The 2026 FIFA World Cup, featuring a record 48 teams, is currently underway across three North American nations. One of the tournament’s defining features is that this expansion has created realistic opportunities for nations beyond the traditional powerhouses to advance past the group stage and reach the later rounds. The significance of nations that have previously been held back by the qualifying process finally reaching the main tournament is immense.
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Four nations—Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan—are making their debut, while Iraq is returning for the first time in 40 years since 1986, and Norway is making its return since 1998. These nations are not merely “participating”; they are already making their presence felt early in the tournament by troubling traditional powerhouses with organized defense and sharp counterattacks.
While Hungary narrowly missed out on qualification in the UEFA qualifiers, the rise of these emerging nations offers important insights for European soccer as well. As the balance of power in soccer gradually becomes more multipolar, traditional powerhouses must cast aside complacency and adapt to face these new challengers.
The Sparkle of First-Time Participants and Returning Teams
Although the tournament is still in its early stages, matchups between emerging nations—and between emerging nations and traditional powerhouses—are producing unpredictable and captivating developments. As soccer fans around the world watch for the possibility of upsets, new ways of enjoying the tournament in conjunction with live viewing are spreading, particularly in the Asian region. Soccer has long been popular in Japan, and many fans eager to experience the excitement of international tournaments more deeply are following the matches through Japanese FIFA World Cup betting. This global trend of fan engagement serves to amplify the excitement generated by the emerging nations’ performances on an even larger scale.
Cabo Verde and Uzbekistan are delivering impressive performances in their debut appearances, while Curaçao and Jordan continue to put up a strong fight with their unique styles. Meanwhile, Iraq has overcome a long absence from the tournament and is drawing attention with its organized defense in its first appearance in 40 years. Norway is making a strong comeback with an attack centered around Erling Haaland. A common strength among these teams is that they boast many players with experience in European leagues, combining physical prowess with tactical discipline.
Factors Behind the Success of Emerging Nations
There are several clear factors behind the impact made by emerging nations. First is the increase in players’ overseas experience. Many players from emerging nations, including those from Iraq, are playing for European clubs, allowing them to acquire top-level tactical understanding and the right mindset.
Furthermore, the influence of specific coaches is significant. Leadership styles—such as that of Iraq’s Graham Arnold—that boost player morale and prioritize team cohesion have enabled rapid improvements in team strength. Additionally, it is important to note that the development environment for young players has steadily improved through enhancements to domestic soccer infrastructure and the utilization of FIFA development programs.
The diversity of the group stage under the 48-team format is particularly advantageous for emerging nations. Not only are they putting up a strong fight against traditional powerhouses, but they are also demonstrating high competitiveness in matches against other emerging nations, intensifying the battle to advance from the group stage.
The Future of Soccer Shaped by the Rise of Emerging Nations
The success of emerging nations is poised to have a long-term impact on the global soccer scene that extends beyond the 2026 tournament. Their performances will further invigorate FIFA’s development programs and accelerate the overseas transfers of young players. As a result, global competitiveness is likely to improve, and the traditional balance of power will gradually shift.
Based on the results of this tournament, national soccer associations are also expected to revise their strategies for the 2030 World Cup. An era is dawning in which emerging nations are no longer seen as mere “dark horses” but as a constant threat.
With the lines between traditional and emerging nations becoming increasingly blurred, this tournament can be seen as a historic turning point symbolizing the true globalization of soccer. For Hungary and other nations that failed to qualify, this tournament is also full of insights for their next challenges. As fans around the world look forward to the birth of new heroes, the 2026 FIFA World Cup still holds many dramatic moments in store.
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