2026 World Cup (Q): Benin, Cape Verde... all these surprise nations that could qualify | OneFootball

cheetahs of Benin

Discover these nations that could spring a surprise and qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

For the 2026 World Cup, set to take place next summer across Canada, the United States, and Mexico, the expanded format from 32 to 48 teams means we could see plenty of fresh faces. Already, two teams—Jordan and Uzbekistan—have secured their tickets to the tournament. Foot Mercato has compiled a list of nations that could make history with a debut appearance.

In Africa, the final matchday of the qualifiers kicks off this Sunday, with several countries chasing a historic first-ever qualification. In Group C, Benin currently tops the table (17 points) ahead of a crucial clash with Nigeria (14 points), while South Africa (15 points) faces already-eliminated Lesotho. A win would send Benin through, or a draw combined with a negative result for South Africa. In Group D, Cape Verde missed their chance to qualify last round after a thrilling 3-3 draw with Libya. Now, the Blue Sharks take on bottom-placed Eswatini and need a victory or must hope Cameroon fails to beat Angola. In Group F, Gabon could also secure direct qualification for the first time ever if they defeat Burundi and hope that Ivory Coast does not win against Kenya. The Gabonese are at least assured of a playoff spot, a position also currently held by Madagascar, who have never played in a World Cup. Burkina Faso, Uganda, and Niger, all second but eliminated, still cling to slim playoff hopes and the dream of making the World Cup.

In the CONCACAF zone (North America), with Canada, the US, and Mexico already qualified as hosts, three direct spots remain plus two intercontinental playoff berths. We're only halfway through the third round of qualifying, and surprises are brewing. In Group A, Suriname sits atop the table with five points, and thanks to its diaspora, is dreaming of the World Cup. With Panama (5 points), El Salvador (3 points), and Guatemala (2 points) in a wide-open group, consistency will be key in the final three matches. Guatemala, too, is still in with a chance of a first-ever World Cup, though it would take a remarkable feat. Group B is also providing a shock, with Curaçao—more than just a liqueur—led by Dutch coach Dick Advocaat, fresh off a 2-0 win over Jamaica, leading the group with seven points, one ahead of Jamaica. Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago trail by three points. Curaçao can realistically dream of direct qualification or, at the very least, a playoff spot after a superb start to their campaign.

In South America, only one country has never reached a World Cup finals: Venezuela. Longtime playoff hopefuls, La Vinotinto ultimately finished eighth in the CONMEBOL standings and must wait at least another four years for a World Cup debut. Bolivia, who claimed the playoff spot, previously appeared in 1930, 1950, and 1994.

In Asia, Uzbekistan and Jordan have finally qualified for the first time, finishing second in Groups A and B of the third qualifying round for the 2026 World Cup, after heartbreaks in previous campaigns. The White Wolves and the Chivalrous could be joined by Oman. Third in Group A of the fourth round, the Reds drew Qatar (0-0) before losing to the UAE (2-1). Provisionally eliminated, Oman could still advance if Qatar lose by more than one goal (or by a 1-0 scoreline) this Tuesday against the UAE. That would send Oman to a continental playoff against Saudi Arabia or Iraq, with the winner advancing to the intercontinental playoffs. In other words, hope remains for Oman, albeit slim.

In Europe, the final stretch is underway and some countries are on the verge of a maiden qualification. In Group J, North Macedonia currently leads ahead of Belgium and Wales by one and two points, respectively. While the Red Lions have played one more game than their rivals, they're in an ideal position and can at least hope for a playoff spot. Albania holds a similar position in Group K after a crucial 1-0 win over Serbia on Saturday night. The Albanians have a strong chance of reaching the playoffs, as does Kosovo. Five points behind Switzerland, Kosovo have surprised everyone with a second-place standing, two points ahead of Slovenia and three ahead of Sweden. On the outside looking in, Georgia, Armenia, and Finland are still lurking in the playoff hunt. Thanks to their Nations League results, Moldova could also sneak into the playoffs and keep their faint hopes alive.

With New Zealand (Oceania) having secured the direct OFC ticket, another spot is up for grabs via the intercontinental playoffs. New Caledonia is just two matches away from the 2026 World Cup. The Pacific islanders must first get through an initial round featuring the four lowest-ranked playoff teams (out of six) according to the FIFA rankings. That means a semi-final and a final stand between the Kanaks and a first-ever World Cup appearance.