Debutants Curacao, Uzbekistan, Jordan, Cabo Verde: Will They Write World Cup Fairytales?

The 2026 World Cup, expanding to 48 teams, promises a stage for new narratives and potential upsets, with four nations set to make their debut: Curacao, Uzbekistan, Jordan, and Cabo Verde. History is replete with examples of underdogs defying expectations, from Croatia's run to the final in 2018 to Morocco's historic semi-final appearance in 2022. These debutants carry the hopes of writing their own chapters in the tournament's storied history.

Curacao, a small Caribbean island nation with a population of around 160,000, enters the tournament with the distinction of being the smallest nation by population to ever qualify. Coached by the 79-year-old Dick Advocaat, the oldest manager in World Cup history, Curacao's journey is already a story in itself. Having joined FIFA after the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles in 2010, they face a challenging Group E alongside Germany, Ecuador, and Ivory Coast. Despite a lower FIFA ranking (83rd), their squad includes players from European leagues, hinting at potential.

Cabo Verde, an archipelago nation in the Atlantic with approximately 600,000 inhabitants, also makes its debut. This nation, which gained independence from Portugal in 1975, has a history of near misses, including a disqualification in the 2014 qualifiers and a second-place finish in their 2022 qualifying group. They previously reached the quarterfinals of the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013. Cabo Verde, ranked 68th, faces a daunting Group H, opening against favorites Spain, alongside Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.

Uzbekistan, ranked 50th, achieves its first World Cup appearance as the expansion of Asian qualifying slots to 8.5 provided a crucial pathway. The team boasts players like Abdukodir Khusanov, who plays for Manchester City. Jordan, currently 63rd in the FIFA rankings, has emerged as a strong contender in Asia, notably finishing as runners-up in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup. Their key defender, Yazan Al-Arab, plays in South Korea's K League 1 for FC Seoul. Uzbekistan is placed in Group K with Portugal, DR Congo, and Colombia, while Jordan competes in Group J against Argentina, Austria, and Algeria. The Guardian has described the North American World Cup as potentially the most unpredictable ever, citing factors like long-distance travel, varying climates, and political considerations. As the tournament unfolds across three host nations, the narratives of these debutants will undoubtedly be a focal point, offering the possibility of unexpected heroes and dramatic upsets.

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The North American World Cup seems likely to be the most unpredictable tournament in World Cup history.