Das Mega-Turnier mit 48 Teams: Welche WM-Neulinge 2026 für Überraschungen sorgen könnten

10.05.2026 16:30 Teams & Players

The 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico will be a historic event in every respect. For the first time, 48 teams instead of 32 will participate in the tournament – a format that not only increases the number of matches to 104, but also opens the door to the big football stage for numerous nations that could only dream of it before. While established football nations like Germany, Brazil or France continue to be considered favorites, the World Cup newcomers in particular could provide the greatest emotional moments. Uzbekistan is particularly in the spotlight. The Central Asians have qualified for a World Cup for the first time in their history and are considered dark horses. With a technically skilled team that was barely penetrable defensively during the Asian qualification, the "White Wolves" bring all the prerequisites to cause a stir in the group stage. Coach Timur Kapadse has shaped a team that lives from the discipline of Eastern European schools and the creativity of Asian playmakers. Jordan is also among the great newcomers. The "Al-Nashama" have qualified for the finals for the first time after decades of effort and are traveling to North America with a balanced squad. Above all, striker Mousa Al-Tamari, who shows his skills in Europe at Stade Brest, could become the face of the tournament. The Jordanians have already proven at the 2023 Asia Cup by reaching the final that they can hold their own against supposedly superior opponents. From Africa, Cape Verde is causing a stir. The island nation with just around 500,000 inhabitants would be the smallest nation ever to participate in a World Cup. The squad unites players from the top leagues of Portugal, France and Italy, many of them with dual citizenship and international experience. The "Blue Sharks" could become uncomfortable opponents with their bold, offensive style. The appearance of Panama will also be exciting, provided the Central Americans confirm their qualifying form, as well as possibly Haiti or Suriname from the CONCACAF region. The expanded tournament format particularly benefits smaller associations that have previously failed due to the tight contingents of their confederations. With the expansion, FIFA has deliberately sent a signal: world football should become more global, more diverse and less predictable. However, the new format also raises points for discussion. Critics complain about a possible dilution of sporting standards in the group stage. Supporters, on the other hand, point to Euro 2016, when with 24 teams outsiders like Iceland and Wales reached the semi-finals and won the hearts of fans. FIFA hopes for exactly such moments in 2026. For the newcomers, the World Cup is not primarily about winning the title, but about visibility, confidence and sustainable development. A victory against a top nation, a last-minute goal or a heroic performance – such stories often leave a more lasting mark on World Cups than the triumphs of the favorites. Teams like Senegal in 2002, Costa Rica in 2014 or Morocco in 2022 have shown that outsiders can not only participate, but also change entire tournaments. When the whistle blows at the Azteca Stadium on June 11, 2026, it will mark not only a new chapter in World Cup history – but also the stage for those teams that want to amaze the world for the first time.