The expanded 48-team format on the World Cup has opened the door for brand spanking new footballing nations to achieve the game’s largest stage.
Let’s meet the 4 nations hoping to spring a shock in the US, and .
Cabo Verde
📸 ROBERTO SCHMIDT – AFP or licensors
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Cabo Verde’s rise has been certainly one of African soccer’s nice underdog tales. A nation of simply over half one million individuals, the Blue Sharks have steadily improved over the previous decade, reaching two Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals earlier than lastly securing their first World Cup qualification. They topped their CAF qualifying group with seven wins from ten matches, conceding solely eight objectives all through the marketing campaign.
A lot of their success has been constructed round defensive organisation and self-discipline underneath coach Bubista. Ahead was their key attacking risk throughout qualification, whereas skilled defender Pico Lopes introduced management and composure on the again. Cape Verde additionally possess harmful technical gamers in midfield able to irritating greater nations on the counterattack.
On the World Cup they face a frightening Group H alongside , and . Regardless of the problem, their compact fashion might make them troublesome opponents.
📸 ROBIN VAN LONKHUIJSEN
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Curaçao’s qualification would be the most exceptional of all. With a inhabitants of round 150,000, they turn out to be the smallest nation ever to qualify for a World Cup. Their rise has been pushed by clever recruitment of Dutch-Curaçaoan twin nationals and the affect of veteran coach Dick Advocaat.
The Caribbean aspect topped their ultimate qualifying group and constructed momentum by way of a fearless attacking fashion. starred throughout qualification with 5 objectives, whereas former winger provides tempo and creativity in transition. Midfielders and present expertise from European soccer and assist give the aspect composure in possession.
Curaçao have been drawn into Group E with , and . It’s an especially troublesome group, however Curaçao’s attacking confidence means they’re unlikely to take a seat again quietly.
📸 JEWEL SAMAD – AFP or licensors
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Jordan’s qualification marks an enormous second for Center Jap soccer. After ending runners-up on the 2023 Asian Cup, perception across the nationwide aspect grew quickly and carried into World Cup qualifying. Regardless of an inconsistent begin, Jordan recovered brilliantly to safe qualification by way of a mix of attacking aptitude and resilience.
Their assault is led by Mousa Al-Tamari, arguably the best participant within the nation’s historical past. The winger’s velocity, dribbling and direct working make him a continuing risk on the break. Alongside him, Yazan Al-Naimat and shaped certainly one of Asia’s most efficient entrance strains throughout qualifying. Jordan’s aggressive attacking fashion might make them one of many event’s shock entertainers.
Jordan have been positioned in Group J alongside , and . Going through the reigning world champions might be a historic second for the Nashama.
Uzbekistan have spent years knocking on the door of World Cup qualification and eventually broke by way of in 2026, turning into the primary Central Asian nation ever to achieve the event. They constantly challenged Asia’s strongest sides throughout qualifying and in the end secured their place with disciplined, organised performances.
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Captain stays the crew’s largest attacking weapon due to his clever motion and ending potential. Nevertheless, a lot pleasure surrounds defender , whose athleticism and composure have already made him one of many world’s most promising younger defenders. Beneath Fabio Cannavaro, Uzbekistan have turn out to be tactically disciplined whereas nonetheless carrying attacking high quality.
They have been drawn in a tricky group in opposition to , and DR Congo, however expectations across the crew are rising quickly after years of progress. Uzbekistan’s mix of expertise and rising expertise means they may turn out to be one of the aggressive debut nations on the event.