Next summer's World Cup will unfold across three nations starting June 11, 2026. Mexico, the United States, and Canada will jointly host football's biggest tournament.
Established powerhouses like Brazil, Germany, and Argentina have secured their spots. But the tournament will also welcome fresh faces and long-lost competitors returning to the global stage.
Four nations are making their World Cup debut this year. They include Curaçao, Jordan, Cape Verde, and Uzbekistan.
Curaçao's achievement stunned observers across the football world. The Caribbean island, home to just 150,000 people, qualified through CONCACAF largely thanks to players with Dutch heritage.
Cape Verde also pulled off a remarkable upset. This island nation only joined FIFA in 1986 and qualified directly from their group by stunning Cameroon.
Most of Cape Verde's squad plays in Portugal's top division. They've waited decades for this moment to arrive.
Jordan and Uzbekistan each topped their Asian qualifying groups. Both nations outpaced better-known football powers to claim their tickets north.
Uzbekistan underwent major structural reforms starting in 2017. The White Wolves built their squad around that foundation to reach the finals.
Jordan relied on quick counter-attacking football throughout qualifying. Coach Hernán Díaz's men caught opponents off guard repeatedly.
Seven countries are returning after absences spanning 16 years or longer. Norway, Scotland, Austria, Haiti, Congo DR, Paraguay, and New Zealand all made the cut.
Haiti and Congo DR haven't appeared since 1974. That's a 52-year gap between their appearances.
Congo DR competed as Zaire in their inaugural 1974 tournament. They failed to score and lost every match.
Haiti proved more resilient in their previous outing. They famously ended Italian goalkeeper Dino Zoff's legendary clean sheet streak.
Norway, Scotland, and Austria have been away for 28 years. All three nations last competed in 1998.
Norway boasts one of Europe's most talented generations. Manchester City's Erling Haaland will lead their attack.
Arsenal midfielder Martin Ødegaard captains the Norwegians. He'll anchor their midfield throughout the tournament.
Scotland's Scott McTominay recently won Serie A with Napoli. The midfielder represents his nation's attacking ambitions.
Paraguay and New Zealand last qualified in South Africa in 2010. Both nations have struggled to maintain that form since.
Paraguay reached the quarter-finals 16 years ago. Spain eventually eliminated them on their way to winning the tournament.
New Zealand went unbeaten in 2010 but never won a match. They've failed to win across two previous World Cup campaigns.
