World Cup 2026: Biggest ranking mismatches in group stage

The expanded 48-team format at the FIFA World Cup 2026 has opened the door for several debutants and lower-ranked nations to test themselves against traditional international heavyweights. Taking into account the latest FIFA/Coca-Cola Men’s World Ranking, the widest gulf between opponents in the group stage stretches to 77 places, with high-flying Brazil, England and Spain all set to face sides ranked outside the top 65.

Yet World Cup history repeatedly shows that ranking guarantees nothing. Saudi Arabia stunned eventual winners Argentina at Qatar 2022, while La Albiceleste were also defeated by Cameroon as defending champions at Italy 1990, and Korea DPR famously overcame Italy at England 1966. As the countdown to the upcoming global showpiece continues, these five fixtures stand out as the tournament’s biggest David v Goliath encounters on paper.

Group C: Brazil vs Haiti – Philadelphia Stadium, June 19

Ranking gap: 77 places

Five-time world champions Brazil enter the World Cup ranked sixth in the world, while Haiti sit 83rd. The nations have met four times before, with the Seleção claiming resounding six-goal victories in the last two encounters – winning 7-1 in the 2016 Copa America Centenario and 6-0 in an international friendly in 2004.

Haiti’s qualification represents one of the stories of the tournament, with Les Grenadiers reaching the World Cup for the first time since 1974. Back then, Emmanuel ‘Manno’ Sanon wrote his name into football folklore by scoring against Italy to end Dino Zoff’s world-record 1,142-minute clean-sheet streak. Although Haiti eventually lost 3-1, Sanon’s goal is still one of the most celebrated moments in the nation’s football history.

Brazil also know that World Cups rarely follow the script. The Seleção suffered one of the greatest shocks in tournament history when they lost the 1950 ‘Maracanazo’ final on home soil to Uruguay, while their 7-1 semi-final defeat against Germany in 2014 – also as tournament hosts – was another seismic result.

Group G: Belgium vs New Zealand – Vancouver Stadium, June 26

Ranking gap: 76 places

Belgium and New Zealand have never previously met at senior men’s international level. Ranked ninth in the world, Belgium have remained one of Europe’s most consistent tournament performers despite the gradual transition away from their celebrated “golden generation.” New Zealand, ranked 85th, return to the World Cup for the first time since 2010, when they famously exited unbeaten after draws with Slovakia, Italy and Paraguay. That 1-1 draw against then-reigning champions Italy is arguably the greatest result in the All Whites’ history.

Belgium have secured plenty of memorable results of their own over the years, though the Red Devils were also stunned by eventual semi-finalists Morocco in Qatar – a defeat that contributed to their group-stage elimination despite entering the tournament ranked second in the world. Back in 1994, Belgium were also on the wrong end of an upset – losing 1-0 to Saudi Arabia after Saeed Al-Owairan slalomed through the Red Devils’ defence to score one of the most iconic goals in World Cup history.

Group E: Germany vs Curaçao – Houston Stadium, June 14

Ranking gap: 72 places

Curaçao’s meeting with Germany in Houston will mark the Caribbean nation’s first-ever World Cup match. Ranked 82nd in the world, Curaçao are the smallest country by population to ever qualify for the FIFA World Cup and face a tough inaugural match against four-time champions Germany, who are aiming to reassert themselves after disappointing exits in 2018 and 2022.

Given that only Brazil have played in more than Germany’s 20 World Cups, it is perhaps not surprising that Die Mannschaft have suffered a couple of shock results in their 112 previous matches at the tournament. Germany were eliminated in the group stage in 2018 and 2022, and have historically been vulnerable against underdogs, such as losing to Algeria in 1982 and drawing with Cameroon in 1998.