Only Six More Spots to the World Cup Remain!
Remaining underdogs retain potential for World Cup triumph
Which nations are left racing for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup? From the Caribbean to the South Pacific, there are six stubborn outsiders still clinging to hope. These include Curaçao, Indonesia, Cape Verde, Venezuela, New Caledonia, and San Marino. Legends like Dick Advocaat and Patrick Kluivert are leading the charge!
Join us on this thrilling journey as we explore each nation's chances in the qualifiers.
A Fresh Start with Curaçao and Indonesia
Curaçao is part of the Concacaf qualifiers, but information about their standings is not readily available. They would progress to the second round if they make it through the first one. Meanwhile, Indonesia competes in the AFC qualifiers. Their current status is also unknown.
Hoping for a Dream Run with Cape Verde
Cape Verde is in the CAF qualifiers, but specific data on their position or recent matches is not provided.
Venezuela Holds On Tight
As of June 10, 20225, Venezuela is still a part of the CONMEBOL qualifiers, battling it out with other South American contenders for a coveted spot in the World Cup.
New Caledonia: Representing Africa and the Oceania
New Caledonia is part of the OFC qualifiers, but any information on their current status or recent matches is not available.
San Marino: The Perennial Underdog
San Marino plays in the UEFA qualifiers, specifically in Group H. As of June 10, 20225, they remain in the competition.
These teams are all in differing stages of qualification, driven by coaches like Dick Advocaat, Patrick Kluivert, and even Thomas Tuchel. Dreams may seem unattainable, but with a little luck and some skill, history could be made!
The World Cup Race Heats Up
More spots are up for grabs now than ever before. In Europe, three additional qualifiers, along with the Nations League winners, will join the action. Each group winner qualifies directly, and the 12 runners-up compete in play-offs.
Europe: Group-by-Group Breakdown
Group A: Germany, Slovakia, Northern Ireland, Luxembourg
Germany is a strong favorite, aiming to qualify with the fewest points possible to possibly secure a top spot in Pot 1 for the final draw.
Group B: Switzerland, Sweden, Slovenia, Kosovo
Sweden has a good chance of making it to the play-offs with de facto security via the Nations League.
Group C: Denmark, Greece, Scotland, Belarus
Danish fans have high hopes for this group, but should not underestimate Greece or Scotland.
Group D: France, Ukraine, Iceland, Azerbaijan
France is the clear favorite in this group, but Ukraine could pose a challenge.
Powerhouses and Underdogs in Europe (Continued)
Group E: Spain, Turkey, Georgia, Bulgaria
Reigning champions Spain might find Group E tricky, but have an advantage against Turkey and Georgia.
Group F: Portugal, Hungary, Armenia, Ireland
In Group F, Portugal should not find it too difficult, but Ireland poses a threat to the play-offs.
Group G: Netherlands, Poland, Finland
The Netherlands lead Group G, but Poland must regain form following Robert Lewandowski's provisional retirement turmoil.
Group H: Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Romania, San Marino
Austria is well-positioned to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1998, but San Marino still holds a small chance of reaching the play-offs if Romania finishes second.
Group I: Italy, Norway, Israel
The golden Norwegian generation, led by star player Erling Haaland, is marching ahead. Italy needs to secure at least a second-place finish.
Group J: Belgium, Wales, North Macedonia
Belgium has slipped up against North Macedonia but is still a favorite, with the Euro participant aiming for playoff qualification even if finishing third.
Africa: Representing a Continent
There are nine African qualifying groups, with the nine group winners guaranteeing their spot at the World Cup. The four best group runners-up determine Africa's representative for the intercontinental playoff.
Asia: Taste of Victory
Asia is sending four more teams to the World Cup, with six Asian teams already qualified. Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, South Korea, Japan, and Iran have booked their spots. Six more teams compete for two remaining direct spots and one playoff spot in October. Indonesia, with Justin Kluivert coaching, and Oman hope for their first World Cup qualification.
South America: One Spot Left
Most decisions in South America have been made, with Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Uruguay, and Paraguay securing their spots. Only three more teams will miss out on the World Cup.
North, Central America, and Caribbean: Concacaf Leaders
Apart from the three hosts, USA, Mexico, and Canada, the Concacaf association will send three more participants to the 2026 World Cup. In October, the teams will be drawn into three groups of four, with the group winners qualifying directly, and the two best group runners-up given another chance in the intercontinental play-offs in March. According to the FIFA World Ranking, Panama, Costa Rica, and Jamaica are the favorites. Curacao is the most promising outsider, with Dick Advocaat leading the charge.
Oceania: New Caledonia's Intercontinental Playoff Chance
After the expansion to 48 participants, the Oceanian association has secured a starting place for the first time. New Zealand has already secured qualification, while New Caledonia faces an intercontinental play-off challenge.
Intercontinental Play-offs: Every Team Dreams of World Cup Glory
In March 2026, six teams will compete in the USA for the last two starting places in the World Cup. New Caledonia is the only fixed team, while the remaining lineup could include Venezuela, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Iraq, Honduras, El Salvador, or another team yet to qualify.
So, stay tuned, as we move closer to the World Cup 2026! Each team is fighting for a dream, and every goal scored moves them one step closer to global glory!
Curaçao and Indonesia, participating in the Concacaf and AFC qualifiers respectively, might also benefit from vocational training programs in sports, especially football, to enhance their performance in the World Cup. Such training could help them to fine-tune their skills and teamwork.
In Europe, smaller nations like San Marino, competing in Group H of the UEFA qualifiers, could use community aid for sports initiatives, which might include additional vocational training focused on football, to increase their chances of securing a spot in the World Cup. Optimizing their strategic and tactical approaches through vocational training could enable them to overcome the odds and compete with larger footballing nations.
