The 2026 FIFA World Cup has already witnessed several nations create historic milestones, either setting new records or matching their greatest achievements in the tournament's history. The expanded 48-team format has opened doors for teams to reshape their football legacies, from first-time qualifiers making immediate impacts to long-suffering nations finally breaking through knockout barriers.
Canada made World Cup history by qualifying for the knockout stage for the first time ever. After exiting the group phase in both 1986 and 2022, the Canadians progressed to the Round of 16 before falling to Morocco.
Cape Verde enjoyed a dream debut at the World Cup, advancing past the group stage and reaching the Round of 32. The island nation also secured their first-ever World Cup victories in their maiden appearance.
Bosnia and Herzegovina surpassed their previous pinnacle after advancing beyond the group stage for the first time. They had been eliminated in the group phase during their sole prior appearance in 2014 before reaching the Round of 32 this year.
Egypt reached the knockout rounds for the first time in their World Cup journey, breaking a painful streak of group-stage exits in 1934, 1990 and 2018. The Pharaohs made the Round of 16 before bowing out, setting a new national benchmark.
Norway matched their finest World Cup achievement by reaching the quarter-finals for the first time since 1998. Led by Erling Haaland, the Scandinavians ended a 28-year drought to return to the last eight and could establish a new record with further progress.
Colombia have equalled one of their strongest World Cup campaigns by reaching the Round of 16 and remain alive in the tournament. A victory over Switzerland would see Los Cafeteros match their quarter-final appearance from Brazil 2014, while any further progression would create new history.
Mexico ended a decades-long drought by winning a Round of 32 match for the first time since 1986, when they hosted the tournament. However, they crashed out in the Round of 16, failing to surpass their all-time quarter-final finish.
Paraguay matched their previous best by reaching the Round of 16 before losing to France. Several nations, including Morocco, Norway and potentially Colombia, still have chances to extend their historic runs and establish new national records as the quarter-finals approach.
