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What it feels like to pull off a World Cup upset, from Paraguay to Cape Verde

What it feels like to pull off a World Cup upset, from Paraguay to Cape Verde

Here is the latest update from the 2026 FIFA World Cup as of 2026-07-01 14:17:00.

BOSTON — The FIFA World Cup 2026 has already provided fans with unforgettable upsets that will be talked about for years. From Cape Verde’s remarkable draw with Spain to Ecuador’s last-gasp victory over Germany and Paraguay’s nail-biting penalty shootout win against the four-time champions, this tournament is already filled with shocking results.

Memorable Moments

For many teams, a single standout match can transform their tournament experience from disappointment to glory. Ecuador’s coach, Sebastian Beccacece, faced a heated situation after a draw against Curaçao, where his family was confronted by a disgruntled fan. Just days later, he found himself celebrating a 1-0 win against Germany, securing their place in the knockout stage alongside his elated family.

Paraguay fans, who had endured a tough opening loss to the United States, now have tears of joy thanks to Julio Enciso’s crucial goal and José Canale’s decisive penalty kick. The victory was monumental enough that Tuesday was declared a national holiday in Paraguay. Coach Gustavo Alfaro and his squad are now poised to create more history, eyeing an upset against France in the upcoming round of 16.

The Importance of Belief

Gunnar Halle, a member of the Norway squad that stunned Brazil in 1998, emphasized that having belief is essential for achieving unexpected victories. He noted that confidence plays a pivotal role in executing a game plan successfully, as their performance against Brazil illustrated.

Andy Townsend, who was part of the Republic of Ireland team that famously defeated Italy 1-0 in 1994, shared that scoring first can significantly pressure top teams. He recalled how their initial goal not only shifted the dynamic but also visibly affected the opposing coach.

Each of these examples reinforces that the journey of underdog teams often relies on both strategic execution and a bit of luck. As seen in past tournaments, unexpected outcomes don’t always end a team’s chances; Argentina and Spain have both bounced back from early losses to achieve ultimate success.

As the knockout stage approaches, teams like Ecuador, Paraguay, and Cape Verde carry the weight of their previous achievements, making them formidable opponents. Their success has sparked belief in their collective capabilities, setting the stage for more thrilling matches.

FAQs

What teams have caused notable upsets in the 2026 World Cup?

Teams like Paraguay, Ecuador, and Cape Verde have achieved remarkable upsets, including Japan’s draw with Germany.

How do underdog teams gain confidence in the World Cup?

Strategic play, early goals, and past triumphs help underdog teams build confidence and belief in their potential.

Key Facts

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  • Source: www.espn.com – SOCCER
  • Published: 2026-07-01 14:17:00

Stay updated on the FIFA World Cup 2026 right here as the tournament continues.

Tags: #feels #pull #World #Cup #upset #Paraguay #Cape #Verde

Tags: #feels #pull #World #Cup #upset #Paraguay #Cape #Verde

The Copa Postobón Sports Desk is dedicated to bringing football fans fast, reliable coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 — from match results and goal highlights to team news, player form, and tournament storylines. Our editorial team tracks every group, every knockout round, and every twist of the tournament as it unfolds, delivering daily updates so you never miss a moment of the world's biggest football event.

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