Nine nations chasing their first-ever FIFA World Cup victory in 2026

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will not only introduce a historic 48-team format, but it will also provide several nations with another opportunity to write football history. Nine countries heading to the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States are still searching for their first-ever victory at the FIFA World Cup. Some are returning after decades away, while others are preparing for their debut on football’s biggest stage. Among the nations hoping to finally break their winless record are co-hosts Canada, alongside Haiti, Iraq, New Zealand, Qatar and four first-time participants: Cabo V

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will not only introduce a historic 48-team format, but it will also provide several nations with another opportunity to write football history. Nine countries heading to the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States are still searching for their first-ever victory at the FIFA World Cup. Some are returning after decades away, while others are preparing for their debut on football’s biggest stage. Among the nations hoping to finally break their winless record are co-hosts Canada, alongside Haiti, Iraq, New Zealand, Qatar and four first-time participants: Cabo Verde, Curaçao, Jordan and Uzbekistan. Canada Hoping Home Advantage Changes History Despite appearing at the World Cup in 1986 and 2022, Canada are yet to record a single win in six matches. However, hopes are high ahead of the 2026 tournament, especially with the team playing on home soil. Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies already made history in Qatar 2022 by scoring Canada’s first-ever World Cup goal during the defeat against Croatia. Under coach Jesse Marsch, Canada now believe they can finally secure a historic first victory when they face Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar and Switzerland in Group B. The support of Canadian fans is also expected to play a huge role. Haiti Return After More Than 50 Years Haiti are back at the World Cup for the first time since 1974. Their only previous appearance ended with defeats against Italy, Poland and Argentina, but the Caribbean side now returns with renewed belief after a strong qualification campaign. Haiti face a difficult challenge in Group C against Brazil, Morocco and Scotland, but the nation hopes this generation can achieve what the 1974 squad could not. Iraq Dreaming of a Historic Breakthrough Iraq’s only World Cup appearance came in 1986, where they narrowly lost all three group matches. Ahmed Radhi’s goal against Belgium remains Iraq’s only World Cup goal to date. Now, 40 years later, Iraq have another opportunity after qualifying through the FIFA Play-Off Tournament. Group I presents a massive challenge with France, Norway and Senegal standing in their way. Still, Iraqi supporters believe this generation can finally deliver the country’s first World Cup victory. New Zealand Want to Go Beyond 2010 Heroics New Zealand remain one of the most respected winless teams in World Cup history after finishing the 2010 tournament unbeaten. The All Whites drew against Italy, Paraguay and Slovakia in South Africa but still failed to reach the knockout stage. With confidence growing under coach Darren Bazeley, New Zealand now believe they can finally turn draws into victories when they face Belgium, Egypt and Iran in Group G. Qatar Looking to Build on 2022 Experience Qatar lost all three matches as hosts during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, but the tournament helped transform football in the Gulf nation. Now coached by experienced Spanish manager Julen Lopetegui, Qatar qualified for the 2026 World Cup on merit for the first time. The Gulf side will compete in Group B alongside Switzerland, Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina, with many believing they are capable of causing surprises. Four Nations Prepare for Historic Debuts World Cup 2026 will also welcome four debutants. Cabo Verde stunned many by finishing above Cameroon during African qualifying and now prepare for difficult matches against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia in Group H. Curaçao’s qualification story is among football’s greatest surprises. Guided by veteran coach Dick Advocaat, the small Caribbean nation will face Germany, Côte d'Ivoire and Ecuador in Group E. Jordan finally achieved their World Cup dream after years of heartbreak and now enter Group J against reigning champions Argentina, Algeria and Austria. Uzbekistan complete the list of newcomers after becoming the first Central Asian nation to qualify for a World Cup. They have been drawn against Colombia, DR Congo and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in Group K. As the countdown to World Cup 2026 continues, these nine nations will carry more than just national pride they will carry the dream of making history with their first-ever victory on football’s grandest stage.