2026 FIFA World Cup Preview
- Linus O'Howell
- May 29
- 24 min read
The biggest World Cup of all time takes over America this summer, with a historic 48 teams vying for World Glory! There have been talks of an expansion dating all the way back to 2013, with 2026 finally being the year where an extra 16 teams take to the world’s biggest stage! This year’s World Cup also returns to it’s usual June-July slot, with the previous one in Qatar taking place over the festive period! So, whilst we do have some debutants at this tournament, expect the usual bunch to make it to the latter stages! Anyway, without further ado, let’s begin this big preview article with Group A!
Group A
Mexico
As one of the three host nations, Mexico find themselves as the first team to talk about! Mexico are currently ranked 15th in the world, and they obviously didn’t need to qualify due to being one of the hosts! At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Mexico were disappointingly knocked out in the Group Stages on goal difference after conceding to Saudi Arabia in the 95th minute (in their final group game)! In their last major tournament, Mexico won the CONCACAF Gold Cup! When it comes to success in this competition, Mexico’s best result was two Quarter-Final appearances in both 1970 and 1986! Interestingly, both of those tournaments took place in Mexico, too! Mexico could be a major threat in this competition, especially with a much easier group!
South Africa
South Africa are back for their first World Cup since they hosted it all back in 2010! South Africa are currently ranked 60th in the world, and they qualified for this competition by topping their group (over Nigeria)! At their last FIFA World Cup appearance in 2010, South Africa made history as the first host side to fail to make it out of the Group Stage! In their last major tournament, South Africa were knocked out in the Last 16 of the 2025 African Cup of Nations! When it comes to success in this competition, South Africa have never made it out of the Group Stage in any of their previous 3 appearances! I have to say, it’s pretty cool to see South Africa back at the World Cup!
South Korea
South Korea are set to compete in their 11th-straight FIFA World Cup! South Korea are currently ranked 25th in the world, and they qualified for this competition by going unbeaten throughout the entire AFC Qualifiers! At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, South Korea did well to make it out of the Group Stage, only to get thrashed 4-1 by Brazil in the Round of 16! In their last major tournament, South Korea lost in the Semi-Finals of the 2023 Asian Cup! When it comes to success in this competition, the best of their 11 appearances came at home, where they managed to finish 4th overall (a pretty remarkable achievement)! This is very much a group that South Korea should be getting out of!
Czechia
After 20 years away, Czechia are back on football’s biggest stage! Czechia are currently ranked 41st in the world, and they qualified for this competition via back-to-back penalty shootout wins over Ireland and Denmark! At their last FIFA World Cup appearance in 2006, the Czech Republic ultimately failed to make it out of the Group Stage, despite winning their opening match (against the US) 3-0! In their last major tournament, Czechia had a pretty miserable time, earning just 1 point across their 3 Euro 2024 matches! When it comes to success in this competition, Czechoslovakia (as they were known then) finished as Runners-Up in both 1934 and 1962! Czechia either go out in the Group Stages, the Quarter-Finals, or make the Final of the FIFA World Cup, so keep an eye on them if they manage to get through!
Group B
Canada
Canada are back as one of 2026’s three host nations! Canada are currently ranked 30th in the world, and they of course qualified automatically! At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Canada didn’t have a very nice time, losing all 3 games! In their last major tournament, Canada could only make the Quarter-Finals of last year’s Gold Cup, being stunned by Guatemala (on penalties)! When it comes to success in this competition, Canada have appeared at 2 World Cups, and they’ve lost all 6 games! Yikes! Surely, surely that has to change now that Canada are playing at home!
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina are ready to compete in their second-ever FIFA World Cup! Bosnia and Herzegovina are currently ranked 65th in the world, and they qualified for this competition with a pair of shock penalty shootout wins over Wales and Italy! At their last (and only) FIFA World Cup appearance in 2014, Bosnia did get knocked out in the Group Stage, but they at least won their last game (against Iran)! Amazingly, not only was their 2014 WC campaign their last major tournament appearance, but in fact, it’s their only major tournament appearance! When it comes to success in this competition, Bosnia have at least won one game! A lot of teams will get talked about as underdogs this summer, but Bosnia and Herzegovina feel like quite the Cinderella story!
Qatar
After hosting the previous World Cup, Qatar are looking to right the wrongs of 4 years ago! Qatar are currently ranked 55th in the world, and they qualified for this competition by getting the better of UAE and Oman in the AFC 4th Round Qualifiers! At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Qatar were hopeless hosts, losing all three games (and netting just 1 goal)! In their last major tournament, Qatar actually successfully retained their Asian Cup back in 2023! When it comes to success in this competition, Qatar have lost every game, so success maybe isn’t the correct word! Group B seems like quite an open group for a number of teams, so Qatar really need to capitalise!
Switzerland
Switzerland have to be the favourites to win Group B, right?! Switzerland are currently ranked 19th in the world, and they qualified for this competition by going unbeaten during the Qualifying stage! At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Switzerland made it to the Last 16, only to get thumped 6-1 by Portugal! In their last major tournament, Switzerland suffered a tough penalty shootout loss to England at the Quarter-Final stage! When it comes to success in this competition, the Swiss have made it to the Quarter-Finals on 3 different occasions (1934,1938, and 1954)! I don’t see how Switzerland could’ve ever gotten a nicer Group Stage draw than this; Group B feels very winnable for them!
Group C
Brazil
Brazil are hoping that 2026 is the year where they can finally become World Champions again! Brazil are currently ranked 6th in the world, and they qualified for this competition by only finishing 5th in the CONMEBOL Qualifiers! At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Brazil got stunned by Croatia in the Quarter-Finals (on penalties)! In their last major tournament, Brazil also went out on penalties in the Quarter-Finals of the 2024 Copa America, this time to Uruguay! When it comes to success in this competition, nobody has won more FIFA World Cups than Brazil (5), but they haven’t lifted the famous gold trophy since 2002! When you’re Brazil, you have to win, something Carlo Ancelotti knows all about!
Morocco
Whilst Brazil are the group favourites, Morocco are more than capable of coming out on top! Morocco are currently ranked 8th in the world, and they qualified for this competition by winning all 8 of their qualifying matches (and only conceding twice)! At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Morocco shocked everyone, finishing fourth overall! In their last major tournament, Morocco ended up as the 2025 African Cup of Nations Champions after plenty of controversy in their Final against Senegal! When it comes to success in this competition, their 4th place finish 4 years ago was easily Morocco’s best result on the world’s biggest stage! Morocco are a damn good football team; they can beat anyone!
Haiti
After over 50 years away, Haiti are back competing at the FIFA World Cup! Haiti are currently ranked 83rd in the world, and they qualified for this competition by beating both Honduras and Costa Rica to top spot in their Qualifying groups! At their last (and only) FIFA World Cup appearance in 1974, Haiti lost all three of their games by an aggregate score of 2-14! In their last major tournament, Haiti finished bottom of their group at last year’s Gold Cup, failing to win a single game! When it comes to success in this competition, Haiti are another team who have lost every game in their World Cup history! Haiti being at the World Cup is pretty epic, but I’m also quite scared for them!
Scotland
For the first time this century, Scotland are World Cup-bound! Scotland are currently ranked 43rd in the world, and they qualified for this competition thanks to a brilliant group victory over Denmark! At their last FIFA World Cup appearance in 1998, Scotland went crashing out without a single win to their name! In their last major tournament, Scotland also went crashing out of Euro 2024 without a single win to their name! When it comes to success in this competition, Scotland have never made it out of the Group Stage in any of their 8 WC campaigns! In fact, Scotland have never played a Knockout game in any major tournament, so is this the year where they can finally change that?!
Group D
United States
Now it’s finally time to talk about the third and final host of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the United States of America! The United States are currently ranked 16th in the world, and they automatically qualified for this competition alongside Mexico and Canada! At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the US made it to the Last 16 before they were subsequently knocked out by the Netherlands! In their last major tournament, the USA lost to Mexico in the Gold Cup Final! When it comes to success in this competition, the United States’ best result came when they finished third all the way back at the original 1930 WC! Given all of the hype that the United States of America have produced heading into this year’s World Cup, failure simply isn’t an option!
Paraguay
After missing the last three World Cups, Paraguay are officially back! Paraguay are currently ranked 40th in the world, and they qualified for this competition by finishing on the same number of points as Colombia, Uruguay, and Brazil! At their last FIFA World Cup appearance in 2010, Paraguay did a brilliant job to make it all the way to the Quarter-Finals, eventually losing 1-0 to Spain! In their last major tournament, Paraguay lost all three of their 2024 Copa America matches! When it comes to success in this competition, 2010 was actually their best attempt! Paraguay have exited at the Group Stages in half of their previous World Cup appearances; will they be able to change that stat for the better?
Australia
Australia are set for their 6th-consecutive World Cup appearance! Australia are currently ranked 27th in the world, and they qualified for this competition by finishing second in their AFC Third Round Qualifying group (behind Japan)! At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Australia made it out of the Group Stages, only to meet Argentina in the Last 16! In their last major tournament, the Aussies suffered a gut-wrenching loss to South Korea in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup Quarter-Finals! When it comes to success in this competition, Australia have never made it past the Round of 16 in any of their 6 World Cup appearances! Honestly, it’s going to be quite hard for Australia to change that, given you need to win an extra game just to make it to that stage!
Türkiye
After an incredible performance in 2002, Türkiye are finally back competing on the world’s biggest stage! Turkiye are currently ranked 22nd in the world, and they qualified for this competition with two 1-0 wins over Romania and Kosovo! At their last FIFA World Cup appearance in 2002, Turkiye remarkably made it all the way to the Semi-Finals, losing 1-0 to Brazil, before they beat hosts South Korea to finish third! In their last major tournament, Turkey made it to the Quarter-Finals of UEFA Euro 2024, ultimately coming up short against the Netherlands! When it comes to success in this competition, Turkiye have only appeared at the World Cup twice, and yet they’ve finished third once! Whilst they may have only qualified through the Playoffs, Turkiye have a great chance to top Group D!
Group E
Germany
After a pair of horrible FIFA World Cup displays, Germany know that they must do better this time around! Germany are currently ranked 10th in the world, and they qualified for this competition with a decisive final Group game win over Slovakia! At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Germany had an absolute shocker, getting knocked out in the Group Stages for the second consecutive tournament! In their last major tournament, Germany failed to take advantage of hosting Euro 2024, losing to Spain in the Quarter-Finals! When it comes to success in this competition, Germany are former 4-time World Champions, with their last triumph coming at Brazil 2014! I know that they’ve struggled at recent World Cups, but Germany have no excuses not to win this group, let alone go far!
Curacao
History will be made this summer as Curacao are finally heading to the FIFA World Cup! Curacao are currently ranked 82nd in the world, and they qualified for this competition by beating Jamaica to win their qualifying group! In their last major tournament, Curacao failed to win a single game in their 2025 Gold Cup campaign, although they did at least earn a point against Canada! Part of the excitement of having an extra 16 teams at this year’s World Cup was the idea that we could get debutants, and the fact that Curacao’s first-ever World Cup game is going to be against Germany is pretty special!
Cote d’Ivoire
Cote d’Ivoire are hoping to finally play a World Cup Knockout Match! Cote d’Ivoire are currently ranked 34th in the world, and they qualified for this competition by going undefeated during the African Qualifying stages! At their last FIFA World Cup appearance in 2014, Cote d’Ivoire were knocked out in the Group Stages in the final moments of their final game! In their last major tournament, Cote d’Ivoire lost to Egypt in the Quarter-Finals of the 2025 African Cup of Nations! When it comes to success in this competition, Ivory Coast haven’t made it out of the Group Stage in any of their 3 attempts! Given that 8 of the 12 third-place teams will qualify for the Knockout Stages, it feels like Cote d’Ivoire have a good shot at making history!
Ecuador
After a very strong Qualifying campaign, Ecuador are looking to be a dark horse at this year’s FIFA World Cup! Ecuador are currently ranked 23rd in the world, and they qualified for this competition by finishing second in the CONMEBOL Qualifiers, even with a 3-point deduction! At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Ecuador beat Qatar in the opening game of the tournament, only to still get knocked out in Group A! In their last major tournament, Ecuador got knocked out at the Quarter-Finals stage at the 2024 Copa America, losing to Argentina on penalties! When it comes to success in this competition, Ecuador’s one and only Knockout round appearance came at the 2006 World Cup in Germany! Ecuador have the potential to do a lot this summer!
Group F
Netherlands
Can 2026 finally be the year where the Netherlands win the big one?! The Netherlands are currently ranked 7th in the world, and they qualified for this competition by going unbeaten during qualifying! At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the Netherlands suffered a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to Argentina at the Quarter-Final stage; one of the games of the tournament! In their last major tournament, Holland suffered another gut-wrenching defeat, this time to England in the Semi-Finals of Euro 2024! When it comes to success in this competition, the Dutch are still yet to win a World Cup, losing in 3 different Finals! Whilst the Netherlands definitely won’t be considered as one of the favourites to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, they can definitely go far!
Japan
Japan are back for their 8th-straight FIFA World Cup appearance! Japan are currently ranked 18th in the world, and they qualified for this competition by beating out Australia and Saudi Arabia to top spot in their qualifying group! At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Japan managed to beat both Germany and Spain in the Group Stage, only to lose to Croatia in the Round of 16 on penalties! In their last major tournament, Japan were surprisingly beaten by IR Iran in the Quarter-Finals of the 2023 Asian Cup! When it comes to success in this competition, Japan have made it out of the Group Stages more times than not, but they’re still yet to win a Knockout game! I could easily see Japan winning this group; they’re a threat to almost anyone!
Sweden
Despite finishing bottom of their qualifying group, Sweden are one of 48 teams set to compete at the 2026 FIFA World Cup! Sweden are currently ranked 38th in the world, and they qualified for this competition with vital Playoff wins over Ukraine and Poland! At their last FIFA World Cup appearance in 2018, Sweden had a good run, eventually losing to England in the Quarter-Finals! In their last major tournament, Sweden made it to the Last 16 at UEFA Euro 2020 (losing to Ukraine)! When it comes to success in this competition, Sweden’s best result came at home, losing in the 1958 World Cup Final! The fact that Sweden are at this year’s FIFA World Cup is pretty insane, but it’s a big opportunity for Manager Graham Potter!
Tunisia
Tunisia have matched their previous best record of making it to 3-consecutive FIFA World Cups! Tunisia are currently ranked 44th in the world, and they qualified for this competition by not conceding a single goal in their qualifying group (picking up 28 points from 10 games)! At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Tunisia could only finish third in Group D, despite beating France in their final Group game! In their last major tournament, Tunisia had a disappointing African Cup of Nations campaign, losing to Mali on penalties in the Last 16 (back at the start of January)! When it comes to success in this competition, Tunisia have been to the World Cup 6 times, but they’re still looking for game number 4! Whilst they were able to walk qualifying, Tunisia will need to run if they want to finally play a Knockout Round game at the FIFA World Cup!
Group G
Belgium
After a difficult few years, have Belgium still got what it takes to get back to their best?! Belgium are currently ranked 9th in the world, and they qualified for this competition by going unbeaten in their UEFA qualifying group (against the likes of Wales and North Macedonia)! At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Belgium had an absolute shocker, getting knocked out in the Group Stages (despite being ranked 2nd in the world)! In their last major tournament, Belgium could only make the Round of 16 of Euro 2024, losing to France! When it comes to success in this competition, Belgium’s best result was a third-place at Russia 2018! Whilst Belgium are still a Top 10 side based on ranking, they will need to play an awful lot better than what they’ve shown in recent years!
Egypt
Egypt head to America as one of a number of teams looking for their first-ever World Cup victory! Egypt are currently ranked 29th in the world, and they qualified for this competition by going unbeaten in their Round 3 qualifying group! At their last FIFA World Cup appearance in 2018, Egypt didn’t have a good time at all, losing all three of their matches! In their last major tournament, Egypt finished 4th in the 2025 African Cup of Nations! When it comes to success in this competition, the Egyptians haven’t won a single game in any of their previous 3 WC appearances! Let’s be honest, Egypt really need to change that!
IR Iran
As it stands, IR Iran are back for their 4th-straight FIFA World Cup appearance! IR Iran are currently ranked 21st in the world, and they qualified for this competition by topping their qualifying group (over Uzbekistan, the UAE, and Qatar)! At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Iran were knocked out in the Group Stages, but they did at least win one game (against Wales)! In their last major tournament, IR Iran made it to the Semi-Finals of the 2023 Asian Cup, eventually losing to hosts Qatar! When it comes to success in this competition, Iran have been to the World Cup on 6 previous occasions, and yet they’re still yet to play a Knockout Round game! This is definitely a group that IR Iran can qualify from, as long as they actually go!
New Zealand
New Zealand enter the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the lowest-ranked team in the tournament! New Zealand are currently ranked 85th in the world, and they qualified for this competition by beating New Caledonia 3-0 in the OFC Qualifying Final! At their last FIFA World Cup appearance in 2010, New Zealand impressively drew all three of their games, although that wasn’t enough to qualify for the next round! In their last major tournament, New Zealand won the 2024 OFC Nations Cup without conceding a single goal! When it comes to success in this competition, New Zealand are another team who are yet to win a match at the World Cup (having played 6 previously)! Let’s see what the Oceanic Champions have got!
Group H
Spain
The reigning European Champions, Spain, are looking to follow it up by winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup (just like they did between 2008 and 2010)! Spain are currently ranked 2nd in the world, and they qualified for this competition by going unbeaten through the qualifying stage! At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Spain suffered another disappointing Last 16 penalty exit, this time to Morocco! In their last major tournament, the Spanish were far and away the best team at Euro 2024, defeating England in the Final to become 4-time European Champions! When it comes to success in this competition, Spain’s greatest achievement came in 2010, when they became World Champions (in South Africa)! Interestingly, since that moment, Spain haven’t made it to the Quarter-Finals of the FIFA World Cup, but let’s be honest, the only thing on Spain’s mind is becoming 2-time World Champions!
Cabo Verde
Cabo Verde (yes, this is the correct name) are making history as one of the smallest countries to ever qualify for a FIFA World Cup! Cabo Verde are currently ranked 69th in the world, and they qualified for this competition by beating Cameroon to top spot in their qualifying group! In their last major tournament, Cape Verde made it to the Quarter-Finals of the 2023 African Cup of Nations, as they didn’t actually qualify for last year’s competition! I feel like Cabo Verde are going to be a favourite of the neutrals this summer, and it’s going to be some occasion when they take to the world's biggest stage for the first time (against Spain, too)!
Saudi Arabia
With their only Knockout Round appearance coming in America back in 1994, can Saudi Arabia finally end their Group Stage-exit streak? Saudi Arabia are currently ranked 61st in the world, and they qualified for this competition by just about edging out Iraq to top their AFC 4th Round qualifying group! At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Saudi Arabia finished bottom of Group C, despite the fact that they beat Argentina in their opening game! In their last major tournament, Saudi Arabia suffered a tough-to-take penalty shootout loss to South Korea in the Round of 16! When it comes to success in this competition, Saudi’s best result was a Last 16 appearance in their debut WC in 1994, having been eliminated in the Group Stage at every attempt since then (5)! Saudi Arabia know that they have to beat Cabo Verde if they want to make it through to the Knockout Stages!
Uruguay
After a disappointing performance in Qatar, Uruguay are looking to return to their “Dark Horse” days! Uruguay are currently ranked 17th in the world, and they qualified for this competition with a 4th-place finish in the CONMEBOL Qualifiers! At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, 4 points weren’t enough for Uruguay to advance into the Knockout Stages, being eliminated on goals scored! In their last major tournament, Uruguay finished third in the 2024 Copa America, having lost to Colombia in the Semi-Finals! When it comes to success in this competition, Uruguay are former 2-time World Champions (1930 and 1950)! Given that Uruguay are playing Spain in their third and final group game, they should know what they need to do in order to try and win Group H!
Group I
France
Perhaps the group of the tournament, Group I, starts off with one of the favourites to win it all; France! France are currently ranked 1st in the world, and they qualified for this competition by going unbeaten during the qualifying phase! At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, France came within a whisker of going back-to-back, losing on penalties to Argentina in one of the sport’s great Finals! In their last major tournament, the French came up short in the Semi-Finals, losing to eventual winners Spain! When it comes to success in this competition, France are also former 2-time World Champions (1998 and 2018)! Given that they’re currently Number 1 in the world, France will enter as one of, if not the absolute favourite to return to World Championship glory!
Senegal
After what went down earlier this year, Senegal are entering the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a vengeance! Senegal are currently ranked 14th in the world, and they qualified for this competition by going unbeaten during the African Qualifiers! At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Senegal made it to the Last 16, only to get unceremoniously eliminated by England! In their last major tournament, Senegal lifted the 2025 African Cup of Nations, only for the Final result to be reversed due to a ton of controversy during the game! When it comes to success in this competition, Senegal’s best result was a Quarter-Final appearance in their debut World Cup appearance (in 2002)! We’ve already praised Morocco in this article, but Senegal are another African side who can hurt the biggest names!
Iraq
Iraq are set to compete in their second-ever FIFA World Cup! Iraq are currently ranked 57th in the world, and they qualified for this competition by beating Bolivia in the Inter-Confederation Playoffs! At their last (and only) FIFA World Cup appearance in 1986, Iraq lost all three of their group games! In their last major tournament, Iraq conceded two super late goals to lose to Jordan in the Last 16 of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup! When it comes to success in this competition, Iraq are another team who’ve lost every World Cup game they’ve played! I actually don’t think Iraq are one of the worst teams at this year’s World Cup, but the odds of them getting anything from this group feel pretty dire!
Norway
Norway are set for their first FIFA World Cup appearance this century! Norway are currently ranked 31st in the world, and they qualified for this competition by winning all 8 of their qualifying matches (including two against Italy)! At their last FIFA World Cup appearance in 1998, Norway qualified for the Knockout Stages with a brilliant win over Brazil, although they would end up losing to Italy in the Last 16! In their last major tournament, Norway were eliminated at the Group Stage phase of Euro 2000! When it comes to success in this competition, Norway have reached the Last 16 in 2 of their 3 World Cup appearances! Whilst Norway may have received a pretty difficult draw, I’m not sure that’s going to phase either Erling Haaland or Martin Odegaard!
Group J
Argentina
Argentina enter the 2026 FIFA World Cup as it’s Reigning Champions! Argentina are currently ranked 3rd in the world, and they qualified for this competition by easily topping the CONMEBOL qualifying group! At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Lionel Messi finally managed to match Diego Maradona by lifting the famous gold trophy! In their last major tournament, Argentina defeated Colombia to win the 2024 Copa America! When it comes to success in this competition, Argentina have won the world’s greatest prize 3 times (1978,1986, and 2022)! Argentina are easily the best non-European team at this summer’s FIFA World Cup, but they know that there are a couple of teams that they will need to beat in order to go back-to-back!
Algeria
Algeria are ready to make their 5th FIFA World Cup appearance! Algeria are currently ranked 28th in the world, and they qualified for this competition with an easy group victory (over the likes of Uganda and Mozambique)! At their last FIFA World Cup appearance in 2014, Algeria finally made it out of the Group Stages, losing to eventual winners Germany in the Last 16 (After Extra Time)! In their last major tournament, Algeria lost to Nigeria in the Quarter-Finals of the 2025 African Cup of Nations! When it comes to success in this competition, Algeria’s Last 16 appearance in 2014 was their best result! Algeria should definitely believe that they can get out of this group; how much further they go after that is another thing entirely!
Austria
Austria are another European team ready to return to their first FIFA World Cup since France 1998! Austria are currently ranked 24th in the world, and they qualified for this competition by beating Bosnia and Herzegovina and Romania to top spot (of Group H)! At their last FIFA World Cup appearance in 1998, Austria failed to win a single game, although they only lost one of them! In their last major tournament, Austria brilliantly topped their group (over France and the Netherlands), only to lose to Turkiye in the Last 16! When it comes to success in this competition, Austria’s best-ever performance came when they finished third at the 1954 World Cup! I’m very intrigued to see how Austria get on at this year’s FIFA World Cup; they could be a potential Dark Horse!
Jordan
It’s fitting that Jordan make their FIFA World Cup debut in Group J! Jordan are currently ranked 63rd in the world, and they qualified for this competition by pipping Iraq to second-place in Group B of the AFC third-round qualifiers! In their last major tournament, Jordan finished as Runners-Up in the 2023 Asian Cup, losing to hosts Qatar in the Final! Given that they made that Final three years ago, I feel like Jordan are coming to America this summer looking to do more than just make up the numbers! Either way, it’s going to be a special time for the nation!
Group K
Portugal
This is, without a doubt, Cristiano Ronaldo’s final shot at making Portugal World Champions! Portugal are currently ranked 5th in the world, and they qualified for this competition by topping their group over Ireland, Hungary, and Armenia! At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Portugal suffered a shock Quarter-Final exit at the hands of Morocco! In their last major tournament, Portugal also lost in the Quarter-Finals of UEFA Euro 2024, losing to France on penalties! When it comes to success in this competition, Portugal have never bettered their debut appearance in 1966, where they finished third! Portugal enter the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the reigning Nations League Champions, but to say that they are desperate to win the big one is an understatement!
DR Congo
For the first time ever, the DR Congo name is set to grace the FIFA World Cup stage, although it’s not the first time that this nation has competed at this event! DR Congo are currently ranked 46th in the world, and they qualified for this competition with good wins over Nigeria and Jamaica! At their last (and only) FIFA World Cup appearance in 1974, Zaire (as they were known then) lost all three of their games, failing to score a single goal! In their last major tournament, DR Congo suffered a Last 16 exit in the 2025 African Cup of Nations (losing to Algeria in Extra Time)! When it comes to success in this competition, the Congo haven’t even scored a goal at the World Cup, let alone won anything! DR Congo know for a fact that there is definitely at least one game in this group that they’re capable of winning, but will they?!
Uzbekistan
Yes, you read that right, Uzbekistan are FIFA World Cup-bound! Uzbekistan are currently ranked 50th in the world, and they qualified for this competition by finishing second in their Round 3 qualifying group (behind IR Iran, but ahead of the UAE and Qatar)! In their last major tournament, Uzbekistan suffered a tough Quarter-Final exit at the 2023 AFC Asian Cup at the hands of hosts (and eventual Champions) Qatar on penalties (meaning they exited the tournament without technically losing a game)! Uzbekistan are definitely the best debutants heading into this year’s FIFA World Cup, but the draw hasn’t been kind to them! So, let’s see how they get on!
Colombia
After missing Qatar, Colombia are back competing on the world’s biggest stage! Colombia are currently ranked 13th in the world, and they qualified for this competition by finishing 3rd in the CONMEBOL qualifiers! At their last FIFA World Cup appearance in 2018, Colombia were eliminated in the Round of 16 by England (on penalties)! In their last major tournament, Colombia went on a brilliant run at the 2024 Copa America, eventually falling short to Argentina in the Final (AET, too)! When it comes to success in this competition, the best of Colombia’s 6 World Cup appearances came in Brazil 2014, where they made it to the Quarter-Finals (where they lost to Brazil)! Colombia are definitely one of the best Pot 2 teams at this year’s FIFA World Cup, so they’ll be well up for causing a few surprises!
Group L
England
England enter the 2026 FIFA World Cup with no more excuses! England are currently ranked 4th in the world, and they qualified for this competition by winning all 8 of their qualifying games (without conceding a goal)! At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, England weren’t quite able to beat the very best, losing to France at the Quarter-Final stage! In their last major tournament, England managed to make it all the way to the UEFA Euro 2024 Final (despite playing terribly), ultimately coming up off second best to Spain! When it comes to success in this competition, England are still chasing the same glory they tasted at the 1966 World Cup, a tournament that they hosted! After years of mediocre management, England finally have a top-tier coach in Thomas Tuchel; is he the final piece needed for their World Cup-winning jigsaw?!
Croatia
One of the best teams in recent World Cup history, Croatia, are looking to create magic again! Croatia are currently ranked 11th in the world, and they qualified for this competition by picking up 22 points from their 8 qualifying matches! At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Croatia once again made it to the Semi-Finals, ultimately coming up short to Argentina (after a very questionable refereeing decision)! In their last major tournament, Croatia were pretty disappointing, being eliminated in the Group Stages after conceding multiple late goals! When it comes to success in this competition, Croatia came closest to World Cup victory in 2018, losing to France in the Final! In their entire FIFA World Cup history, Croatia have either gone out in the Group Stages or finished at least third (it’s a 50/50 split, too)! That’s an insane stat to keep an eye on throughout this summer!
Ghana
Ghana are set for their 5th FIFA World Cup appearance! Ghana are currently ranked 74th in the world, and they qualified for this competition by topping a group that included the likes of Madagascar, Mali, and Comoros! At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Ghana found themselves being eliminated at the Group Stage phase after receiving a pretty difficult draw (although they were at least able to beat South Korea)! In their last major tournament, Ghana failed to win a single game at the 2023 African Cup of Nations, with them not even qualifying for the most recent event! When it comes to success in this competition, Ghana’s best run came at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, where they lost to Uruguay on penalties in the Quarter-Finals! Not only are Ghana the 4th-lowest ranked team heading to North America this summer, but they’ve been drawn in a group with some of the best teams from each pot! This is going to be tough!
Panama
And last, but certainly not least, it’s Panama! Panama are currently ranked 33rd in the world, and they qualified for this competition by going unbeaten in a group that included Suriname, Guatemala, and El Salvador! At their last (and only) FIFA World Cup appearance in 2018, Panama weren’t able to put up much of a fight, losing all 3 games by a combined aggregate score 2-11! In their last major tournament, Panama made it to the Quarter-Finals of the 2025 Gold Cup, only to disappointingly lose to Honduras on penalties! When it comes to success in this competition, Panama are another team who are yet to do anything other than lose at the WC (I’ve lost count at this point; it’s been a very long article)! Whilst Panama are definitely much better equipped for the 2026 FIFA World Cup than their first appearance, it’s still going to be tough for them to make it into the Knockout Phase!
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