3 potential sleepers from World Cup third place teams who could advance in knockouts

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3 potential sleepers from World Cup third place teams who could advance in knockouts originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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While it feels like the opening whistle of the 2026 World Cup was just blown, the new expanded knockout stage is here. For the first year ever, 32 teams have earned a nod into the win-or-go-home format for the tournament.

Like every playoff system in sports, some teams have quite the edge over their opponent and cruise to victory. However, there are some teams hidden in this Round of 32 pool that are ready to pounce on lackluster favorites.

This year, three teams from Africa have a great opportunity to earn a surprise win in the opening knockout stage. Some rely on maintaining a calm, defensive front, while another side counts on fast attacking.

Here's the list of the best third-place sleepers at this year's World Cup.

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Which third-place teams are sleepers at 2026 World Cup?​

DR Congo​

Good news: the DR Congo has qualified for the Round of 32. Bad news: they play England. While the Three Lions did pick up a clean 2-0 win over Panama to close out their group-stage round of play, Ghana's 0-0 hard-fought draw showed that this England team is able to be contained.

Les Leopards are riding high after their first World Cup win in the country's history (1974 as Zaire), and their defense has held up the team thus far. DR Congo has not allowed an opponent to score more than one goal across their three Group K games. Their only loss in this year's tournament has come from a strong Colombian side, which was only able to put one goal past Lionel Mpasi in the net.

A DR Congo win would most likely be in a low-scoring affair and subjecting Harry Kane to stifling defense, but it is possible. Expect a 1-0 or 2-1 game if the Leopards prevail.

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Senegal​

While it does feel weird calling the No. 15 FIFA-ranked Lions of Teranga from Senegal a sleeper, many people are automatically glancing past this side that has matched up against a Belgium side that is clearly past its glory days. Belgium was only able to put up one goal across their two draws against Egypt and Iran, while Senegal has scored a goal in every one of their group stage matches, including a five-goal outburst against Iraq.

Belgium's attacking ceiling is certainly there on paper with Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne, but the duo has had their fair share of chances to cash in for their country, and they have yet to really do that during their international careers.

A path to victory for the Lions of Teranga would be best sought in a high-flying goals fest. If they're able to jump on Belgium early, it may be hard for the Red Devils to overcome the deficit. Expect a 2-0 or 3-1 victory for Senegal if a victory is achieved.

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Ghana​

Rounding out this list of sleepers is Ghana. The No. 73-ranked squad did come into this summer's tournament as the fourth-lowest-ranked team in the entire competition. However, a 0-0 hold against England (No. 4 in the world) and a decent showing in their 2-1 loss to Croatia (No. 11) have shown what this team is capable of. They are, however, playing against a Colombian side that has been playing great soccer as of late.

Like DR Congo, Ghana's main path of attack would actually come from the defensive side of the ball. Ghana looks to hold opponents through tough man-on defense and pounces when a team goes into a lull.

Ghana would be tasked with keeping Colombia to a select few good opportunities to put the ball in the back of the net. A 1-0 victory is certainly within reason to think about for the African squad.

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