Uruguay

A small South American country with a massive chip on its shoulder, Uruguay has always punched way above its weight in international soccer despite having a population smaller than most major cities. They're heading into 2026 as a experienced, physical team built around toughness rather than flashy play, carrying the legacy of being two-time world champions (though those titles were back in 1930 and 1950) and hungry to prove they still belong among the elite. Keep an eye on whether their aging star Darwin Núñez can finally deliver on his enormous potential on the biggest stage, because when Uruguay clicks, they're genuinely capable of upsetting anyone.