With the knockout stage about to start at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), the big boys have had it all their own way so far. Algeria and Nigeria were the two nations to win all three of their games, Mohamed Salah's goals earned Egypt comfortable passage with seven points, while Achraf Hakimi eased himself back into action as hosts Morocco also went unbeaten.
Everyone loves an underdog, and for this issue we've told two of the year's most unlikely success stories: village club Mjallby becoming champions of Sweden and Cape Verde qualifying for their first-ever World Cup. You'd have got long odds on Morocco triumphing at the recent Under-20 World Cup too, and we take a closer look at their shock win as well.
On paper, it looks like a three-team race: You have the defending champ New York Liberty, who still have star power -- Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones -- from last year's title run. Then there are A'ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces, who look better poised to rekindle their dynasty than at any point since they won it all for the second straight time in 2023.
National Geographic's 'Underdogs' focuses on animal misfits, showcasing their unique traits and giving recognition to often overlooked species, narrated by Ryan Reynolds.
