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While not all qualifying zones for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been activated yet, those already underway already have some surprising names in the battle for qualification at the end of the current process. UEFA is the most notable region that has not yet started in two years when it comes to the road to the United States, Mexico and Canada, but other zones such as CONMEBOL, CAF and AFC are already vying for their tickets to the North American event. We take a look at some of the most unexpected names currently in contention, as well as the surprising names who, even more surprising, have already been to a World Cup.
These are the most notable so far.
Notable mentions
Iraq: While many watching AFC Group B and seeing Iraq leading might assume that the Lions of Mesopotamia are heading to their first ever World Cup with seven points from three games tied with South Korea, that is not the case. The Iraqi team made its only appearance to date at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. Therefore, Jesus Casas’ men would not be making history for the first time if they qualify.
Bolivia: It will be a big surprise to many to see La Verde in an automatic CONMEBOL spot, but perhaps even more surprising is that qualifying for the 2026 World Cup would not be their first, second or even third time. Bolivia were already present at the 1930, 1950 and 1994 events, and although they all finished in the group stages, those outings mean they would be anything but debutants in 2026.
AFC
Uzbekistan: In strong early form in the AFC zone are the Uzbeks, who were still part of the Soviet Union until the 1990 World Cup. Uzbekistan was not even a recognized FIFA member until after the 1994 edition, yet they are in talks for a first-ever appearance in 2026. With three games played, international management specialist Srecko Katanec’s White Wolves have seven points from a possible nine and are level on points with Iran in Group A. The pair drew 0-0 earlier this October international break and a home win over the United Arab Emirates could offer real hope that a first World Cup appearance could be in the works . A trip to Qatar before the end of this year could prove crucial, but so far things are looking good for Uzbekistan.
CAF
Sudan: Now onto the CAF region and a very unexpected name leads Group B for African giants Senegal, with Sudan having 10 points out of a possible 12 and a two-point lead over the Lions of Teranga. The Sudanese were part of the United Kingdom until the 1938 World Cup and did not participate twice in the qualifiers and have withdrawn three times in the past. However, here they are in 2024, with a real chance to finish in the top two and potentially book a place at the 2026 event.
Rwanda: The Wasps were not members of FIFA in 1978, failed to participate in the qualifiers three times and withdrew once, but for now they lead South Africa in Group C. Rwanda has seven points out of a possible twelve and Benin is there with Bafana Bafana also on seven points, but Torsten Spittler’s men only really stood out with a 2-0 home win over the South Africans almost a year ago. If Rwandans can pick up where they left off, history could be in the making here.
Comoros: The Coelacanths competed as part of France until 1974 and were not even affiliated with FIFA until the 2010 World Cup. Today, however, they sit top of Group I in the CAF region with nine points, having already beaten Ghana 1-0 at home, with Myziane Maolida getting the only goal of the match in Moroni. With a large majority of players in France, Comoros could also be able to shock away the Black Stars, which could really put a shock qualification on the line.
CONMEBOL
Venezuela: Although only in a play-off spot among the confederations for now, the Vinotinto are performing above expectations under Fernando Batista and are within one point of an automatic qualifying berth. The Venezuelans were not even members of FIFA between 1930 and 1950, did not enter twice and withdrew twice, but are now holding their own against countries such as Brazil and Argentina. Aided by the tight nature of the current CONMEBOL qualifiers, we could be about to see a surprise qualifier from South America.