History Makers: The Four Nations Debuting at World Cup 2026
Meet Curaçao, Cabo Verde, Jordan, and Uzbekistan – the four countries making their FIFA World Cup debut in 2026, each with unique stories of triumph against the odds.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup expansion to 48 teams has opened the door for four nations to make their tournament debut: Curaçao (the smallest country ever to qualify), Cabo Verde, Jordan, and Uzbekistan – each with inspiring stories of perseverance and triumph.
The Expansion Effect
The historic expansion from 32 to 48 teams has transformed World Cup dreams into reality for nations that previously sat on the margins of international football. With more slots available across all confederations, smaller nations and emerging football powers finally have a realistic pathway to the world's biggest sporting event.
"This is not just about numbers. It's about giving hope to every football-loving nation on the planet." – FIFA President Gianni Infantino
For the first time since 2010, every confederation has at least one team at the finals, and four nations will experience the World Cup stage for the very first time.
1. Curaçao: The Smallest Country Ever
Population: ~156,000 | FIFA Ranking: 82 | Group: E (Germany, Côte d'Ivoire, Ecuador)
The tiny Caribbean island of Curaçao has written the most remarkable chapter in World Cup qualifying history. With a population smaller than many cities and a land area smaller than the Isle of Man, they've surpassed Iceland's 2018 record to become the smallest nation ever to reach the finals.
The Journey
Curaçao's national team was only officially established in 2011 following the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles side. Under the guidance of legendary Dutch coach Dick Advocaat – who at 78 will become the oldest manager in World Cup history – they dominated CONCACAF Group B, winning seven of their ten qualifying matches and finishing unbeaten.
Key Players to Watch
| Player | Position | Club | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leandro Bacuna | Midfielder | Bandırmaspor (Turkey) | Captain, 68 caps, former Aston Villa |
| Juninho Bacuna | Midfielder | Gaziantep FK (Turkey) | 46 caps, ex-Huddersfield & Rangers |
| Sontje Hansen | Forward | Middlesbrough (England) | Rising star in the Championship |
| Tahith Chong | Midfielder | Sheffield United (England) | Born in Curaçao, ex-Man United |
The Bacuna brothers, both born in Groningen, Netherlands, chose to represent their Caribbean heritage over the Dutch national team – a decision that has proven historic.
What It Means
"Even a few years ago you would not even think about it. To be personally part of it and to make that dream come true is incredible," said Juninho Bacuna after qualification.
2. Cabo Verde: The LinkedIn Discovery
Population: ~525,000 | FIFA Ranking: 68 | Group: H (Spain, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay)
The "Blue Sharks" from this tiny West African archipelago have emerged as one of football's most heartwarming success stories. They became the third smallest nation to qualify (after Curaçao and Iceland) by topping CAF Group D ahead of five-time AFCON winners Cameroon.
The Journey
Under coach Bubista – a former national team captain who transitioned seamlessly to management – Cabo Verde showed defensive discipline, tactical versatility, and clinical counter-attacking. Their qualification was sealed with a 3-0 victory over Eswatini in Praia.
Key Players to Watch
| Player | Position | Club | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ryan Mendes | Winger | İğdır FK (Turkey) | Veteran leader, 36 years old |
| Dailon Livramento | Forward | Casa Pia AC (Portugal) | Top qualifier scorer (4 goals) |
| Roberto Lopes | Defender | Shamrock Rovers (Ireland) | Found via LinkedIn message! |
| Wagner Pina | Right-Back | Unknown | Most valuable player (€7M) |
The LinkedIn Story
Perhaps no story better captures Cabo Verde's unconventional path than defender Roberto "Pico" Lopes. The Shamrock Rovers center-back received an unexpected LinkedIn message asking about his availability to represent the former Portuguese colony. He accepted – and became a key figure in their historic qualification.
3. Jordan: The Nashama Rise
Population: ~11 million | FIFA Ranking: 62 | Group: J (Argentina, Algeria, Austria)
The Nashama ("The Brave Ones") arrived at their first World Cup on the back of a remarkable 2023 Asian Cup run to the final – their best-ever continental performance.
The Journey
Jordan navigated a challenging AFC Group B, finishing second behind South Korea and crucially ahead of Iraq by a single point. Their qualification was secured through a combination of disciplined defending and clinical finishing from their talismanic striker.
Key Players to Watch
| Player | Position | Club | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yazan Al-Naimat | Forward | Al-Arabi (Qatar) | 26 goals in 70 caps, 8 in qualifying |
| Musa Al-Taamari | Winger | Rennes (France) | First Jordanian in Ligue 1 |
| Yazan Al-Arab | Defender | FC Seoul (South Korea) | 76 caps, defensive anchor |
A Setback to Overcome
In December 2025, star striker Yazan Al-Naimat suffered an ACL rupture during the Arab Cup, casting doubt over his World Cup availability. His recovery will be one of the most closely watched storylines heading into the tournament.
English Connections
Jordan's footballing journey includes a curious chapter: both Harry Redknapp and Ray Wilkins managed the national team during 2016 World Cup qualifying, brought in by FA President Prince Ali bin al-Hussein.
4. Uzbekistan: The White Wolves Emerge
Population: ~35 million | FIFA Ranking: 50 | Group: K (Portugal, Colombia, TBD)
Known as the "White Wolves," Uzbekistan has shed their reputation as Asia's perennial "chokers" – a team that came agonizingly close in 2006 and 2014 qualifying – to finally reach the promised land.
The Journey
Under Italian World Cup-winning captain Fabio Cannavaro (appointed October 2025), Uzbekistan finished second in AFC Group A, remarkably drawing all four matches against group winners Iran. Their qualification was confirmed on June 5, 2025, making them the first Central Asian nation to reach a World Cup.
Key Players to Watch
| Player | Position | Club | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abdukodir Khusanov | Defender | Manchester City (England) | First Uzbek in Premier League |
| Eldor Shomurodov | Forward | AS Roma (Italy) | 43 goals in 88 caps, all-time leading scorer |
| Otabek Shukurov | Midfielder | Baniyas (UAE) | 84 caps, experienced campaigner |
The Khusanov Effect
The breakout story is 21-year-old defender Abdukodir Khusanov, who joined Manchester City for €40 million in January 2025 – becoming the first Uzbek to play in the Premier League. Named Asia's Best Young Footballer of 2025, Khusanov represents the new generation of Uzbek talent. The Athletic ranked him 86th among the 100 best players at the 2026 World Cup.
Predicting Their "Moment"
Every World Cup produces iconic underdog moments: Iceland's thunderclap against England in 2016, Morocco's magical run to the semi-finals in 2022. Which of these debutants could deliver the next unforgettable upset?
| Nation | Group | Best Chance for Upset |
|---|---|---|
| Curaçao | Germany, Côte d'Ivoire, Ecuador | Ecuador – fellow Americans, experience gap narrower |
| Cabo Verde | Spain, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay | Saudi Arabia – fellow World Cup surprise specialists |
| Jordan | Argentina, Algeria, Austria | Austria – returning after 28 years, potentially vulnerable |
| Uzbekistan | Portugal, Colombia, TBD | TBD play-off winner – uncertain opponent |
FAQ
Which country is making their World Cup debut in 2026?
Four nations are debuting: Curaçao, Cabo Verde (Cape Verde), Jordan, and Uzbekistan. Curaçao becomes the smallest country ever to qualify.
What is the smallest country to qualify for World Cup 2026?
Curaçao, with a population of approximately 156,000 and a land area of just 444 km², is the smallest nation ever to qualify for a FIFA World Cup.
Who is managing Curaçao at the World Cup?
Dick Advocaat, the 78-year-old Dutch coaching legend, will become the oldest manager in World Cup history. He previously managed Netherlands, South Korea, Russia, and Rangers.
Is Uzbekistan the first Central Asian team at a World Cup?
Yes, Uzbekistan is the first Central Asian nation to qualify for the FIFA World Cup. They are also only the third former Soviet state (after Russia and Ukraine) to reach the tournament.
Will Yazan Al-Naimat play at the 2026 World Cup?
Jordan's top scorer suffered an ACL injury in December 2025. His recovery timeline is uncertain, making his World Cup participation a major storyline.
Related Guides
References
[1] FIFA. "In focus: The four nations primed to make World Cup debuts." FIFA.com, December 2025.
[2] BBC Sport. "Curacao become smallest nation to qualify for World Cup." BBC.com, November 2025.
[3] The Athletic. "Curacao qualify for World Cup – How tournament's smallest nation did it." The Athletic, November 2025.
[4] Wikipedia. "2026 FIFA World Cup qualification." Accessed January 2026.
[5] FourFourTwo. "Uzbekistan World Cup 2026 squad." FourFourTwo.com, January 2026.