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When the 2026 World Cup kicks off in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, four nations will step onto the sport's biggest stage for the first time: Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan. The tournament's expansion from 32 to 48 teams has been framed by FIFA as a watershed moment for inclusivity, opening the door for nations that have never qualified before, as reported by Al Jazeera.

Among them, Curaçao stands out as the smallest nation ever to qualify for the competition in its 96-year history, according to RFI. With a population of just over 158,000 and a land area of 444 square kilometres, the Caribbean island secured its place with a 0-0 draw against Jamaica last November in Kingston. Curaçao, nicknamed 'The Blue Wave,' will play its first match against Germany on 14 June at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.

Coverage Comparison

Al Jazeera's guide introduces all four debutants, listing their FIFA world rankings, players to watch, and group-stage fixtures. RFI devotes a four-part series to Curaçao's journey, with the first instalment focusing on the island's historic qualification and its coach's reaction to the draw.

Both outlets describe the qualification as a historic achievement, though their emphases differ. Al Jazeera frames the four teams' debuts as part of FIFA's push for inclusivity, while RFI highlights Curaçao's remarkable status as the smallest nation ever to reach a World Cup. The tone across both is positive and celebratory, with direct quotes from players and coaches.

Key Claims

  • Four teams are making their World Cup debut: Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan, as reported by Al Jazeera.
  • Curaçao qualified for the 2026 World Cup by drawing 0-0 with Jamaica in November, according to RFI.
  • Curaçao will play its first match against Germany on 14 June, as reported by RFI.
  • Curaçao's population is approximately 158,000, and its land area is 444 square kilometres, according to RFI.
  • Dick Advocaat is the coach of Curaçao, as stated by RFI and quoted in Al Jazeera's coverage.

Curaçao's Path to the World Cup

Curaçao, situated about 65 kilometres north of Venezuela, played its first international match in August 2011 against the Dominican Republic, according to RFI. For 50 years before that, Curaçaoans competed internationally as part of a Netherlands Antilles team. The island's qualification marks a significant milestone for its football programme.

Coach Dick Advocaat expressed excitement after the World Cup draw in December, saying, 'No matter which team we are playing, it's exciting. It's good for the island and it's good for the players.' Advocaat added, 'We are a very hard-working team, the kind of team that is always difficult to play against.'

Curaçao will also play Ecuador at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City and conclude its Group E campaign against Côte d'Ivoire at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, as reported by RFI.

Cape Verde's Journey

Cape Verde, an archipelago off the coast of Senegal with a population of about 525,000, will become the third-least populous country to participate in a World Cup, after Curaçao and Iceland, according to Al Jazeera. The team is ranked 69th in the FIFA world rankings and will face Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia in Group H.

Captain Ryan Mendes, who plays for Turkish second-tier club Igdir, was instrumental in Cape Verde's qualification, scoring in a 3-0 win over Eswatini in October that booked their place, as reported by Al Jazeera. Mendes told the AFP news agency: 'We have taken part in four African Cup of Nations tournaments, and we were also very close to qualifying for the 2014 World Cup. A lot has been achieved over the years. And today, we can say that this is [a reward].' Al Jazeera notes that Cape Verde topped their group in 2026 World Cup qualifying, finishing ahead of Cameroon.

The player to watch for Cape Verde is Garry Rodrigues, according to Al Jazeera.

Jordan and Uzbekistan

Al Jazeera's guide lists Jordan and Uzbekistan among the four debutants but does not provide further details in the material available. Both teams will appear at their first World Cup in North America this summer.

Perspectives

  • FIFA's Inclusivity Framing: FIFA has positioned the expanded 48-team format as a means to increase inclusivity, allowing more nations to participate on the world stage, as reported by Al Jazeera.
  • Curaçao's Celebration: The island's coach and players view qualification as a historic achievement and a positive moment for the nation, expressing pride and determination, as reported by RFI.
  • Players' Perspective: Cape Verde's captain Ryan Mendes reflects on the team's long journey and consistent progress, attributing their qualification to accumulated experience and hard work, as reported by Al Jazeera.