10 countries aiming for 2030 FIFA World Cup return

FIFA is highlighting 10 nations with significant World Cup pedigrees that are determined to make a comeback for the 2030 tournament after failing to qualify for the expanded 2026 edition. The 2026 World Cup notably featured 48 teams for the first time, yet several established football powers were absent.

Among the prominent nations is Italy, a four-time champion, which is experiencing an unprecedented period of struggle. The Azzurri have now missed three consecutive World Cups, a stark contrast to their history of appearing in 18 of the previous 20 tournaments. Despite a chance through playoffs for the 2026 competition, a penalty shootout loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina ended their hopes. The team, which last appeared in 2014, aims to rebuild its talented squad for a competitive return in 2030.

Denmark, a regular participant since 1986 with a quarter-final appearance in 1998, narrowly missed out on the 2026 World Cup after a crucial qualifying loss to Scotland and a playoff defeat to Czechia. Their early exit in 2022 also contributed to recent disappointments. However, with a promising squad, the team hopes manager Brian Riemer can guide them back to the global stage.

Poland, with nine World Cup appearances and two third-place finishes, reached the knockout stage in 2022 for the first time since 1986 but could not build on that success. A 3-2 playoff loss to Sweden prevented their qualification for 2026, forcing a rebuilding phase, especially as veteran striker Robert Lewandowski nears the end of his career. Hungary, once a dominant force, has not appeared since 1986, the longest absence among the highlighted nations, though recent European Championship performances offer encouragement. Romania, whose golden generation achieved a quarter-final finish in 1994, also seeks to return.