Four nations are set to make their first-ever appearance at the FIFA World Cup in 2026 — Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan. These teams will step onto football’s biggest stage for the first time, hoping to create lasting memories. The last time a debutant advanced beyond the group stage was in 2010, when Slovakia shocked defending champions Italy in South Africa. Could any of this year’s newcomers emulate that feat?
Recent history hasn’t been kind to debutants. Bosnia and Herzegovina managed a memorable win over Iran in 2014 but failed to make it out of their group. Panama, Iceland and Qatar, who debuted between 2018 and 2022, collectively earned just a single point. Despite such struggles, the expanded format of the 2026 World Cup — with 48 teams and 32 advancing to the knockouts — offers new hope. Four points from three matches will almost certainly ensure progression, while even three could suffice.
So, among the four newcomers, which one might surprise the world and win over neutral fans in the process?
Historic highs and lows
The 2026 edition will feature the highest number of debutants since 2006, when Germany hosted seven first-timers. That tournament produced some memorable stories — Ghana reached the round of 16, and Ukraine advanced to the quarter-finals. Only on four occasions since 1938 have two debutants progressed beyond the first round: in 1966 (North Korea and Portugal), 1990 (Costa Rica and Ireland), 1994 (Saudi Arabia and Nigeria), and 2006 (Ghana and Ukraine).
The best performance by first-timers came in 1958, when all three debutants — Northern Ireland, the Soviet Union and Wales — reached the quarter-finals. This year’s edition could, in theory, match or surpass that record if all four new teams perform above expectations. While that scenario remains unlikely, the expanded format makes group stage qualification more achievable than ever. Even so, challenging group draws will make the task difficult — with Uzbekistan being the only debutant placed in Pot Three during the December draw, while the others landed in Pot Four.
How far can Advocaat’s experience take Curacao?
Curacao arguably face the toughest group of all the debutants, having been drawn alongside Germany, Ecuador and Ivory Coast. The Caribbean nation, which became a FIFA member only 15 years ago, enters as the smallest country ever to feature in the tournament. Their squad is built largely around Dutch-born players of Curacaoan heritage — Manchester United academy graduate Tahith Chong being the only one born on the island. A dramatic draw in Jamaica sealed their World Cup qualification through a CONCACAF pathway that did not include Canada, Mexico or the United States.
It’s been an eventful few months for the team. Veteran coach Dick Advocaat stepped down earlier this year to care for his ill daughter, only to return a few months later after her recovery, following disappointing results under interim boss Fred Rutten. Advocaat’s vast experience and tactical nous could be crucial if Curacao are to make an impression in Group E, where they will need every ounce of resilience and belief.
Injury blow dents Jordan’s hopes
Jordan may have a more favourable group on paper — facing Argentina, Algeria and Austria in Group J — but they too face steep challenges. Managed by Jamal Sellami, Jordan’s strength lies in their disciplined defensive structure and strong team chemistry. They are comfortable allowing opponents more possession and hitting on the counterattack.
Captain Musa Al-Taamari, who plies his trade in France with Rennes, had a productive season with six goals and six assists in Ligue 1. Striker Ali Olwan, the team’s top scorer, has recovered from ankle surgery and is back in contention. However, the biggest blow came when star forward Yazan Al Naimat suffered an ACL injury during the Arab Cup quarter-final in December. His absence deprives Jordan of their key attacking outlet and forces a reshuffle up front.
Adaptation the key for Cape Verde
Cape Verde’s group may appear daunting at first glance, featuring Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. Yet, the Blue Sharks have reasons to be optimistic. Their journey to this point reflects a steady rise — from their Africa Cup of Nations debut in 2013, where they reached the quarter-finals, to multiple strong showings since. They narrowly missed a semi-final spot in 2023, losing to South Africa on penalties. Now, as one of the tournament’s oldest squads, they bring invaluable experience.
Unlike most debutants, Cape Verde prefer a possession-based approach. This will test their ability to adapt against stronger teams who will dominate the ball. Still, their quick and direct transitions could prove effective. Defensive frailties remain a concern — they conceded heavily in qualifiers, including a 4-1 loss to Cameroon and a 3-3 draw with Libya. The return of Logan Costa, the Villarreal defender recovering from an ACL injury, should help solidify their backline.
Uzbekistan’s defensive discipline under Cannavaro
Uzbekistan, managed by Italian legend Fabio Cannavaro, may prove the most intriguing of the debutants. Cannavaro, who captained Italy to World Cup glory in 2006 and later won the Ballon d’Or, has built his side around defensive solidity. Manchester City centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov leads a backline that will form the foundation of their campaign.
The decision to appoint Cannavaro after Timur Kapadze had guided the team through qualification raised eyebrows, but it offers the Asian side a chance to benefit from his global experience. His managerial career has had mixed results — success in China followed by less impressive spells in Europe — and this represents a major opportunity to prove himself. Uzbekistan’s domestic league only began in February, which could give their home-based players an edge in fitness and rhythm. Fifteen squad members play domestically, while five come from Iran, whose league has been suspended due to regional conflict.
Uzbekistan will rely heavily on Khusanov and striker Eldor Shomurodov, who scored 22 goals for Istanbul Basaksehir to share the Super Lig Golden Boot last season. Their group, which includes Portugal, Colombia and DR Congo, looks competitive but not insurmountable.
Who will go furthest?
Among the four debutants, Uzbekistan and Cape Verde appear best placed to reach the knockout rounds, given their relatively open groups. Both could finish among the best third-placed teams to progress. Curacao’s group looks toughest, but they may still produce spirited performances. Jordan, ranked 63rd in the world, will look to frustrate higher-ranked opponents but may find goals hard to come by.
While it’s improbable that all four debutants advance, the chances of at least one making the knockout stage — something not seen since Slovakia in 2010 — are promising. Perhaps two first-timers could make history, as last happened in 2006 and only once before that, in 1994. The stage is set for new stories to be written in 2026.
