Which teams will make their debut at World Cup 2026?
The 2026 World Cup will feature four teams making their debut: Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan. This expansion from 32 to 48 teams is seen as a significant step towards inclusivity in the tournament. Each of these nations has a unique story and background, contributing to the diversity of the competition.
- ▪Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan will participate in the World Cup for the first time.
- ▪The tournament's expansion to 48 teams aims to promote inclusivity.
- ▪Cape Verde's best-known player is Garry Rodrigues, while Curacao's coach is the 78-year-old Dick Advocaat.
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EXPLAINERSport|World Cup 2026Which teams will make their debut at World Cup 2026?Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan will take part in football’s premier showpiece for the first time.ListenListen (9 mins)SaveClick here to share on social mediashare-nodesSharefacebookxwhatsapp-strokecopylinkgoogleAdd Al Jazeera on GoogleinfoCape Verde's Joao Paulo Fernandes, left, Marcio Rosa, centre, and Kevin Pina celebrate winning a FIFA Series match against Finland at Eden Park on March 30, 2026 in Auckland, New Zealand [Phil Walter/Getty Images]By Al Jazeera Staff, AFP and ReutersPublished On 20 May 202620 May 2026Football’s world governing body, FIFA, has framed the 2026 World Cup’s expansion from 32 to 48 teams as a watershed moment for inclusivity, opening the door for nations that have…
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