The 2026 FIFA World Cup Draw: Notable Qualifiers and Underdogs
The draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to take place in Washington, D.C. on December 5. While fans of the qualifying teams are eager to discover their opponents, a significant portion of the global population will not be represented in the tournament.
China, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Pakistan—five of the six most populous countries in the world—will not participate in the tournament co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States next June and July.
Out of the 209 countries that began the qualification process, only 64 remain in contention for a spot in the finals. This number will be reduced to 48 after playoff matches in March determine the final lineup for football's premier event.
So, if your nation is not participating in the World Cup, which team should you support? Consider rallying behind one of the underdogs that have made it through to the tournament.
The Underdogs That Made It
With a population of just 155,000 and an area of 444 square kilometers, Curacao is the smallest nation ever to qualify for a World Cup in terms of both population and size. Most of the island's residents could fit into MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, which has a capacity of 82,500.
Curacao's coach, Dick Advocaat, 78, will become the oldest manager to lead a team at a World Cup. The experienced coach, who has managed eight different national teams, described qualifying with Curacao as "the craziest achievement of my coaching career."
Before Curacao's qualification, Cape Verde held the title of the second-smallest nation to qualify. This small archipelago off the coast of West Africa secured its spot in the tournament by defeating Eswatini 3-0 last month, finishing ahead of regional powerhouses Cameroon in their group.
The team has significantly benefited from its diaspora, with center-back Roberto "Pico" Lopes, born and playing in Ireland, receiving his first call-up through LinkedIn. "We’re spread across the globe. It’s remarkable what we can achieve together," he shared on the BBC's Destination New Jersey podcast.
Notable Debuts
Uzbekistan made headlines in 2008 when club Bunyodkor signed Brazilian star Rivaldo, with legendary player Zico as manager. Although their stay was brief, the development of football in Uzbekistan has been enduring, with the national team achieving semi-final appearances in the Asian Cup in 2011 and quarter-finals in 2023. After narrowly missing out in previous attempts, the White Wolves will make their World Cup debut next year under the guidance of former Italian captain Fabio Cannavaro.
Jordan fans have been celebrating since June, when their team secured qualification with a 3-0 victory in Oman. Coach Jamal Sellami dedicated this achievement to "everyone who believed in us," crediting the hard work of the players and the Jordan Football Association. Their recent success includes reaching the final of the 2023 Asian Cup after defeating South Korea in the semi-finals, though they ultimately lost to Qatar.
Triumph Over Adversity
Haiti has faced significant challenges, with coach Sebastien Migne never having visited the country due to ongoing conflict. Despite the turmoil, which has displaced nearly 1.3 million people, Migne has led Haiti to the World Cup finals for the first time since 1974. He hopes to improve on their previous performance, where they lost all three group-stage matches, including a 7-0 defeat to Poland. "My players will be wonderful ambassadors for a country that desperately needs them," Migne stated.
Late Arrivals?
The Democratic Republic of Congo , also grappling with internal conflict, is vying for a spot in the finals. The nation has endured decades of turmoil, with a death toll in the millions. The Leopards recently upset Cameroon and Nigeria in continental playoffs, putting them one win away from qualifying for the first time since 1974, when they competed as Zaire. They will face either Jamaica or New Caledonia in a crucial playoff match in March. Former captain Gabriel Zakuani expressed optimism about the matchup, stating, "It’s a good draw, as we are the stronger side on paper."
Iraq is also in contention for qualification through the playoffs. A dramatic 2-1 victory against the United Arab Emirates, sealed by a last-minute penalty, ignited celebrations in Basra. Iraq's only previous World Cup appearance was in 1986, where they exited in the group stage. New Caledonia , with a population of just over 250,000, has reached the intercontinental playoffs for the first time and will need to defeat both Jamaica and DR Congo to qualify.
Lastly, Suriname , currently ranked 123rd in FIFA's world rankings, is the lowest-ranked team still in contention. They must overcome Bolivia and Iraq to secure a spot in the finals. Their players initially refrained from celebrating a last-minute goal that propelled them into the playoffs, as they thought other results might eliminate them.
Could the World Cup Get Even Bigger?
The 2026 World Cup promises to be unlike its 22 predecessors, featuring the largest lineup yet. Critics warn this expansion could lead to mismatches and decreased competitiveness. However, supporters highlight the thrilling upsets and dramatic moments that have characterized the tournament since its inception in 1930, which featured only 13 teams. FIFA appears poised to continue expanding its ambitions, with discussions already underway for a potential 64-team tournament in 2030.