There are surprises in every tournament. While favorites dominate the headlines, surprise teams steal the limelight and take the world’s heart. As we draw closer to the Club World Cup, everyone’s attention automatically goes toward top clubs with marquee players. But behind the scenes, there are some surprise teams hard at work, hoping to surprise the footballing fraternity. This piece examines those lesser-known teams, such as Botafogo, Salzburg, Seattle Sounders, Wydad AC, and others, and why they might be the tournament’s Cinderella story.
Why Underdogs Matter
Underdogs are more than space fillers at large tournaments. They provide passion, unpredictability, and hope. When a less-popular team defeats a football giant, it is an event worth remembering, a reminder the game is about something more than money or prestige. It’s about teamwork, heart, and determination.
For supporters, such teams usually symbolize their country or region’s hope. For neutrals, they are easy to back, particularly when they are upsetting a football powerhouse. In contemporary football, where fame and money tend to determine results, victories by underdogs are precious and exhilarating moments.
Past Surprises at Big Tournaments
History has plenty of examples where so-called “smaller” clubs shocked the world:
TP Mazembe (2010) – The Congolese side reached the final of the Club World Cup, beating Internacional of Brazil in the semifinals.
Kashima Antlers (2016) – Representing Japan, they reached the final and gave Real Madrid a scare, forcing extra time.
Al Ain FC (2018) – They made it as far as the final, beating River Plate in a heart-stopping penalty shootout before being beaten by Real Madrid.
These teams showed everyone that with the correct tactics, motivation, and momentum, anything can happen.
Teams That Have Been Under the Radar
Botafogo (Brazil) – Champions of the 2024 CONMEBOL Libertadores
Despite being from a football-abundant country, Botafogo has always lived in Flamengo and Palmeiras’ shadow. Recently, though, they’ve fashioned a competitive team, balancing youth and experience. Their chaotic play and high-intensity pressing can unsettle larger clubs.
Red Bull Salzburg (Austria) – UEFA Ranking Pathway
Salzburg are not a product of a traditional football giant, but their high-pressing setup and impressive young team have earned them respect in European competition. Salzburg is famous for producing stars such as Erling Haaland and plays aggressive attacking football.
Atlético Madrid (Spain) – UEFA Ranking Pathway
Though not a minnow club, Atlético likes to come into competitions as the dark horse. Disciplined in tactics and defensive solidity with Diego Simeone at the helm, they are best suited to knockout competitions. If anyone underestimates them, they can beat any giant.
Seattle Sounders (USA) – 2022 Concacaf Champions Cup winners
MLS teams are getting better quickly, and Seattle has been one of the best. With a dedicated fan base, a good roster, and experience from international competitions such as the CONCACAF Champions League, they’re poised to make their mark on a world stage.
Flamengo (Brazil) – 2022 CONMEBOL Libertadores winners
Another Brazilian team, Flamengo, is more known around the world than Botafogo. Yet, as against European giants, they are outsiders. With a team full of panache and firepower going forward, they might fire the competition.
Wydad Casablanca (Morocco) – 2021/22 CAF Champions League winners
African champions tend to be underrated. Wydad, with their home crowd and tactical organization, might be a serious threat. Moroccan football is on the upswing, as evidenced by the national team’s recent success. Wydad carries that momentum and confidence.
Al Ain FC (UAE) – Winners of the 2023/24 AFC Champions League
Al Ain has done it before in 2018 and could do it again. With the advantage of experience from their past Club World Cup run, they know how to handle pressure. Their solid structure and ability to counterattack make them dangerous.
FC Porto (Portugal) – UEFA Ranking Pathway
A regular in European football, Porto isn’t often mentioned alongside the biggest clubs. But they have a history of going far in tournaments, like their Champions League win in 2004. With smart recruitment and technical football, Porto can always surprise.
What Could Help Them Go Far
No Pressure
Underdog teams are not weighed down by expectations, unlike favorites. That tends to result in freer and more courageous football. Teams play with passion, rendering them unpredictable and difficult to get through.
Strong Team Identity
These teams tend to have a well-defined game plan. Whether they counterattack, press high up the pitch, or sit deep and strike on the counter, they understand their strengths and exploit them.
Experienced Managers
Most of these squads are guided by experienced coaches who’ve worked in challenging situations. Their tactical expertise can prove to be a huge plus in pressure knockout matches.
One or Two Game-Changers
Underdog squads may not be loaded with stars, but they often have one or two players who can make magic happen. It might be a pacey winger or a good goalkeeper, but these players are game-changers.
The Element of Surprise
Larger sides may underrate them. That inadequacy of preparation or complacency on the part of top clubs can provide underdogs the opening they require to counterattack.
One Team to Watch Closely – Inter Miami
Though not normally an underdog, Inter Miami merits a mention in a category by itself. Headed up by Lionel Messi, this MLS squad combines worldwide talent with United States drive. Several still have questions about if an American club can hold a candle to the likes of Europe or South America’s best, but Inter Miami may prove those people wrong.
Messi brings not just talent, but leadership, experience, and the ability to turn a match with one moment of brilliance. The supporting cast around him has improved too, with players like Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba providing additional world-class experience.
If they knit well and remain injury-free, Inter Miami may not only compete but can very well win all the way.
Ready to Rewrite the Script
The Club World Cup guarantees massive games and legendary players, but it also harbors hope for the unexpected turn of events. Underdog sides such as Botafogo, Salzburg, Seattle Sounders and Wydad AC are not merely contestants. They’re contenders with possibility. The script has always included the element of surprise, and this season could be no exception.
Fans should watch out for these lower-profile teams. They might not be glamorous, but they bring determination, desire, and something even more precious in knockout football – faith. Because in a competition like this, faith can go a long way.