The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest in history. The tournament is expanding to 48 teams, and four nations — Jordan, Cape Verde, Curacao, and Uzbekistan — will make their first appearance on soccer's biggest stage.
A historic expansion
The move to 48 teams marks a significant change for the World Cup. The tournament had featured 32 teams since 1998. With the expansion, more countries now have a chance to qualify. The 2026 edition will be the first to include 48 nations.
The debutants
Jordan will compete in the World Cup for the first time. The Asian nation has never before qualified for the tournament. Cape Verde, an African island nation, also makes its debut. Curacao, from the Caribbean, will appear in the World Cup for the first time. Uzbekistan, another Asian nation, rounds out the list of debutants.
All four countries will join the field of 48. Their participation highlights the growing global reach of soccer. The World Cup continues to expand beyond its traditional powerhouses.
The 2026 tournament is still years away, but the debutants already have a place in history. They will be part of the largest World Cup ever.
