Here are the six most overrated teams coming into the World Cup

The ultimate prize in soccer is up for grabs, but the World Cup brings an immense amount of scrutiny.

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Much is made about the favorites. But which sides could fail to meet the hype?

Here are some of the teams that might struggle to live up to expectations:

The Seleção have won five World Cups, the most of any nation. However, recent trips have ended in heartbreak, as Brazil has reached the semifinals just once since 2002, when they were embarrassed by Germany, 7-1, in 2014.

Why? The pressure of playing in a shirt with five stars on it. Carlo Ancelotti, hired in May 2025, will need to limit distractions for this team to reach its potential.

Sure, Brazil has some of the world’s best players, as evidenced by its No. 6 ranking. However, the depth that we’re used to seeing from the preeminent soccer nation isn’t there compared with past teams.

Still without a World Cup championship, Portugal has long been among the global powerhouses. Ranked No. 5 in the world, it has a great shot at finally lifting the trophy. Its midfield trio of João Neves, Vitinha, and Bruno Fernandes might be the best in the tournament.

It could fall apart up top, headlined by one of the world’s most recognizable athletes. How much does Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, have left? Will this be a fairy tale ending in his final World Cup?

The Dutch are in a similar position to Portugal.

A smaller country in terms of population long punching above its weight in competitions, yet one unable to claim the World Cup trophy despite impressive tournament runs.

The Oranje, ranked No. 8, have one of the strongest backlines in the tournament, led by longtime stalwart Virgil van Dijk. Frenkie de Jong headlines a strong midfield contingent.

The problem lies in their attacking prowess — or lack thereof. Crysencio Summerville and Cody Gakpo had disappointing club seasons in the English Premier League. Donyell Malen looks to occupy the No. 9 role over the team’s all-time leading scorer, Memphis Depay. On loan from Aston Villa, where he enjoyed a down first half of the year, Malen posted 17 goal involvements in 20 matches with Roma in Serie A. The Oranje will need him to carry over his second-half success.

The Red Devils finished third at the 2018 World Cup but shockingly were knocked out in the group stage in 2022.

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Ranked No. 9, Belgium’s golden generation has retired or is on its last legs. Goaltender Thibaut Courtois and Kevin De Bruyne are both 34 years old.

The Red Devils have consistently fallen flat against elite sides. Will a dreadful performance in Qatar translate to a bounce-back this time?

Speaking of teams that are battling Father Time.

FIFA’s 11th-ranked team lost to France in the 2018 final and finished third in 2022.

Luka Modric is 40. Ivan Perisic isn’t much younger at 37. Midfielders Mateo Kovacic and Andrej Kramaric are 34, as is striker Ante Budimir.

Sure, there’s something to be said for experience. But the next generation can’t match the talent the Croatians have enjoyed their last two runs on the world stage.

El Tri are synonymous with World Cup representation, having appeared 18 times. They’ve only reached the quarterfinals twice.

Mexico will enjoy playing on home turf, and the cohost, ranked 14th, should advance out of its group with relative ease.

El Tri did not advance to the knockout stages in 2022. From 1994-2018, Mexico experienced the infamous “Round of 16 curse,” bowing out before the quarterfinals in seven consecutive World Cups.

Stars are needed to be game-changers late in the tournament. El Tri boast a balanced roster, albeit one without a player who can take over matches.

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