Underdog Nations to Watch at the 2026 World Cup

The Surprise Success Stories to Follow at the 2026 World Cup

As the draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches on 5 December in Washington DC, fans across the globe are preparing for the largest edition yet. However, with only 48 teams qualifying out of 209, many countries—including global giants like China, India, Nigeria, and Pakistan—will be watching from home.

If your country didn’t make it, here are the underdog teams and debutants to cheer for at football’s grandest stage.

Curacao: Smallest Nation to Ever Qualify

With just 155,000 people and covering only 444 sq km, Curacao becomes the smallest nation ever to qualify for the World Cup.

• Coached by 78-year-old veteran Dick Advocaat

• Their entire population could fit into the MetLife Stadium (82,500 capacity)

• Advocaat: “This is the craziest thing I’ve ever achieved as a coach.”

Cape Verde: Beating Cameroon to the Finals

Another Atlantic island success story, Cape Verde reached their first World Cup after topping their group.

• Rely heavily on diaspora talent like Roberto “Pico” Lopes, discovered on LinkedIn

• Defeated Eswatini 3-0 to clinch qualification

• Nicknamed the Blue Sharks

Uzbekistan: From Rivaldo to Reality

Once made headlines in 2008 by signing Rivaldo and Zico, Uzbekistan will now appear in their first World Cup.

• Coached by Italy’s 2006 World Cup captain Fabio Cannavaro

• Consistent Asian Cup performers, semi-finalists in 2011, quarter-finalists in 2023

Jordan: From Asia Finalists to Global Stage

Jordan secured qualification early with a 3-0 win over Oman.

• Led by Moroccan coach Jamal Sellami

• Shocked South Korea in the 2023 Asian Cup semi-finals

• Lost in the final to Qatar but proved their pedigree

Haiti: Triumph Over Tragedy

Despite never stepping foot in the country due to civil unrest, coach Sebastien Migne led Haiti to their first finals since 1974.

• Over 1.3 million internally displaced by violence

• The team is seen as a symbol of hope for a struggling nation

DR Congo: One Win Away from Glory

The Leopards stunned Nigeria and Cameroon to reach the intercontinental play-offs.

• Haven’t qualified since 1974 (as Zaire)

• Must beat Jamaica or New Caledonia in March to qualify

• Could become one of the feel-good stories of the tournament

Iraq: Chasing a Second Shot

Iraq won a controversial 2-1 match against UAE, keeping their dreams alive.

• Their only previous World Cup was in 1986 (Mexico)

• Seeking to qualify through March play-offs

New Caledonia: Pacific Hope

With a population just over 250,000, New Caledonia are Pacific surprise contenders.

• Beat Tahiti, despite 4,600 km of ocean between them

• Must beat Jamaica and DR Congo to qualify

Suriname: Lowest Ranked, Big Dreams

Ranked 123rd by FIFA, Suriname still has a shot after a dramatic last-minute goal sent them through.

• Will face Bolivia and Iraq in play-offs

• Players didn’t even celebrate initially, thinking they were out

Is the World Cup Getting Too Big?

The 2026 tournament will be the biggest ever, and some critics worry about competitiveness. But FIFA sees growth and upsets as part of the magic. Organizers are already considering a 64-team World Cup for 2030.

Whether you’re neutral or heartbroken over your team missing out, one thing is clear: there’s no shortage of stories to root for in 2026.