The four nations going to their first ever World Cup this year | OneFootball

FIFA’s decision to expand the men’s World Cup to 48 teams has been heavily criticised in some quarters and with good reason. 

The schedule is bloated, the quality has arguably been diluted and the potential for a greater number of meaningless matches has been increased. All so that Gianni Infantino could consolidate power by currying the favour of smaller nations.

The one big upside, though, is that those smaller nations now have a better chance of qualifying and that has resulted in some incredible moments during this campaign.

Just this week alone, DR Congo, Iraq and the Czech Republic ended long waits to return to the world stage, while Bosnia & Herzegovina shocked Italy in a penalty shootout to spark amazing scenes on the streets of Sarajevo.

Meanwhile, there were four countries who have reached the finals for the first time in their history, which will add a new flavour to the tournament when it kicks off in North America this June.

World Cup 2026: The nations who have qualified for the first time ever

Cape Verde

The rise of Cape Verde did not happen overnight; it’s been a long process that has borne fruit in recent years, culminating in qualification for this summer’s World Cup. The island nation off the coast of Africa hadn’t qualified for AFCON until 2013, but even more remarkably they weren’t a member of CAF or FIFA until 1982.

Leaning heavily on their diaspora, their progress over the past decade has been clear to see, even if they didn’t reach this year’s AFCON. They defeated heavyweights Cameroon last year on their way to finish top of their qualifying group.

Read – 2026 FIFA World Cup: Every qualified team confirmed

Curaçao

There’s a fair chance that many people will only learn of Curaçao’s existence for the first time when they tune into the World Cup this summer. The small Caribbean island is more well known for its beaches and coral reefs than it is for football, but they will become the smallest nation to ever compete in the competition when they face four-time winners Germany on 14th June.

Read – Tuchel verdict is ominous for Foden’s World Cup hopes amid midfield battle

Jordan

After 40 years of trying, Jordan have finally reached their first World Cup. The west Asian nation have, like Cape Verde, been making strides in recent times, finishing as runners-up in the Asian Cup in 2023 and the FIFA Arab Cup in 2025, losing to Morocco in December.

‘The Chivalrous Ones’ finished second in their group behind South Korea to secure automatic qualification and have been rewarded with a game against defending champions Argentina in Texas on 28th June.

Read – Donnarumma in tears as Italy suffer historic World Cup failure

Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan are the first ever country from central Asia to qualify for World Cup. ‘The White Wolves’ came through the second round of qualification unbeaten before finishing second in their group, behind Iran, in the third round and qualifying with one game to spare. They beat Iran in the final of the Central Asian Football Association Nations Cup in September, with a goal in the last minute of extra time.

Read – England winners and losers from Thomas Tuchel’s latest camp

See Also – Gyokeres strikes late to secure Sweden’s World Cup return

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