The upcoming FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams, including Cape Verde, Uzbekistan, Curaçao, and Jordan, all making their debut appearances. Uzbekistan has qualified for the World Cup for the first time in 36 years since gaining independence. Curaçao, with a population of 150,000, will be the smallest nation in terms of both area and population to participate in the 2026 World Cup. Kathmandu, June 12.
The world’s largest football event, the World Cup, is expanding from 32 to 48 participating teams, with four new teams securing their spots for the first time. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The debutant teams are Cape Verde, Uzbekistan, Curaçao, and Jordan. In the 96-year history and 22 editions of the tournament, 80 countries have competed so far. With the addition of these four teams, the total number of participants will reach 84.
Cape Verde is a small island nation located in the southern part of the Sahara Desert, with a population of approximately 250,000 and an area of 4,000 square kilometers. Since becoming an independent nation in 1975, Cape Verde’s football journey began three years later. Despite its size, the country has made its mark in international football. Under the leadership of coach Pedro Leitão Brito, Cape Verde has established a reputation in the global football community.
Uzbekistan secured a World Cup spot for the first time after gaining independence from the former Soviet Union 36 years ago. The team delivered an outstanding performance in the Asian qualifiers’ second and third rounds, playing a crucial role in their World Cup qualification. Curaçao, with a population of 150,000 and an area of 276 square kilometers, secured its World Cup ticket by finishing top of Group B in the CONCACAF qualifiers. Jordan, despite continuously participating in the qualifiers since 1986, has qualified for the World Cup for the first time this year.
