As the
football world looks ahead to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, several nations are set
to return to the sport's biggest stage after long absences, rekindling old
rivalries in the process, and drawing interest from fans as qualification stories unfold.
The expanded
48-team format for 2026 has opened doors for comebacks that feel just as
significant as a trophy run.
Scotland
One of the
most talked-about returns is Scotland. The Tartan Army will be heading to the
World Cup for the first time since 1998, ending nearly three decades without a
place in the tournament. They qualified after a dramatic match that saw
Scotland snatch victory against Denmark, with Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean
scoring in stoppage time to seal their spot.
By the end
of the group stage, Scotland finished top of Group C with 13 points, earned
from four wins, one draw, and one defeat. The Scots leapfrogged the Danes to the
top after the 4-2 victory, securing an automatic qualification spot.
Norway
Another
nation making its way back is Norway. They've booked their place in North
America for the first time since 1998, powered by a strong qualifying run that
saw Erling Haaland score 16 times throughout qualifying, more than any other
European player. Martin Odegaard was also the most prolific assist provider in
Europe, with seven.
After years
of falling short in qualification campaigns, they've developed a squad capable
of competing consistently. They won every game in the qualification stage,
including an 11-1 battering of Moldova, and secured automatic qualification
after finishing top of their group.
Austria
Austria
booked their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup by topping Group H in the UEFA
qualifying tournament, securing direct qualification as group winners. This
marks their first World Cup appearance since 1998, ending a 28-year absence.
Austria
produced a strong overall record, finishing top of the group with 19 points
from six wins, one draw and one loss. That tally came from several key results
across the campaign, including convincing wins that helped build momentum.
Haiti
Haiti
enjoyed one of the most impressive qualifying campaigns in CONCACAF for the
2026 FIFA World Cup, securing direct qualification by topping Group C, a huge
achievement for a nation making only its second-ever World Cup appearance.
Their only previous finals participation was at the 1974 World Cup in West
Germany, meaning they returned to football's biggest stage after 52 years.
Haiti's run
through qualifying was competitive and hard-fought. They navigated the early
rounds of CONCACAF qualification by finishing second in their initial group,
which was enough to progress to the decisive stage. In the final round of
qualifying, Haiti faced established regional opponents, including Costa Rica,
Honduras, and Nicaragua.
Paraguay
Paraguay
will be returning to the FIFA World Cup after a 16-year absence, having last
featured in the finals at South Africa 2010, where they reached the
quarter-finals. They qualified for the 2026 tournament with a 0-0 draw against
Ecuador in CONMEBOL qualifying, earning enough points to finish in the top six
of the South American standings and secure a direct spot in the expanded
finals.
Ivory
Coast
Ivory Coast
secured their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time since 2014
with a strong qualifying campaign in CAF Group F, finishing top of the group
and booking direct qualification to the expanded tournament. They sealed their
spot with a 3-0 win over Kenya in their final group match in October 2025, with
goals from Franck Kessie, Yan Diomande, and Amad Diallo.
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