Jono Maryono
Football’s global governing body, FIFA, has heralded the expansion of the 2026 World Cup from 32 to 48 teams as a transformative moment for the sport, fundamentally altering the landscape of international competition and opening unprecedented avenues for nations that have historically been on the periphery of the sport’s pinnacle event. This significant expansion, the first since the tournament grew to 32 teams in 1998, is designed to foster greater inclusivity and provide a larger stage for emerging footballing nations. In North America, this landmark tournament will witness the debut of four nations, each carrying the hopes and dreams of their populations: Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan. Al Jazeera presents a comprehensive guide to these historic debutants, exploring their journeys, key figures, and the broader implications of their maiden World Cup appearances.
The decision to increase the number of participating teams was officially ratified by the FIFA Congress in January 2017, following extensive deliberation and a commitment to growing the game worldwide. The expanded format will feature 12 groups of four teams, with the top two from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, advancing to a 32-team knockout stage. This structure aims to balance increased participation with the preservation of competitive integrity and a compelling tournament narrative. The choice of North America as host, with matches spread across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, further amplifies the tournament’s global reach, aiming to engage diverse fan bases and introduce the World Cup to new audiences.
Cape Verde: The Archipelago’s Ascent to the Global Stage
With a population of approximately 525,000, the small island nation of Cape Verde, an archipelago off the coast of West Africa, is set to etch its name in football history as the third-least populous country to ever participate in a FIFA World Cup, trailing only Curacao and Iceland in this regard. This remarkable achievement is the culmination of years of steady progress and a testament to the resilience and talent of its players.
The journey to qualification was secured on October 14, 2025, with a decisive 3-0 victory over Eswatini. Spearheading this historic campaign was the team’s captain, 35-year-old Ryan Mendes. Though perhaps not a household name globally, Mendes has been the lynchpin of this Cape Verdean side, demonstrating leadership and crucial performance in their qualification matches. His experience and determination were instrumental in securing the win that sealed their World Cup berth.
This was not an isolated triumph; it was built on a foundation of consistent performance in continental competitions. Cape Verde had already impressed at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), topping their group which included footballing giants like Ghana. Their impressive run continued to the quarter-finals, where they narrowly missed out on a semi-final spot, losing on penalties to eventual finalists South Africa. While they did not qualify for AFCON 2025, their qualification for the 2026 World Cup saw them again top their group, notably finishing ahead of a historically strong Cameroonian side, underscoring their growing stature in African football.
Ryan Mendes articulated the significance of this moment in an interview with AFP, stating, "We have taken part in four African Cup of Nations tournaments, and we were also very close to qualifying for the 2014 World Cup. A lot has been achieved over the years. And today, we can say that this is the logical outcome." His words reflect a sense of accomplishment earned through persistent effort and strategic development within the national team.
The success of the Cape Verdean national team is partly attributed to its well-established player development pipeline, which leverages its historical ties to Portugal. This has allowed them to tap into a rich pool of diaspora talent, including players with Dutch heritage and even one from Ireland. Roberto Lopes, a defender for Shamrock Rovers in Dublin, born to a Cape Verdean father and an Irish mother, reportedly joined the national team setup after being scouted through LinkedIn, highlighting the modern approaches being employed to identify and recruit talent.
While the team may not boast a plethora of globally recognized superstars, the presence of 35-year-old winger Garry Rodrigues adds significant experience and attacking flair. Rodrigues, currently playing for Apollon Limassol in Cyprus, has had notable spells at prestigious clubs such as Galatasaray and Olympiacos, bringing valuable experience of playing at a high level. Despite the absence of overwhelming star power, Mendes remains confident in the team’s ability to make an impact. "One thing’s for sure: we’re not going there just to play three games and come home," he declared, signaling their ambition to compete and surprise opponents. The "Blue Sharks," as they are known, are poised to make a splash in their debut appearance, carrying the aspirations of a nation that has embraced football with passion.
Curacao: The "Small Island, Big Dreams" Narrative
The Caribbean island of Curacao, with its vibrant culture and picturesque landscapes, is set to embody the adage "Small island, big dreams" as it makes its historic debut at the FIFA World Cup. With a population of just 160,000, Curacao will become the smallest nation by population ever to qualify for football’s most prestigious tournament. This monumental achievement has sent waves of euphoria across the island, famed for its eponymous sapphire liqueur.
The "Blue Wave," as the national team is affectionately known, secured their qualification through a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Jamaica in November 2025. This result ignited celebrations that have reverberated throughout the nation, marking a new chapter in Curacaoan sporting history.
Adding a layer of intrigue to their World Cup campaign is the presence of their coach, Dick Advocaat. The 78-year-old Dutch football legend, a former manager of the Netherlands national team, PSV Eindhoven, and Rangers, guided Curacao to qualification and is set to become the oldest manager ever to participate in a World Cup. His vast experience and tactical acumen will be invaluable as Curacao navigates the challenges of the global tournament.
Gilbert Martina, the president of Curacao’s football federation, candidly admitted that the island’s World Cup squad is largely comprised of players who developed their careers in the Netherlands. As a self-governing entity within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Curacao benefits from its historical ties and the opportunities available to its citizens within the Dutch football system. "All the players on the national team play in foreign leagues," Martina told AFP, underscoring the diaspora’s crucial role.
Among the squad, former Dutch youth international Tahith Chong stands out. Now playing for Sheffield United in the English Championship, Chong is the only player in the squad born on Curacao. He moved to the Netherlands at the age of 13, developing his skills within the renowned Dutch football academies. The 26-year-old winger or attacking midfielder is celebrated for his blistering pace, skillful dribbling, and a potent left foot.
While Chong is a prominent figure, the island’s most celebrated footballing figure is undoubtedly Patrick Kluivert, the former Ajax and Barcelona star, who has Surinamese and Curacaoan heritage. Kluivert, who previously coached the Curacaoan side between 2015 and 2016, expressed immense pride in his home island’s achievement. "It’s fantastic that the island is in the World Cup," he told AFP. "In my day, [football] was not that big on the island, but the players have given Curacao visibility. It’s important for the future, for the next generation." His words highlight the profound impact this qualification will have on inspiring future generations of Curacaoan footballers.
Jordan: A Middle Eastern Dream Realized
Jordan’s journey to their maiden FIFA World Cup appearance is a narrative of aspiration, resilience, and a growing belief in their capabilities on the global stage. Head coach Jamal Sellami has urged his players to draw inspiration from Morocco’s historic semi-final run in the 2022 World Cup, a feat that demonstrated the potential for Arab nations to challenge the established order. "In big competitions, many teams can surprise. My country, Morocco – reached the semifinals in the last World Cup. That gives us belief," Sellami stated during a training camp in Antalya, Turkey, in late March 2026.
Despite their underdog status, the Jordanian players are resolute in their ambition to do more than just participate. Midfielder Noor Al-Rawabdeh emphasized this sentiment, stating, "For us, we are not going just for participation. We are aiming to go as far as we can in the tournament. To be honest, sometimes we don’t sleep when we think about it. It’s a dream come true for us." Their fervent desire to make a mark underscores the significance of this qualification for the nation.
The team’s talisman is undoubtedly Rennes winger Musa Al-Taamari. He was the creative engine behind Jordan’s successful qualification campaign, playing a pivotal role as they secured an automatic berth by finishing second behind South Korea in their Asian qualifying group. His performances have brought him to the attention of European clubs, and he is expected to be a key player for Jordan in North America.
Coach Sellami views the training camp in Antalya, which included matches against Costa Rica and Nigeria, as a crucial step in preparing the squad for the elite level of competition they will face. "We are preparing step by step. We’ve played against different football cultures," he explained. "We are collecting experience and, Inshallah [God willing], we will surprise many people." This strategic approach to preparation reflects a team that is not only dreaming but also meticulously planning for success.
Jordan’s journey to the World Cup is a testament to the growing strength of football in the Middle East, following in the footsteps of Qatar’s hosting of the 2022 tournament and their own impressive run to the final of the 2024 AFC Asian Cup. While they ultimately lost that final to Qatar, their performance showcased a team with the talent and fighting spirit to compete at the highest level. The inclusion of Jordan in the 2026 World Cup further diversifies the confederation’s representation and highlights the ongoing development of football across Asia.
Uzbekistan: A 34-Year Wait Ends for Central Asia
For 38 million people, the dream of seeing their nation compete on the FIFA World Cup stage has been a lifelong pursuit. Uzbekistan, a nation of significant size and burgeoning footballing passion in Central Asia, is finally set to realize this aspiration. Ravshan Irmatov, the Vice President of the Uzbekistan Football Association and a renowned former World Cup referee himself, having officiated at three finals, understands the magnitude of this achievement. "Qualifying for the World Cup has been a dream for 38 million people for 34 years," Irmatov remarked. "You can understand how important it was for the Uzbek nation, we waited so long."
Uzbekistan’s inaugural World Cup appearance comes after seven previous attempts to secure a finals spot since the country gained FIFA membership in 1994, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The path to qualification has been a challenging but ultimately rewarding one, marked by periods of near misses and consistent development.
The team was initially guided by Slovenian coach Srecko Katanec, who built a squad primarily composed of home-based talent and brought them to the brink of qualification. However, health issues forced Katanec to step down, with Olympic team coach Timur Kapadze stepping in to secure the crucial ticket to the 2026 tournament. More recently, former Italian World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro has taken over as head coach, bringing a wealth of experience and a winning mentality to the squad.
The nation’s captain and top scorer, Eldor Shomurodov, is a key figure in the team. Currently on loan at Istanbul Basaksehir from AS Roma, Shomurodov has an impressive record of 44 goals in 90 international appearances. His prolific scoring, including 21 Turkish Super League goals in the recent season, makes him a significant threat for opponents.
However, the most recognizable name within the current squad is arguably Manchester City’s centre-back, Abdukodir Khusanov. The 22-year-old has become a vital component of City’s defense this season, earning plaudits for his positional awareness, pace, strength, and understated leadership qualities. His development at one of Europe’s top clubs is indicative of the growing talent pool within Uzbekistan. Khusanov’s presence at the Etihad Stadium also marks a significant milestone, as he became the first Uzbek player to feature in the Premier League, highlighting the nation’s increasing integration into elite global football.
Uzbekistan officially confirmed their place at the finals with a 0-0 draw against the United Arab Emirates in June 2026. Since then, the focus has been on integrating new coaching staff and preparing for the World Cup. Cannavaro, known for his legendary defensive prowess as a player, has been imparting his wisdom to the squad. He was quoted by The Mirror newspaper in March 2026, advising his players, "I’ll tell you what I always repeat to my players: for the first time you will play in a World Cup, you have nothing to lose. Approach every match with maximum calm, enjoy yourselves as much as possible, and if you feel anxiety, let it be positive anxiety." His words aim to instill confidence and a relaxed approach, encouraging the players to embrace the experience and play without undue pressure.
The expansion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup represents more than just an increase in the number of participating teams; it signifies a profound shift towards a more inclusive and globally representative footballing landscape. The debut of Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan underscores FIFA’s commitment to growing the game in all corners of the world and providing a platform for nations that have long aspired to compete on the ultimate stage. As these four nations embark on their maiden World Cup journeys, they carry not only the hopes of their citizens but also the promise of a brighter, more diverse future for international football. Their participation is a testament to the universal appeal of the beautiful game and its power to unite and inspire people across borders and cultures. The world will be watching to see how these debutants will etch their stories into the annals of World Cup history.
