For the first time, the tournament will be expanded — FIFA has wisely chosen to increase the number of teams from 32 to 48 next year — adding an extra round and extending the event to a record 39 days.

Additionally, it will be hosted across three countries — the USA, Mexico, and Canada — marking a first in World Cup history.

Defending champions Argentina will continue to be among the favorites, potentially marking Lionel Messi's final appearance for La Albiceleste, while Spain’s emerging 'golden generation' is also expected to be a formidable force.

England completed their qualifying campaign unbeaten and without conceding a goal, whereas France, Germany, and the Netherlands will rely on their experience to avoid an early exit.

Four teams making their debut at the World Cup

There are also nations participating in the tournament for the very first time.

Curacao qualified after a goalless draw with Jamaica, becoming the smallest country ever to compete, with a population of just 150,000. Coached by Dick Advocaat, aged 78, he will be the oldest coach in World Cup history.

Cape Verde, Jordan, and Uzbekistan are the other newcomers, promising another exciting football festival, but who are the real dark horses?

These are the teams that could surprise everyone if they end up in a group that almost guarantees advancement to the knockout stages.

Norway's remarkable qualifying run

Norway’s impressive qualifying campaign has attracted attention, though it hasn’t received the full recognition it deserves.

In a group that included Italy — whom Norway defeated 4-1 to secure their first World Cup appearance in 28 years, Erling Haaland and his teammates dominated every opponent they faced.

Like England, Norway won all eight matches, scoring 37 goals — by far the highest tally in the European qualifiers.

Haaland deserves much credit, having scored 16 goals in those eight games, the most by any player in World Cup qualifiers worldwide.

However, Norway is not just about one star player.

Alexander Sorloth and Jorgen Strand Larsen are two other forwards who can be just as deadly as Haaland on their best days.

In Antonio Nusa, Norway boasts one of the most exciting young talents globally, who together with Oscar Bobbcan cause serious problems for defenders.

Provided he remains injury-free, much of the attacking creativity onStale Solbakken's team flows through the skill and vision of Martin Odegaard.

The Arsenal midfielder has consistently driven the team forward and led by example throughout qualifying, whileJulian Ryerson and Kristoffer Ajer have been solid at the back, complemented by Sander Berge strengthening the midfield, giving the squad overall solidity.

Ecuador could be the unexpected contender

In the South American qualifiers, Brazil will be relieved by the tournament’s expansion, as their fifth-place finish under Carlo Ancelotti might not have been sufficient otherwise.

They will rely on standout performances from players like Vinicius Junior, Estevao and others if they aim to be true title contenders.

Both Ecuador and Colombia finished above them, yet their qualification campaigns have been relatively low-profile.

Ecuador can claim arguably the world’s best defensive midfielder in Moises Caicedo, and boast a strong defense featuring Piero Hincapie, Willian Pacho and Joel Ordonez, which explains why they conceded only five goals across 18 qualifying matches.

Although their scoring is limited, La Tri will be very tough to break down and should not be underestimated by their opponents.

Colombia’s blend of experience and Uruguay’s resilience

Colombia finished just one point behind Ecuador but scored twice as many goals, with 14.

Offensively, they combine World Cup veterans — most notably James Rodriguez — with in-form newcomers who have yet to appear at the tournament.

Luis Diaz, for instance, will challenge any defense, while Jhon Duran, Jhon Arias and Richard Rios will all add valuable depth.

Uruguay could also make an impact under Marcelo Bielsa, who at 70 years old, may view this as his final tournament.

Their qualification was inconsistent but they ended with the same points (28) as Colombia, Brazil, and Paraguay.

With Ronald Araujo, Jose Maria Gimenez, Manuel Ugarte and Giorgian de Arrascaete, Uruguay possesses one of the tournament’s strongest core lineups.

Only time will reveal if any of these teams can challenge the expected frontrunners, but we are certainly in for an exciting tournament.