Back after decades: these countries celebrate World Cup returns | OneFootball

Depending on the perspective from which you look at the tournament, the World Cup has a very different character for the various nations. And not just in terms of sporting ambitions. While the World Cup is basically like a reunion held every four years for the top nations, there are countries that have waited decades to finally show themselves again on football’s biggest stage. Here are the seven nations with the best World Cup comebacks this year. 

Turkey (last World Cup appearance: 2002)

It has been exactly 24 years since Turkey last appeared at a World Cup. At the 2002 finals in Japan and South Korea, the team led by Yıldıray Baştürk sensationally finished third.

Packed with players like Kenan Yıldız, Arda Güler and Hakan Çalhanoğlu, a successful run at the tournament does not seem impossible this year either.

📸 YASIN AKGUL - AFP or licensors

Scotland (last World Cup appearance: 1998)

For the first time since 1998, Scottish fans will once again be able to cheer on their team at a World Cup finals. At Euro 2024 in Germany, the “Tartan Army” once again created a real football fever with their euphoric style. The question is whether that can rub off positively on the team in the USA, Canada and Mexico as well.

Norway (last World Cup appearance: 1998)

Ever since their elimination in the round of 16 at the 1998 World Cup against Italy, Norway have been waiting to dance on the World Cup stage again at last. After the Scandinavians spent several years struggling to put a truly top-class team on the pitch, this tournament may already be the moment to speak of a golden generation.

📸 JEWEL SAMAD

With superstars like Martin Ødegaard, Alexander Sørloth, Antonio Nusa and, above all, Erling Haaland, the Northern Europeans certainly have what it takes to spring one or two surprises. The signs for a glorious comeback could hardly be better. 

Austria (last World Cup appearance: 1998)

The Austrians cannot really complain when it comes to their squad either. Alongside veteran stars like Marko Arnautović, other key players such as Danso, Laimer, Seiwald and Schlager are currently in their so-called prime. Although Ralf Rangnick’s side will have to deal with two tough opponents in Algeria and Argentina in the group stage, this team can also be trusted to achieve quite a bit in their World Cup comeback after a long 28 years. And that despite the bitter injury to Christoph Baumgartner. 

Iraq (last World Cup appearance: 1986)

It has been exactly 40 years since Iraq last played at a World Cup. And it was also the only time. Back then, the football fairytale was quickly over after three narrow defeats by just a single goal against Mexico, Paraguay and Belgium. 

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Without wanting to tempt fate, it could be over just as quickly this time. Iraq have the squad with the third-lowest market value and have landed in an absolute group of death. Against France, Norway and Senegal, though, they also have nothing to lose. Maybe something is possible — at a World Cup, you never know.

DR Congo (last World Cup appearance: 1974)

It has also been quite a while since the Democratic Republic of the Congo last took part. And under a different name, too. When DR Congo competed in 1974 under the old name Zaire, there was little to be gained against Scotland, Brazil and Yugoslavia. Although they managed to hold the Scots to a 1-1 draw, their 0-9 defeat to Yugoslavia put them into the history books as the heaviest World Cup loss of all time. This time, there could be a lot more in it. With Premier League stars like Yoane Wissa and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, along with seasoned veterans in the mold of Theo Bongonda, there could definitely be upset potential in Group K against Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan. 

Haiti (last World Cup appearance: 1974)

Haiti also last appeared at the World Cup in 1974. Back then, however, the island nation had to pack their bags rather quickly in a tough group against Italy, Argentina and Poland. Although the group is hardly any easier this time, the Haitians are unlikely to go down without a fight against Brazil, Morocco and Scotland.

📸 GEOFF ROBINS - AFP or licensors

And rightly so. Alongside Josué Duverger of FC Cosmos Koblenz, there are also two genuine Premier League professionals on the pitch in Wilson Isidor and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde. Given that their last appearance was 52 years ago, Haiti should be bursting with motivation here. 

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.

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