World Cup 2026: Underdog Teams to Watch in the Finals

With an expanded field, smaller nations have earned surprising spots in the 2026 finals. Meet the standout underdogs and debutants poised to make history in North America.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is bigger than ever, expanding the field and opening doors for small nations to shine. As qualification closes, fans can expect bold stories, dramatic playoff battles, and rising stars that could reshape the finals in North America.

The minnows that made it

Curacao, with about 155,000 residents and 444 square kilometers of land, becomes the smallest nation by both population and size to reach the World Cup. The Caribbean island sits just 60 kilometers off the coast of Venezuela, and their qualifying journey has grabbed global attention. Coach Dick Advocaat, 78, would become the oldest manager on duty at a World Cup, after a career steering eight different national teams. He called the moment the craziest thing he has ever achieved as a coach.

Cape Verde is another tiny nation to secure a place, finishing top of their group after defeating Eswatini 3-0. The Atlantic archipelago off West Africa has relied on a strong diaspora network to lift its football, including players born abroad making a difference. One standout is centre-back Roberto 'Pico' Lopes, who grew up in Ireland and earned his first cap after being contacted via LinkedIn by the national team.

Notable debuts

Uzbekistan has moved onto the world stage after years of steady progression in Asia. The White Wolves are set to debut at the finals under the guidance of former Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro, who took charge in recent years and helped the team push for historic results.

Jordan sealed their berth earlier this year with a 3-0 win in Oman. Under Moroccan coach Jamal Sellami, the team’s rise has been celebrated as a testament to perseverance and the work of the Jordan Football Association, following a run that included the 2023 Asian Cup final.

Triumph over adversity

Haiti qualified despite facing severe challenges at home, with turmoil forcing millions to relocate within the country. Head coach Sebastien Migne, a Frenchman, has not been able to visit Haiti in person due to ongoing conflict, yet he led the team to the finals for the first time since 1974. He described the achievement as a powerful example of how players can serve as ambassadors for a nation in need of hope.

Late arrivals?

The race to reach the finals also features teams in heavy upheaval and uncertain paths, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti’s fellow aspirants. The Leopards upset Cameroon and Nigeria to set up a winner-takes-all clash in March for a place in the finals for the first time since 1974 (as Zaire). Another potential breakthrough comes from Iraq, which produced a dramatic last-minute victory to stay in the playoff hunt. New Caledonia, a Pacific island nation, is aiming for the intercontinental playoff, while Suriname — ranked 123rd — also remains in the hunt, needing to overcome Bolivia and Iraq in late-stage clashes.

Could the World Cup get even bigger?

The 2026 edition features the largest lineup in the tournament’s history, but there is talk of even further expansion for 2030. Some argue more nations mean more drama and opportunity, while others caution that bigger tournaments can dilute quality. Officials are mulling a 64-team format for the 2030 finals, which would bring more qualifiers into the fold while maintaining competitive balance.

Expert view

Analyst note: The growing field tests depth and resilience, allowing surprising teams to reach the global stage and show they belong. It’s a trend that could redefine how nations plan for the World Cup in the years ahead.

Short summary

The 2026 World Cup opens the door for smaller nations to compete on football’s biggest stage. Underdogs like Curacao and Cape Verde have shown that opportunity plus solid development can yield memorable moments. Debutants Uzbekistan and Jordan highlight how efficient scouting and coaching can accelerate progress, while teams facing turmoil at home still chase their chance in the intercontinental playoffs. The tournament’s expansion fuels new hope and fresh narratives for fans worldwide.