FIFA World Cup 2026: A Look at The Debutantes | OneFootball

2026 sees the latest instalment in the quadrennial celebration of the global game - a cause for celebration among football fans and punters assessing the latest betting offers ahead of the big kick-off on Thursday, 11 June. North America is the destination for what promises to be one of the biggest and best editions of the World Cup to date.

Whether the 2026 World Cup is the best can only be judged in time. However, it is undoubtedly the biggest. A record-setting 48 teams will take part, representing a 50% increase on the 2022 finals, while the total number of games is up from 64 to 104.

Contained within the 48 nations are a host of World Cup stalwarts, including previous winners Argentina, Brazil, England, France, Germany, Spain, and Uruguay. However, for four of the nations setting sail for the USA, Canada, and Mexico, this will represent a step into new territory. 

For those unfamiliar with the footballing stature of Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan, here we take a closer look at the four World Cup debutantes.

Cape Verde

FIFA World Ranking (June 2026): 68 Manager: Pedro Brito Group Opposition: Uruguay (17), Spain (3), Saudi Arabia (61)

An archipelago nation of ten volcanic islands, Cape Verde has an estimated population of 530,000 – roughly the same as Liverpool.

The Blue Sharks' qualification sparked a week-long party and, win, lose, or draw, the good times look set to continue in Atlanta, Miami, and Houston. 

Lacking any household names, Cape Verde relies on defensive organisation, spirit, and bursts of creativity from a squad gathered from the islands and throughout Europe. Former skipper Brito is the mastermind behind this unlikely success story, while powerful centre forward Dalien Livramento earned national hero status with his goalscoring exploits in qualifying.

Curacao

FIFA World Ranking (June 2026): 83 Manager: Dick Advocaat Group Opposition: Ecuador (24), Germany (10), Ivory Coast (34)

With a population of 155,000, the Caribbean island of Curacao is officially the smallest nation to ever reach the World Cup finals. That represents a monumental achievement for the team nicknamed the Blue Wave, but they face a true baptism of fire against Germany in their opener.

Compact, well-organised, and a threat on the break, Curacao may need to lean heavily on a disciplined approach if they are to navigate a tricky section. Manager Fred Rutten boasts extensive European club experience, particularly in the Netherlands, which may come in handy as a significant percentage of the squad plays in the Dutch league.

In a squad lacking obvious star quality, UK fans may recognise ex-Aston Villa man Leandro Bacuna and Sheffield United’s Tahith Chong.

Jordan

FIFA World Ranking (June 2026): 63 Manager: Jamal Sellami Group Opposition: Austria (23), Argentina (2), Algeria (28)

The scenes in Amman rivalled those in Cape Verde when Jordan secured their qualification. Facing three sides whose combined FIFA World Ranking is less than their own 63, the draw hasn’t been kind. However, Jordan may take heart from fellow Arab nation, Saudi Arabia, who stunned Argentina in the Group phase in 2022.

Moroccan boss Jamal Sellami has instilled a real sense of discipline and camaraderie in a squad which has been hit by the loss of forward Yazan Al Naimat. More encouragingly, fellow striker Ali Olwan has recovered from his own injury issues, and winger Musa Al Taamari arrives on the back of an excellent season with Rennes.

A repeat of Jordan's appearances in the finals of the 2023 Asian Cup and 2025 Arab Cup seems unlikely, but the Chivalrous Ones will hope to achieve at least one shock result in the Group phase.

Uzbekistan

FIFA World Ranking (June 2026): 50 Manager: Fabio Cannavaro Group Opposition: Colombia (13), Portugal (5), DR Congo (45)

The first thing to note about Uzbekistan is their manager. Yes, the man in the hot seat is the very same Fabio Cannavaro who lifted the trophy in 2006. The former Italian captain only arrived post-qualification as the Uzbekistan FA sought a big-name appointment ahead of the finals.

In keeping with their manager, Uzbekistan relies on a highly disciplined defensive set-up, with a swathe of clean sheets paving the way to qualification. Keeping Colombia and Portugal out will be a tall order, but they will at least be set up to be tough to break down.

Standout names in the squad include Man City’s Abdukodir Khusanov, who marshals the defence, and all-time top scorer Eldor Shomurodov, who carries much of the attacking burden.