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2026 World Cup Welcomes First-Time Teams: Uzbekistan, Jordan, Cape Verde, Curacao

4/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will include debutant nations due to the expansion to 48 teams.
Confirmed debutants are Uzbekistan, Jordan, Cape Verde, and Curacao.
Uzbekistan, ranked 54th, has improved in international football since its independence in 1994.
Jordan qualified by finishing second in their group, while Cape Verde topped their group, surpassing Cameroon.
Curacao, the smallest nation to qualify, secured their spot after a draw against Jamaica.

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Story summary

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will include debutant nations due to the expansion to 48 teams.
Confirmed debutants are Uzbekistan, Jordan, Cape Verde, and Curacao.
Uzbekistan, ranked 54th, has improved in international football since its independence in 1994.
Jordan qualified by finishing second in their group, while Cape Verde topped their group, surpassing Cameroon.
Curacao, the smallest nation to qualify, secured their spot after a draw against Jamaica.