The 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico will be a historic event in every respect. For the first time, 48 instead of 32 teams 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 have only dreamed of it so far. While established football nations like Germany, Brazil or France continue to be considered favorites, it is precisely the World Cup newcomers who could provide the greatest emotional moments.
Uzbekistan is particularly in focus. 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 hardly breakable defensively in Asian qualifying, the "White Wolves" have all the prerequisites to make waves in the group stage. Coach Timur Kapadse has shaped a team that lives off the discipline of Eastern European schools and the creativity of Asian playmakers.
Jordan is also among the big newcomers. The "Al-Nashama" have qualified for the final tournament for the first time after decades of trying and travel to North America with a balanced squad. Above all, striker Mousa Al-Tamari, who demonstrates his abilities in Europe at Stade Brest, could become the face of the tournament. The Jordanians have already proved at the 2023 Asia Cup that they can hold their own against supposedly superior opponents by reaching the final.
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 brings together players from the top leagues of Portugal, France and Italy, many of them with dual citizenship and international experience. The "Tubarões Azuis" could become uncomfortable opponents with their courageous, attacking style.
Spielplan: Usbekistan
| Thu, 18.06.2026 | Empower Field at Mile High | | | Uzbekistan | Colombia | | | - : - | |
| Tue, 23.06.2026 | AT&T Stadium | | | Portugal | Uzbekistan | | | - : - | |
| Sun, 28.06.2026 | Hard Rock Stadium | | | DR Congo | Uzbekistan | | | - : - | |
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 federations that previously failed due to the tight contingents of their confederations. With the increase, FIFA has deliberately sent a signal: world football should become more global, more diverse and less predictable.
However, the new format also contains room 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 underdogs like Iceland and Wales advanced to the semi-finals and won the hearts of fans by storm. 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 shape World Cups more sustainably than the triumphs of the favorites. Teams like Senegal 2002, Costa Rica 2014 or Morocco 2022 have shown that underdogs can not only participate but also change entire tournaments.
When the whistle blows on June 11, 2026 at the Aztec Stadium, a new chapter in World Cup history begins – but also the stage for those teams that want to amaze the world for the first time.