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Colombia, Ecuador, Senegal among potential World Cup Cinderella teams

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 2, 2026, 3:00 PM

Last updated Jun 2, 2026

Colombia, Ecuador, Senegal among potential World Cup Cinderella teams

Summary

As teams prepare for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, several nations are emerging as potential surprise contenders. Colombia boasts a strong offensive lineup led by Luis Diaz and James Rodriguez, while Ecuador, with its solid defensive record in qualifiers, aims to advance beyond the knockout stage for the first time. Senegal, featuring Sadio Mané, hopes to replicate its historic 2002 quarterfinal run. These teams, along with others including Japan, are setting the stage for unexpected performances in the tournament.

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By the Numbers

•Colombia aims for a strong group stage finish to secure advancement.
•Ecuador seeks to break its knockout stage curse.
•Senegal eyes a return to the quarterfinals after 24 years.
•Japan relies on its European-based players despite key injuries.

Latest Updates

3:00 PMYahoo Sports — The World Cup's next Cinderella? 9 teams that could make a surprise run to the quarterfinals — including the USMNT

What they're saying

"
Everyone loves seeing a Cinderella team make an unlikely tournament run, and the World Cup provides glass slippers nearly every time.
— Yahoo Sports

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