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The 2026 FIFA World Cup in USA-Canada-Mexico has entered the knockout stage. Looking back at the group stage, several dark horse teams have left a deep impression. Cape Verde drew with Spain and Uruguay in two matches, while DR Congo topped their group ahead of South Korea. These teams from the fringes of world football are rewriting World Cup history.

Cape Verde: The Miracle of Small Island Nations

With a population of only 540,000, Cape Verde has been the biggest surprise of this tournament. In their opening match against favorites Spain, 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha made seven extraordinary saves to keep a clean sheet. In the second game against two-time champions Uruguay, Cape Verde drew again, becoming the first team in World Cup history to remain unbeaten against former champions in their first two group matches.

The secret behind this team lies in over a decade of naturalization strategy. Of the 26-man squad, 17 players are overseas naturalized citizens covering Portugal, Netherlands, France, and the United States. Leveraging the Cotonou Agreement and EU player status advantages, Cape Verde efficiently integrated diaspora talent worldwide.

Their tactical discipline is equally remarkable. Just five fouls in the first two rounds, the fewest since 1966. Vozinhas mother arriving to watch the match in the US became a touching cross-border story that moved countless fans.