World Cup
Fresh Faces and Long-Awaited Returns Headline 100-Day Countdown To World Cup 2026
As the countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026 gathers pace, one striking narrative is already shaping the tournament: the return of forgotten names and the rise of new contenders on football’s grandest stage.
Of the 42 teams confirmed by the time of the Final Draw, 16 did not feature at the 2022 edition in Qatar, a powerful reflection of the expanded 48-team format that has widened the door to global participation.
Haiti’s 52-Year Wait Ends
Perhaps the most emotional storyline belongs to Haiti national football team, who will return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 52 years. Their only previous appearance came in 1974, when the Caribbean nation stepped onto the global stage in West Germany.
For Haitian football, qualification represents more than sporting success; it signals resilience and renewal for a nation that has faced profound social and economic challenges over the decades. The 2026 tournament offers a fresh opportunity to rewrite history.
European Comebacks After Decades Away
Europe, too, will witness long-awaited returns.
The Austria national football team, absent from the World Cup since 1998, are back among the elite after years of near misses. Likewise, the Norway national football team ended a 28-year drought, hoping to add a new chapter to their World Cup story.
Joining them are the Scotland national football team, whose passionate supporters have waited since France 1998 to see their side compete at football’s highest level. Their return promises a surge of tartan-clad energy across North American host cities.
A Tournament Reimagined
The expanded format of the 2026 World Cup — co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States — has already reshaped the competitive landscape. By increasing participation from 32 to 48 teams, FIFA has created room for emerging nations while reviving established programs that had fallen off the global radar.
In total, 206 national teams began the qualification journey. Only 48 will ultimately take part in what is set to be the largest single-sport event in history.
But beyond the numbers, it is the stories that stand out: nations rediscovering their place at the top table, new flags flying at World Cup venues, and supporters finally seeing decades of hope rewarded.
As 2026 approaches, the expanded tournament is not merely about scale — it is about opportunity. For Haiti, Austria, Norway, Scotland and 12 other returning sides, the World Cup will not just be a competition. It will be a long-overdue homecoming.
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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK
Uruguay will look to maintain their unbeaten FIFA World Cup record against African opposition when they take on tournament debutants Cabo Verde in a crucial Group H encounter on Sunday.
The two-time world champions face a Cabo Verde side brimming with confidence after the island nation earned a remarkable goalless draw against Spain in their previous outing, one of the biggest results in their football history.
Uruguay have never lost to an African team at the World Cup, recording three victories and two draws in five previous meetings. However, the South Americans know they cannot afford complacency against a Cabo Verde side that has already demonstrated its ability to frustrate established football powers.
For Cabo Verde, the match represents another opportunity to enhance their growing reputation on the global stage. The Blue Sharks impressed observers with their disciplined defensive display against Spain and will be eager to prove that result was no fluke.
Uruguay, meanwhile, will rely on their vast World Cup experience as they seek maximum points and a stronger foothold in the race for a place in the knockout rounds.
With confidence high in both camps, the clash promises to be a fascinating contest between one of football’s traditional giants and one of the tournament’s most inspiring newcomers.
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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK
Spain will attempt to strengthen their position in Group H when they face Saudi Arabia in a FIFA World Cup encounter that rekindles memories of their previous meeting two decades ago.
The two nations last met at the World Cup during the 2006 tournament in Germany, when a solitary goal from Juanito secured a 1-0 victory for Spain in Kaiserslautern.
La Roja enter the fixture determined to return to winning ways after being held to a surprise draw by tournament debutants Cabo Verde. The Spanish side will be keen to avoid another setback as the group stage enters a decisive phase.
Saudi Arabia, however, have ambitions of creating history. The Green Falcons are seeking their first World Cup victory against European opposition since their memorable 1-0 triumph over Belgium at the 1994 tournament in the United States.
A positive result would significantly boost Saudi Arabia’s hopes of progressing to the knockout stage while adding another notable chapter to their World Cup story.
With both teams aware of the importance of the fixture, Sunday’s encounter could prove pivotal in shaping the final Group H standings.
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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK
Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois stands on the brink of history as the Red Devils prepare to face Iran in a crucial Group G match at the FIFA World Cup.
The veteran shot-stopper could equal Belgium’s record of 17 World Cup appearances if selected, underlining his status as one of the country’s most enduring and influential players.
Belgium will be looking for a strong performance as they continue their quest for qualification from a competitive group, but they face an Iranian side buoyed by the form of defender-turned-goalscorer Ramin Rezaeian.
Rezaeian has emerged as one of Iran’s most surprising attacking weapons and is aiming to score in a fourth consecutive international match, a feat that would further enhance his growing reputation.
The clash pits Belgium’s experience and pedigree against Iran’s determination and resilience, with both teams fully aware that a positive result could prove decisive in the battle for a place in the knockout rounds.
As the stakes rise in Group G, individual milestones and team ambitions are set to collide in what promises to be an intriguing contest.
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