World Cup’s Greatest Underdogs (1998–2022)
The FIFA World Cup has always been a stage where GIANTS clash, but every so often, it’s the underdogs who steal the spotlight. Between 1998 and 2022, several teams defied expectations, writing stories that fans still remember today.
🇭🇷 1998 – Croatia's debut to finishing 3rd🥉
Just seven years after gaining independence, Croatia stunned the world in France. Led by Davor Šuker, who won the Golden Boot, they defeated Germany 3–0 in the quarterfinals before bowing out to hosts France. A remarkable third-place finish in their first-ever World Cup was nothing short of historic, the perfect debut dream.
🇹🇷 2002 – Turkey’s incredible 3rd-place finish🥉
In Korea-Japan 2002, Turkey wrote one of the World Cup’s most memorable underdog stories. Led by striker Hakan Şükür and goalkeeper Rüştü Reçber, they battled their way to the semifinals, losing only to Brazil twice, the eventual champions 🏆 Turkey then beat South Korea 3–2 in the third-place playoff, securing their place in history with a bronze medal, proof that passion and grit can take you to the podium.
🇬🇭 2010 – Ghana’s heartbreaking quarterfinal
At South Africa 2010, Ghana carried the hopes of an entire continent. After defeating the USA in the Round of 16, they stood one kick away from history! In the quarterfinal against Uruguay, Luis Suárez’s infamous handball denied a last-minute goal, and Asamoah Gyan missed the penalty that followed. Ghana lost in the shootout, but their run remains Africa’s great “what ifs” moment, a story of heartbreak and pride
🇭🇷 2018 – Croatia reaching the World Cup final
Two decades after their debut heroics, Croatia went even further in Russia. Luka Modrić and his midfield brilliance carried the team past Denmark, Russia, and England, before falling to France in the final. Their silver-medal finish cemented Croatia as the ultimate modern underdog story 🥈 small nation, big heart, and world-class football.
🇲🇦 2022 – Morocco as Africa’s 1st semifinalist
In Qatar, Morocco stunned the world. They beat Belgium in the group stage, eliminated Spain on penalties, and outplayed Portugal 1–0 in the quarterfinals. Their fairytale ended against France in the semifinal, but their run inspired millions across Africa and beyond, making history as the first African semifinalist, and proving that dreams from Casablanca to Cairo could become reality.
From Croatia’s golden start in 1998 to Morocco’s groundbreaking run in 2022, these underdogs proved that the World Cup isn’t just about traditional powers.
It’s about belief, unity, and the magic of football where the unexpected becomes unforgettable ⚽
