Key Highlights
- Cape Verde and Curacao will make their World Cup debuts in 2026.
- Jordan has finally qualified for a World Cup after decades of effort.
- Uzbekistan, also known as Uzbek football, is represented by Manchester City’s defender Abdukodir Khusanov.
- Suriname and New Caledonia will participate in the inter-confederations play-off to secure their spots.
New Faces at the 2026 FIFA World Cup: Who Will They Be?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to take place in North America and Canada, is gearing up to be a spectacle of international soccer. Among the many teams vying for a spot on the global stage, several countries are making their debut at this historic event.
Cape Verde: The Smaller Nation on the Block
With a population of around 600,000 people, Cape Verde is set to become the second-smallest nation to participate in the World Cup. This archipelago off Africa’s west coast managed to secure their place by defeating Eswatini in October, marking a significant milestone for their footballing journey.
Cape Verde has been working hard to build up their national team over the years. Their squad includes six Dutch-born players and one from Ireland – Shamrock Rovers defender Roberto Lopes. The 33-year-old was born in Dublin but qualifies through his father, making him an intriguing addition to their World Cup roster.
Curacao: A Tiny Nation Making History
Just a stone’s throw away, the tiny Caribbean island of Curacao will become the smallest country ever to participate in the World Cup. With a population of just over 150,000 and an area smaller than the Isle of Man, Curacao has a unique story to tell.
Former England manager Steve McClaren resigned as Jamaica’s coach after their match against Curacao ended in a goalless draw. Despite this setback, Curacao qualified for their first World Cup thanks to a draw with Jamaica. Dick Advocaat, who will be 78 years old when the tournament begins, will become the oldest coach at a World Cup.
Jordan’s Long Road to Glory
For Jordan, it has been a long and arduous journey to reach their first-ever World Cup. The Arab nation began participating in qualifiers 40 years ago but had never advanced until this year. They secured their place by finishing runners-up in AFC qualifying Group B behind South Korea.
In 2016, former Tottenham, Portsmouth, and QPR boss Harry Redknapp managed Jordan for two World Cup qualifying games.
He oversaw a 8-0 victory over Bangladesh and a 5-1 loss to Australia. These matches not only highlight the progress of the national team but also showcase the importance of experienced coaching in shaping a nation’s football history.
Uzbekistan: Premier League Connections
Uzbekistan, with Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov making his debut for their national team, has come close to qualifying several times. The 2016 campaign saw them narrowly miss out on a World Cup spot in both the 2006 and 2014 tournaments.
Abdukodir’s presence in the Premier League adds depth to Uzbekistan’s squad, bringing international experience back home. His involvement highlights the growing importance of player mobility in developing national teams across the globe.
The Play-off: A Last Chance for Suriname and New Caledonia
Suriname came incredibly close to securing their first World Cup appearance after leading their qualifying group throughout most of the campaign. However, a defeat by Guatemala led Panama to leapfrog them into an automatic spot in the tournament.
Both Suriname and New Caledonia will now participate in the inter-confederations play-off, offering them another chance to make history. The small South American nation has a population similar to Leeds, while New Caledonia is a French territory with a population of just under 300,000.
These play-offs highlight the diverse paths nations take in qualifying for the World Cup and underscore the global nature of the competition.
For these smaller countries, securing their first appearance could be a landmark moment not only in football but also in their national sporting histories.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to be an exciting event with many new faces contributing to its legacy. From Cape Verde and Curacao to Jordan and Uzbekistan, each team brings unique stories that will shape the tournament’s narrative. As we await the draw, the anticipation is palpable for what lies ahead in this historic event.
