the Pot 2 teams by their realistic chances of winning the 2026 World Cup:

1. Croatia - Proven tournament performers, world-class midfield
2. Morocco - African champions, exceptional organization, 2022 semi-finalists
3. Colombia - Exciting attackers, Copa America finalists
4. Japan - Technical quality, giant-killers
5. Norway - Haaland factor makes them unpredictable
6. Uruguay - Quality present but form concerns
7. Senegal - African champions, physically dominant
8. Switzerland - Organized but lack match-winners
9. Austria - Improved but inexperienced at this level
10. South Korea - Son-dependent, struggle to advance
11. Ecuador - Solid but lack attacking quality
12. Iran - Defensive but limited going forward

The "Groups of Death" Scenarios

Certain Pot 2 teams paired with strong Pot 1 seeds create nightmare groups:

• Spain + Croatia - Two technically excellent teams
• France + Uruguay - Physical and tactical battle
• England + Morocco - England's potential Round of 16 demons
• USA + Japan - Battle for home support
• Argentina + Colombia - South American rivalry

Conclusion

Pot 2 contains several teams capable of winning the World Cup (Croatia, Morocco) or at least reaching the semi-finals. These aren't just dangerous opponents, several are genuine contenders who could top groups containing weaker Pot 1 seeds.

For the Pot 1 favorites, drawing Croatia or Morocco would create immediate "group of death" scenarios. For the host nations USA, Mexico, and Canada, any Pot 2 team represents a significant challenge that could derail their campaigns.

The December 5 draw will be crucial for these teams, a favorable draw could mean the difference between early elimination and a deep tournament run.

Stay connected with Livefootballtickets.com for continued World Cup coverage and comprehensive ticket access for all matches featuring these exciting Pot 2 teams.