That actually happened in 2022, when Saudi Arabia stunned Argentina at roughly +1800 to +2249 odds, Japan beat Germany around +750, Cameroon shocked Brazil at +1050, and Morocco turned +20000 futures into one of the deepest runs in history.

These matches brought fortunes to lucky bettors because the gap between expectation and reality was massive. The 2026 tournament includes 48 teams, which likely means even more mispriced underdogs.

And if you bet on the World Cup with crypto, fast deposits and withdrawals make it easier for you to catch the right opportunity in 2026. With solid research and a bit of luck, you can turn that into real returns. So let’s look at the types of underdogs that make sense to target.

The 5 underdog plays and lessons for 2026

The 2022 World Cup was full of shocking upsets that paid off massively for those who placed bets on the right side. Learning from those results can help you spot the best underdogs in 2026 and successfully bet on the World Cup with crypto.

Here are the top five examples to learn from.

Opening-match shock vs. overconfident favorite

In 2022, Saudi Arabia beat Argentina at odds between +1800 and +2249. Argentina scored an early penalty and looked in control, but Saudi Arabia didn’t panic. They pressed hard, stayed organized, and finished two second-half goals to stun the world. A $100 bet would have returned over $1,800.

Argentina’s rotation and overconfidence left gaps that Saudi Arabia exploited, showing that even giants can slip up when they underestimate a motivated opponent.

How it could help in 2026

Debutants or mid-tier Asian and African teams facing South American or European giants in the expanded 48-team groups could pull similar tricks. These matches often offer huge pre-match odds, and if the favorite slips or concedes early, in-play betting can add extra value.

Asian team tactical masterclass vs. European power

Japan’s 2–1 win over Germany at around +750-850 odds paid roughly $850 on a $100 stake. Germany controlled the ball but struggled to convert, while Japan stayed patient, adjusted in the second half, and finished their chances.

This match teaches to look at matchups where one team relies heavily on possession, and the other is comfortable without it, but doesn’t lose chances to overtake. In this case, it’s smart to look for the underdog that holds shape and stays within reach in the first half.

How it could help in 2026

Japan, South Korea, or other prepared Asian sides could repeat this early in the tournament against teams like Spain, Germany, or France. Pre-match odds are good, but live betting is where value spikes — after a first goal or a defensive lapse, you can jump on higher returns.

Mid‑tier upset

Morocco beat Belgium 2–0 in a group match despite being underdogs, with closing odds around +420 to +450 for the win. A $100 stake returned roughly $420–$450. How was it possible?

Morocco defended patiently for most of the match, then struck late with goals from Abdelhamid Sabiri and Zakaria Aboukhlal, while Belgium struggled to create real chances and never looked fully in control.

In cases like this, look for mid-tier underdogs that stick to a clear game plan against teams that keep the ball but struggle to turn it into real chances.

How it could help in 2026

In 2026, that could be a side like Senegal or Switzerland against mid‑ranking favorites like the Netherlands or Portugal in group play. Watch competent underdogs that defend smartly and exploit transition chances against teams that rely too much on possession or take time to adjust.

With crypto on Sportbet.one, the low minimums and instant payouts let you place these shots and quickly adjust if live play shifts favorably.

Group-stage dead-rubber motivation flip

Cameroon beat Brazil at +1050 (1-0), turning $100 into more than $1,000. It happened when Brazil had already secured qualification and rotated, while Cameroon played with urgency and had everything on the line.

Situations where motivation is uneven are not uncommon. One team doesn’t have reasons to try too hard, the other pushes for survival, and this is a good moment to bet on the underdog. Just look for confirmed lineups, especially if key players are rested, and the tournament standings before kickoff.

How it could help in 2026

With more groups in 2026, these motivation gaps will happen more often. In 2026, France or Brazil could field rotated squads against teams like Senegal or the USA that still need points.

Betting underdogs in these late matches can be high-value, and fast crypto payouts on Sportbet.one let you recycle those winnings into the knockout rounds the same day.

Deep-run Cinderella story

Morocco started their run in the tournament without big wins, and few people expected much, so the odds were +25000 in pre-tournament and +425 in the Round of 16. But after pulling off a 2–0 win over Belgium and holding Spain to a penalty shootout, they went on to beat Portugal 1–0 and reach the quarterfinals. They stayed calm in every tight moment, defended smartly as a team, and scored.

People didn’t really take them seriously at first, which made betting on them early a huge opportunity. Once a team pulls off one upset, they often have the confidence to surprise again, especially against tired or pressured favorites.

How it could help in 2026

Watch for underdogs reaching the Round of 16 or quarterfinals in the bigger 48-team tournament. Bets like “to reach quarterfinals” or individual match wins can pay 4x–10x+, giving real value.

These examples show us many teachable moments. Remember them when planning your betting strategy for 2026, and add a few more practices that work for any match.

Smart betting tips to maximize 2026 underdog value

Even when underdogs look promising, spotting value takes more than luck. These tips can help you take advantage of most of the 2026 underdog opportunities:

Track form and lineups early: Check qualifiers, friendlies, and recent tournaments to see which underdogs are confident. Injuries or rotation plans for favorites can create huge edges.
Look for tactical mismatches: Teams that defend well and strike on counters, or threaten from set-pieces, can outperform odds. Focus on styles, not just reputations.
Spread small bets across multiple plays: Place smaller bets on several plausible underdog scenarios to capture value across groups and stages without risking too much on any single result.
Watch motivation and context closely: Even strong teams can underperform in “meaningless” games or after long winning streaks. Underdogs fighting for pride, points, or progression often surprise.
Use crypto for speed and flexibility: Using a FIFA betting site with Bitcoin Sportbet.one sport site, lets you place live bets instantly and cash out fast, so you can lock in value whenever an underdog surprises.
Combine with data: Use stats sites for xG, possession, or shots on target, but always trust what you see on the field. Motivation and effort can’t be measured in numbers alone.

With these tips, you can spot the promising underdogs, act quickly when opportunities arise, and bet on the World Cup with crypto in a way that turns into real returns instead of just hope.

Catch the underdogs before they surprise everyone

The World Cup always delivers the unexpected, and 2026 promises even more chaos and opportunity with 48 teams on the field. Smart research, careful observation, and quick action with crypto can turn long shots into wins.

The underdogs are out there, waiting for someone to notice their edge. Choose Sportbet.one as your FIFA betting site with Bitcoin, and with the right wager, you could be the one cashing in when everyone else is caught by surprise.

FIFA World Cup FAQs

Is it legal to bet with crypto?

The legality of betting with crypto depends on your country or state. In many regions, online betting is regulated, and some sites accept cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin as payment. Always check local laws before placing any bets and use licensed platforms to stay safe.

How to bet on the FIFA Club World Cup?

Go to Sportbet.one, create an account in a few clicks with email or social media, deposit crypto, and browse available FIFA Club World Cup markets. You can place bets on match outcomes or group standings, and track live odds for in-game opportunities.

How much money is a bet on the World Cup?

Bet amounts vary depending on your budget and the platform. With Sportbet.one, you can bet as low as $1 in crypto equivalent or wager hundreds of dollars at once (max limit depends on the event). Start small if you’re testing strategies, especially with underdog plays, and scale up once you feel confident.