For the 2026 World Cup, which kicks off on 11 June and will be hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico, the field of participants has been expanded from 32 to 48 national teams. This means that, for the first time, countries that have never before qualified for a World Cup can now take part: Uzbekistan, Jordan, Cape Verde and Curaçao. Uzbekistan and Jordan came through the Asian qualifying groups, Cape Verde in Africa and Curaçao in the North, Central American and Caribbean Football Confederation. Curaçao, with a population of 150,000 to 200,000, and Cape Verde, with around 550,000 inhabitants, are the smallest countries ever to have taken part in a World Cup.
Other nations are returning to a World Cup tournament after many years of absence: Haiti and the Congo last took part 52 years ago in 1974, whilst Iraq last participated in 1986, 40 years ago. But even renowned European teams have had to wait 28 years for a World Cup appearance: Austria, Scotland and Norway. As was the case at the last two World Cups, four-time world champions Italy will be absent, having failed to qualify in the play-offs.
Excitement in Iraq and among the Iraqi community in Germany
Iraq’s performance is of particular interest in Germany, as according to the Federal Statistical Office, around 270,000 Iraqi refugees and over 30,000 people who have been naturalised in recent years live here. Sameer Ibrahim, a former editorial member of tünews INTERNATIONAL originally from Iraq, describes the mood following the decisive victory over Bolivia: “The match took place at 6 am Iraqi time and was followed with great enthusiasm by the Iraqis. Some commented ironically, still in disbelief at a time when Iraq is caught up in the tensions in the Middle East: “Once you’ve got used to misfortune, good luck comes along and spoils the mood!” There was also a joyful atmosphere among the Iraqi communities in Germany. Many watched the match together and exchanged congratulations and videos via social media.”
Football is the most popular sport in Iraq and goes far beyond a mere game, serving as a symbol of national unity: “In 2007, in the midst of the civil war, winning the Asian Championship gave the country a rare moment of joy.” (see also tun22120503) Asked about Iraq’s chances in the tournament – given that strong teams such as France, Norway and Senegal are in the same group – Sameer replies: “The national team’s chances depend heavily on the vision of Australian coach Graham Arnold. The team has promising young talent, but lacks experience. Therefore, reaching the knockout stages would be a realistic success.”
Iran’s participation is in doubt
It is still completely uncertain whether the approximately 319,000 people in Germany with an Iranian migrant background will be able to watch the Iranian team play at the World Cup. Although the Iranian team has qualified for the World Cup, the current war between the US (together with Israel) and Iran has made it highly unlikely that the team will be able to enter the “enemy territory” of the US, where they were initially due to play in Los Angeles and Seattle. According to the world football governing body FIFA, the Iranian team is set to take part in the tournament; there is no “Plan B”. However, FIFA has rejected the Iranian Football Federation’s request to move the team’s matches to Mexico. Should Iran boycott the World Cup or withdraw for security reasons, it faces fines, the repayment of FIFA funding and exclusion from the next World Cup.
Visit the official FIFA World Cup 2026™ website: FIFA World Cup 2026™
By Michael Seifert
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