Summary
The 2026 World Cup will see a record 48 national teams, with several countries participating for the first time. Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan are among the nations making their World Cup debuts. These teams have achieved significant milestones by qualifying for the tournament.
Key Facts
- The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 national teams, the most ever.
- Cape Verde and Curacao will play in the World Cup for the first time.
- Cape Verde has a population of 600,000 and qualified by winning against Eswatini.
- Curacao is the smallest nation to qualify for a World Cup, with a population of just over 150,000.
- Jordan has qualified for the World Cup after participating in qualifiers for 40 years.
- Uzbekistan has also qualified for the first time, after previously coming close.
- Curacao coach Dick Advocaat will be the oldest coach at a World Cup at age 78.
- Curacao was part of the Netherlands Antilles until it became a separate country in 2010.
