Curacao's football players before the international friendly football match between Curacao and Aruba at Ergilio Hato Stadium in Willemstad on June 6, 2026. (Photo by Pong Pong / AFP)
Doha, Qatar: With Jordan set to be one of the debutant teams at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the tournament will provide a historic platform for a quartet of nations making their first appearance on football’s biggest stage.
The expansion from 32 to 48 teams has created new opportunities for nations to reach football’s grandest stage, resulting in four countries qualifying for the FIFA World Cup for the first time.
Jordan, Uzbekistan, Cabo Verde and Curacao will all make their historic debuts in North America after impressive qualification campaigns that showcased the growing competitiveness of international football. While they may enter the tournament as underdogs, each nation arrives with confidence, talented players and ambitions of making a lasting impression.
Jordan
Jordan arrive at the World Cup after completing one of the most impressive rises in Asian football. The Nashama secured their historic qualification following a golden period that included a runners-up finish at the AFC Asian Cup 2023 and a strong World Cup qualifying campaign. Ranked 63rd in the latest FIFA World Rankings, Jordan have steadily established itself among the continent’s emerging forces.
Ranked 63rd in the latest FIFA world rankings, Jordan have steadily established itself among the continent’s emerging forces.
Head coach Jamal Sellami has helped transform the team’s mentality and ambitions. “These results open horizons of hope and ambition for the fans, so they can dream,” Sellami stated to Arabic sports channel TFK, following qualification.
The squad is led by star winger Mousa Al Tamari, widely regarded as the country’s finest player and one of Asia’s most dangerous attacking talents. The Rennes player enjoyed an impressive season in France and will be Jordan’s main attacking threat. Midfielder Noor Al Rawabdeh and defender Yazan Al Arab are also expected to play key roles as Jordan prepare for its first appearance on football’s biggest stage.
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan will become the first Central Asian nation to compete at a FIFA World Cup after finally ending years of near misses. Ranked 50th in the world, the White Wolves have emerged as one of Asia’s most consistent teams and secured qualification through an impressive campaign.
Uzbekistan are set to become the first Central Asian nation to compete at a FIFA World Cup after finally ending years of near misses.
Captain Eldor Shomurodov remains the team’s leading figure, while Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov has become one of the country’s biggest football stars following his breakthrough in European football. Young midfielder Abbosbek Fayzullaev adds creativity and energy in midfield.
Uzbekistan’s qualification was celebrated across the country, with officials describing it as a defining moment for both football and national identity.
Cabo Verde
Cabo Verde’s qualification represents one of the most remarkable stories of the tournament. The small island nation topped its African qualifying group ahead of Cameroon to reach the World Cup for the first time.
Cabo Verde topped their African qualifying group ahead of Cameroon to reach the World Cup for the first time. ABDULRAHMAN BACHIR /THE PENINSULA
Ranked 68th globally, Cabo Verde have built its success on a disciplined team structure and a talented generation of players. Captain Ryan Mendes remains the team’s inspirational leader, while Dailon Livramento, Jamiro Monteiro and Willy Semedo provide attacking quality capable of troubling stronger opponents.
Coach Bubista summed up the nation’s spirit by describing Cabo Verde as “a small country with a big heart”, a phrase that has become symbolic of the team’s journey to the World Cup.
Curacao
Curacao under coach Dick Advocaat complete the quartet of debutants after becoming the smallest nation at the tournament by population. Ranked 83rd in the FIFA standings, the Caribbean side earned qualification through a series of determined performances that captured attention across the CONCACAF region.
Veteran midfielder Leandro Bacuna leads the team, while former Manchester United winger Tahith Chong and experienced goalkeeper Eloy Room bring valuable experience to the squad. Former Netherlands coach Advocaat has also played a major role in the team’s development.
“We have a team of fighters and they never give up,” coach Fred Rutten told reporters in March, before stepping down ahead of the World Cup, as Curaçao prepared for the country’s historic appearance.
The four debutants may not be among the favourites to lift the trophy, but their journeys to qualification have already become some of the most inspiring stories of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Their presence highlights the growing global reach of the game and ensures fresh narratives when the tournament gets underway.
