On Day 3 of Ladbrokes' 2026 World Cup Countdown, we're looking at underdogs who could spring a surprise
Argentina could be in for a shock in their opener, just as they were in 2022
Could Brazil and Portugal be caught out by determined opposition in the group stages?

With three days to go until the start of the 2026 World Cup, Ladbrokes looks at three of this summer's underdogs who offer real value in the World Cup betting markets.
We've picked out three nations who we think could spring a surprise against an international powerhouse in the group stages this year, with three African teams having the chance to cause an upset against three of the world's most established nations - including the reigning world champions!
Morocco vs Brazil (17/4) - all match markets here
Algeria vs Argentina (7/1) - all match markets here
DR Congo vs Portugal (10/1) - all match markets here
Morocco have already proven they can upset football's biggest names on the World Cup stage, reaching the semi-finals in 2022 after eliminating both Spain and Portugal. Mohamed Ouahbi's side remain exceptionally well organised and possess genuine quality in key areas, with Achraf Hakimi, Yassine Bounou, and Brahim Diaz - one of our players to watch this summer - all capable of influencing major matches. Brazil may have more star power, but Morocco's recent tournament pedigree suggests they should not be discounted, and could spring a surprise against the Group C favourites.
Argentina may be reigning world champions, but they know better than most that opening group games can be dangerous. Lionel Scaloni's side famously lost their first match of the 2022 World Cup to Saudi Arabia before recovering to lift the trophy - highlighting how quickly expectations can be overturned in tournament football. Algeria have enough technical quality and attacking threat to make life uncomfortable, and with far less pressure on their shoulders, they could represent excellent value as outsiders against Lionel Messi and Co.
Portugal will be expected to take maximum points in their opener, but DR Congo arrive with a squad containing far more quality than many fans realise - as our experts have highlighted previously. Players such as Noah Sadiki and Yoane Wissa have experience at the highest level, and certainly have the attributes to hurt Roberto Martinez's Group K favourites if they take their eye off the ball. Portugal have occasionally struggled to break down disciplined opponents in major tournaments, so if DR Congo can remain organised and prove clinical at the other end, an upset - which would provide real value - is not beyond the realms of possibility in this one.
Ladbrokes is celebrating the World Cup countdown with a new price boost every day between now and the start of the tournament, with today's offer looking at England's firepower at the top end of the pitch.
Odds for the Three Lions to score more goals at the 2026 World Cup than any other nation have been boosted to 8/1, with the likes of Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, and Bukayo Saka leading the charge for Thomas Tuchel's side. With arguably the world's greatest striker and such an impressive supporting cast, England will be confident of racking up the goals in Group L, giving them the perfect platform to attack the knockouts.
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All odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.