Football competitions are always a thrilling spectacle, and the upcoming 2026 World Cup is no exception. One of the most interesting aspects of the upcoming draw is the third-seeded pot, which has turned out to be one of the most unpredictable. This pot includes national teams capable of causing upsets, historic teams that can reclaim their spotlight, and emerging nations with surprise potential. For the favorites from Pot 1 and Pot 2, a clash with one of these teams can be the difference between a comfortable group and an extremely contested one. Algeria: hierarchy and continental experience The Algerian national team is another African giant that finds itself in Pot 3. Within this pot, one can find direct rivals competing for a second-place finish. Saudi Arabia: World Cup experience and discipline Saudi Arabia is a team accustomed to competing in World Cups. Undoubtedly, it is one of the teams no one wants to face at this stage. Panama: recent experience and consolidation Following its historic World Cup debut in 2018, Panama has strengthened its position within Concacaf and now appears as a more mature, tactically organized team with sustained growth. In Pot 3, it might be seen as accessible to some, but it has a collective structure that tends to complicate things for more talented rivals. Although it is not among the favorites, it has a level and competitive playing field that can turn it into a serious obstacle, especially in close matches. Paraguay: the South American team that always competes Paraguay, true to its tradition, arrives as a tough, organized, and characterized team. Although its current form is not as dominant as in previous decades, it maintains traits that make it dangerous: intensity in marking, strength in the air, and the ability to adapt to the opponent. Its placement in Pot 3 could be advantageous if it achieves a balanced group. Tunisia: order, discipline, and a possible surprise The Tunisian national team appears as another African representative that can cause headaches. It doesn't usually shine, but it competes: an organized defense, a hard-working midfield, and fast transitions. In balanced groups, it tends to capitalize on opponents' mistakes and has a history of frustrating teams superior on paper. Ivory Coast: talent and physical power Ivory Coast is one of the most dangerous African teams due to its mix of physical strength, speed, and individual skill. Its ceiling can be very high if it achieves defensive balance. With a process of sustained growth in Asia, an organized style, and good technique, it is the prototype of a team that has nothing to lose and everything to gain. It can be a surprise if the draw gives it an accessible group. Qatar: the recent host seeking a new identity After its participation as the host nation in 2022, Qatar returns to the World Cup needing to prove it can compete without the push from the home crowd and advantage of playing at home. Its tactical level and physical preparation have always been its strong points. Its tactical structure is usually solid, and its physical condition is increasingly firm. While not a candidate, it has pulled off major surprises (such as the historic victory over Argentina in 2022) and maintains that ability to strike at key moments. South Africa: physical power and rhythm The South African team arrives in Pot 3 with the expectation of reconnecting with a competitive identity. It is a physically strong team with great speed and tends to grow in pressure matches. In a 48-team World Cup, it is one of the teams that can ambitiously advance to the next round without complexes. Uzbekistan: the emerging Asian side Uzbekistan is one of the less traditional teams in the pot, but that doesn't mean it should be underestimated. In this landscape, Pot 3 appears as one of the most heterogeneous: it brings together teams with history, others returning to the elite after years, and several aspiring to become surprises. Although they are not natural candidates, as analyzed by the Argentine News Agency, many of these teams can unbalance any zone. Norway: the uncomfortable European team Norway arrives as one of the strongest teams in the pot. While it doesn't have a massive World Cup tradition, its current competitiveness and a base of players spread across the top European leagues make it a formidable rival. Its physical, direct, and vertical style usually bothers possession-based teams. Egypt: the African powerhouse with a hunger for World Cup experience Egypt is a presence that commands respect. Accustomed to fighting in the Africa Cup of Nations, it combines individual hierarchy, attacking speed, and a style that can alternate between high press and a low block. It is a rival that could be a "group-breaker": capable of beating anyone on a good night. Scotland: the return of a historic Scotland returns to the forefront with the illusion of re-establishing itself in a World Cup. Its physical, vertical, and very aggressive defensive style usually complicates things for more technical teams. Its challenge will be to maintain consistency and avoid defensive lapses. An unpredictable pot that can define entire groups Pot 3 is perhaps the most unpredictable of the draw: it contains teams capable of causing upsets, historic teams that can reclaim protagonism, and emerging countries with surprise potential. For the favorites in Pot 1 and Pot 2, the crossing with one of these sets can mark the difference between a comfortable group and one extremely disputed.
