Rising nations to watch in 2026 FIFA World Cup

By Adegboyega Adeleye

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the first-ever Mundial to feature 48 teams, with several historic debutants taking advantage of the expansion to finally reach the global stage. The significance of the 48-team expansion is that it has created space for smaller federations to break through.

The four new teams can be effectively regarded as rising nations, and this typically reflects football’s expanding global reach. These nations took different paths in qualification. Cape Verde qualified through the African qualifying group stage, Curaçao via CONCACAF’s revamped Nations League pathway, Jordan through Asia’s intercontinental playoff, and Uzbekistan did so by dominating their AFC group.

The first-ever appearance at football’s biggest tournament for the aforementioned countries represents years of steady growth, tactical evolution and belief. This article highlights the rising nations to watch at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Cape Verde

The Blue Sharks of Cape Verde secured their historic ticket by emerging top of their CAF qualifying group, compiling an impressive record of seven wins, two draws and just one defeat.

Their qualifying campaign was defined by defensive solidity as they remained unbeaten at home without conceding a goal. They are also not overly reliant on individual brilliance but rather on compact defending and swift transitions.

Manager Bubista has built this team primarily around defensive organisation, and across eight qualifiers, Cape Verde conceded just seven goals.

One of the key figures in their qualification run was Dailon Livramento, the team’s top scorer during the qualifiers with four goals, while experienced figures like Roberto Lopes anchored the defence.

Cape Verde is placed in Group H alongside Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia.

Head coach: Bubista
How they qualified: Group D winners (CAF qualifying)
Top scorer in qualifying: Dailon Livramento (four goals in eight matches)
Best finish at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations: Quarter-finals (2013, 2023)

Curaçao

Curaçao sealed a place in their first-ever World Cup by finishing second in CONCACAF’s Nations League B, earning playoff berths that culminated in a dramatic penalty shootout win over Guatemala.

Curaçao is a small Caribbean nation with a population of just 150,000 people. The team surprised many by finishing the qualifying stage undefeated across ten matches under the guidance of experienced Dutch coach Dick Advocaat, including several dominant victories and a crucial draw against Jamaica that sealed their World Cup ticket.

Curaçao enter the tournament as underdogs, but not pushovers. They are placed in Group E alongside Germany, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ecuador.

Head coach: Dick Advocaat
How they qualified: Group B winners (third round of Concacaf qualifying)
Top scorer in qualifying: Gervane Kastaneer (five goals in six matches)
Best showing at the Concacaf Championship/Concacaf Gold Cup: Third place (1963, 1969, both as Netherlands Antilles)

Jordan

Jordan qualified for their maiden World Cup after finishing second in their group during the decisive phase of the Asian qualifiers. The team relied heavily on its attacking strength, led by Ali Olwan, who played an important role in their successful campaign.

They finished as runners-up in their AFC qualifying group, resisting strong competition to book their place on the global stage.

Their success was inspired by one of the most effective attacking units in Asia, led by Mousa Al-Taamari, Yazan Al-Naimat, and Ali Olwan.

Under Jamal Sellami’s tactical system, Jordan balanced attacking ambition with defensive discipline, producing a campaign marked by consistency and resilience.

Jordan is placed in Group J alongside Argentina, Austria, and Algeria.

Head coach: Jamal Sellami
How they qualified: Group B runners-up (third round of AFC qualifying)
Top scorer in qualifying: Ali Olwan (nine goals in 13 matches)
Best showing at the AFC Asian Cup: Runners-up (2023[NF1] )

Uzbekistan

Led by former World Cup champion Fabio Cannavaro, Uzbekistan secured a historic qualification after finishing second in its group behind Iran but ahead of seasoned campaigners like the United Arab Emirates to seal a historic World Cup berth.

The Asian side proved their consistency with six wins, three draws, and only one defeat in the decisive stage of qualifying, showcasing both depth and resilience.

They progressed through multiple rounds before finishing second in their AFC group, ahead of established teams like the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.

Rising talents like Abdukodir Khusanov have further bolstered their competitive edge, and they have also developed a structured yet progressive style of play.

Under the guidance of Fabio Cannavaro, they recorded six wins, three draws and a solitary 3-2 defeat at the hands of Qatar.

Uzbekistan is placed in Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia, and DR Congo.

Head coach: Fabio Cannavaro
How they qualified: Group A runners-up (third round of AFC qualifying)
Top scorer in qualifying: Eldor Shomurodov (five goals in 15 matches)
Best showing at the AFC Asian Cup: Fourth place (2011)

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