The expanded 48-team tournament has produced numerous shocks in the group stage and Round of 32. Here’s a ranked list (by shock value, considering rankings difference, stage, and impact), with teams, scores, and goal details where available.
1. Cape Verde 0-0 Spain (Group Stage)
Debutants Cape Verde (~67th) held favorites Spain to a goalless draw. Vozinha starred with crucial saves. Cape Verde remained unbeaten in 90 minutes across the group.
2. Paraguay 1-1 Germany (4-3 pens) (Round of 32)
Paraguay (~41) knocked out Germany (~10). Julio Enciso (42′) for Paraguay; Kai Havertz (54′) for Germany. Controversial disallowed goal in ET; Paraguay won on penalties.
3. Morocco 1-1 Netherlands (3-2 pens) (Round of 32)
Issa Diop (90+’) equalizer for Morocco; Cody Gakpo (72′) for Netherlands. Morocco advanced on penalties (Ismael Saibari key).
4. Australia 2-0 Turkey (Group Stage)
Underrated result against a fancied Turkey side. Australia secured progression.
5. Cape Verde 2-2 Uruguay (Group Stage)
Helio Varela late goal helped Cape Verde earn a point against the former champions.
6. New Zealand 2-2 Iran (Group Stage)
Lowest-ranked team (~85) came back twice for a memorable draw.
7. Qatar 1-1 Switzerland (Group Stage)
Qatar earned a hard-fought point with a late equalizer (e.g., Boualem Khoukhi header mentioned in highlights).
8. Bosnia & Herzegovina vs. Canada (Group Stage draw/peg)
Bosnia held or surprised co-hosts Canada.
9. Japan’s strong group performance & R32 push
Japan topped a group unbeaten and led Brazil 1-0 in R32 before losing 1-2.
10. England dropped points (e.g., vs. Ghana or close calls)
Harry Kane rescued late wins, but England faced scares.
11-20. Additional Notable Upsets/Shocks
- Ghana holding stronger sides in groups (defensive masterclasses).
- Belgium 1-1 Egypt or similar group draws.
- Scotland 1-0 Haiti (hard-fought, unexpected for some).
- Norway 4-1 Iraq (surprising statement, but Iraq competitive).
- Ecuador upset elements or advancing surprisingly.
- DR Congo pushing England close (Kane late winner 2-1).
- Senegal collapses or drops despite expectations.
- Portugal held multiple times in group, failed to top.
- South Korea disappointments vs. lower sides.
- Various African/Asian debuts (Curaçao, Jordan) earning points or competitive displays.
Notes: Cape Verde’s overall run (unbeaten in group, near-upset vs. Argentina 2-3 AET — Messi 29′, Duarte, Lopes Cabral replies; Diney Borges OG) stands out. Knockouts saw early exits for Germany and Netherlands. Many upsets were draws or penalty wins, showcasing defensive resilience from underdogs. The tournament remains open heading into later stages! Data as of July 4, 2026.