The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to begin across Mexico, the United States, and Canada on June 11, bringing together the usual heavyweights like Brazil, Germany, and Argentina alongside a fresh wave of debutants and long absent nations.
This edition carries a special mix of first timers and returning sides who have waited decades to step back onto football’s biggest stage. Four countries will be making their World Cup debut, while several others are returning after more than a decade away.
Among the new entrants, Curaçao, Jordan, Cape Verde, and Uzbekistan have all secured historic first appearances. Curaçao stands out as the smallest nation in the group, with a population of around 150,000, and qualified through a squad largely made up of players with Dutch connections tracing back to the Caribbean island.
Cape Verde also made headlines with a remarkable qualification run. Despite being a small island nation and a long time FIFA member since 1986, they finally broke through by edging established African sides, including Cameroon, to book their place.
In Asia, Jordan and Uzbekistan delivered surprise performances of their own. Uzbekistan’s qualification comes after years of football restructuring that began in 2017, while Jordan impressed with disciplined defending and quick counter attacking play to secure their ticket to North America.
The tournament will also welcome back several familiar names after long absences. Norway, Scotland, Austria, Haiti, Paraguay, New Zealand, and DR Congo are all returning after missing multiple editions, with some absences stretching beyond 16 years.
Haiti and DR Congo stand out for their particularly long wait, both returning after more than five decades. DR Congo, formerly known as Zaire, last appeared in 1974 and endured a difficult debut, while Haiti’s earlier appearance in 1974 is remembered for a famous goal that ended Italian goalkeeper Dino Zoff’s long clean sheet run.
Norway, Scotland, and Austria are back after nearly three decades away, each boosted by a new generation of talent. Norway will look to Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard to lead their campaign, while Scotland place their hopes on Scott McTominay, who arrives with strong club form behind him.
Paraguay and New Zealand complete the list of returning sides. Paraguay’s last strong showing came in 2010 when they reached the quarter finals before falling to eventual champions Spain. New Zealand also featured in South Africa 2010, where they finished unbeaten but without a win, continuing a long wait for their first World Cup victory.
As the countdown continues, the 2026 tournament promises a blend of familiar powerhouses, emerging nations, and long awaited comebacks that add fresh intrigue to football’s biggest competition.
