Four nations make their World Cup debut in 2026: Cape Verde, FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets, Jordan and Uzbekistan. Here is the guide for fans of these historic first-timers.
CURAÇAO (GROUP E)
Population: approximately 150,000. The smallest nation in World Cup history. Games: Germany (Houston, June 14), Ecuador (Kansas City, June 20), Ivory Coast (venue TBC, June 27).
The Curaçao national team consists primarily of players from the Dutch Caribbean diaspora in the Netherlands and USA. Their fans in Florida, New York and Texas will travel to Houston and Kansas City.
Germany vs. Curaçao on June 14 in Houston is one of the tournament's most emotionally unique matches. Four-time world champions against a 150,000-person nation playing their first World Cup game. Any goal Curaçao scores is a national event.
CAPE VERDE (GROUP H)
Games: Spain (Atlanta, June 15), Saudi Arabia (Santa Clara, June 15), Uruguay (Houston, June 21). New England, particularly Massachusetts, has the largest Cape Verdean diaspora community outside Cape Verde itself. Cape Verdean fans from Boston and Brockton, MA will travel to Atlanta for the Spain opener.
JORDAN (GROUP J)
Games: Austria (Santa Clara, June 14), Argentina (Kansas City, June 16), Algeria (Santa Clara, June 22). The Arab-American diaspora in Dearborn, Michigan and across the Midwest and California provides a support base for Jordan in North America.
Jordan vs. Algeria on June 22 in Santa Clara is particularly significant as two Arab nations meet in a World Cup group game for the first time.
UZBEKISTAN (GROUP K)
Games: Colombia (Mexico City, June 17), Portugal (Houston, June 23). New York City has one of the largest Uzbek communities in North America. Uzbekistan vs. Colombia in Mexico City is Uzbekistan's first-ever World Cup game.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF DEBUT MATCHES
Being present at a nation's first World Cup game is a privilege. The emotion in a debut fan section, regardless of the scoreline, creates one of football's most moving experiences.