FIFA World Cup 2026 could feature record number of debutants after four nations secure maiden qualification | OneFootball

Four nation are in, six more spot remain and shocks are coming

FIFA World Cup 2026 could feature record number of debutants after four nations secure maiden qualification

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is already rewriting the global football map. With the tournament expanded to 48 team, many expected wave of first-time qualifiers. So far only four nations have made that historic leap but with six place still up for grabs, the final list could grow significantly.

Asia leads the way: Jordan & Uzbekistan make history

Two Asian nation secured their first ever World Cup berths:

Jordan qualified on 5 June 2025 beating Oman 3-0 away to finish second in Group B behind South Korea, in group stacked entirely with Arab teams.

Uzbekistan also finished second in Group A with 21 point trailing Iran but sealing direct qualification.

These breakthroughs mark new chapter for Asian football especially with Jordan becoming only the fourth Arab nation to reach World Cup debut this century.

Africa’s fairytale: Cape Verde top group featuring Cameroon

The biggest African shock came from Cape Verde who topped Group D with 23 point finishing four point ahead of Cameroon, a nation famously known for reaching the 1990 World Cup quarter finals.

Under coach Bubista, the Blue Sharks produced one of the most remarkable qualifying campaigns in African history earning him the 2025 CAF Coach of the Year award.

The tiny Caribbean island of Curacao delivered the most astonishing story of the qualifiers so far. A 0-0 draw vs Jamaica secured top spot in their Group B during the third round of CONCACAF qualifying and punched their ticket to 2026.

With Dutch influence, structured youth development and growing professional base, Curacao’s rise is one of the tournament’s biggest shockwaves.

Six more spot could bring even more debutants

The drama is far from over. Six remaining World Cup place will be decided via playoffs:

Europe: 16 teams fighting for 4 spot

The European playoffs include:

Among them are three nations chasing first ever World Cup appearance:

Intercontinental Playoff: 2 spot

The global playoff could introduce two more debutant:

If these five team manage to qualify through the playoffs combined with the four that have already booked their first appearance .. the 2026 World Cup could feature up to 9 debuting nation, an unprecedented milestone in modern football.