The Group StageWC 2026 · ANALYTICS
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Cinderella Stories: The 2026 World Cup Debutants

By The Group Stage··CUWCPVUZBJOR

Curaçao and Cape Verde are the smallest nations ever to qualify, and Uzbekistan and Jordan make their World Cup bows. Meet the newcomers chasing history.

The expanded format opened the door for nations that had never come close, and the stories are extraordinary.

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The smallest dreamers

Curaçao, with a population around 150,000, are the smallest nation ever to reach a World Cup. Cape Verde, an Atlantic archipelago of roughly half a million, are not far behind. Both arrive with seasoned coaches and nothing to lose.

Asia's first-timers

Uzbekistan and Jordan complete the debutant class. Jordan ride the momentum of a stunning run to the 2023 Asian Cup final, while Uzbekistan's organised side, led by Manchester City's Abdukodir Khusanov, intend to be more than tourists.

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Teams in this story
CUW CuraçaoCPV Cape VerdeUZB UzbekistanJOR Jordan

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