All nine nations searching for first-ever FIFA World Cup win in 2026

2026 hosts Canada and 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar are also winless in football’s biggest event.

The biggest event in the history of mankind is all set to kick off in a month in the United States, Canada and Mexico. 48 countries from six different confederations will compete to become the World Champions.

From underdogs Morocco becoming the first African nation to make it to the semi-finals of the World Cup to four-time champions Italy failing to qualify in the World Cup for the third consecutive edition, the World Cup is full of upsets, thrills, and unpredictability, making it the most-watched sporting event ever.

The World Cup is more than just a footballing spectacle. It is an opportunity for many countries and generations to stamp their authority on football’s greatest stage. As the planet gears up to host the biggest ever FIFA World Cup, several countries now stand at the cusp of history to rewrite their football destinies.

From decades of qualification failure, when merely playing at the World Cup seemed like a distant dream to many teams making their debut. There are also teams, despite playing the World Cup are yet to taste what it means to win a game in the World Cup.

In this article, we take a closer look at all nine teams that will be eyeing their first-ever win in the upcoming edition of the FIFA World Cup.

Teams in the 2026 looking for their first-ever win in the competition

Serial Number	Nation
1	Canada
2	Qatar
3	New Zealand
4	Iraq
5	Haiti
6	Jordan
7	Cape Verde
8	Uzbekistan
9	Curacao

1. Canada

The hosts of the 2026 edition have a golden opportunity to end their win drought in the World Cup. In both the 1986 and 2022 editions, Canada failed to clinch even a single point. This time, the hosts are drawn across teams like Bosnia, Qatar and Switzerland in Group B.

The Maple Leafs are expected to be led by players who compete in top European leagues like Alphonso Davies, Jonathan David, Tani Oluwaseyi and Tajon Buchanan, who will leave no stone unturned to clinch Canada’s first win.

2. Qatar

One of the very few teams to win the AFC Asian Cup twice consecutively, the Maroon Ones have tasted continental glory in the last few years, but are yet to clinch even a single point. They hosted the last edition of the World Cup but succumbed to defeats to the Netherlands, Senegal and Ecuador.

They are drawn in Group B this time and are led by former Real Madrid and West Ham gaffer Julen Lopetegui, who took over the reins in May 2025. The Asian champions are drawn in a relatively easier group alongside Qatar, Switzerland and Bosnia. Italy’s absence makes the average ranking around 35.

3. New Zealand

The All Whites are back at the biggest stage in World football after a long wait of 16 years. Previously, the Oceania nation qualified for the World Cup in 1982 and 2010. In the FIFA World Cup 2010, New Zealand shocked the footballing world after holding Paraguay, Slovakia and Italy to a draw.

They missed the knockout stages by just a point, but since then, they have failed to reach the World Cup. This time, they have a strong squad, including the likes of Nottingham forward Chris Wood and Swansea midfielder Marko Stamenic. They will be eyeing their first World Cup win.

4. Iraq

The Lions of Mesopotamia are back at the World Cup after four decades. In the 1986 FIFA World Cup, they finished at the bottom after suffering defeats to Mexico, Paraguay and Belgium. Their solitary goal in the World Cup came against the Red Devils after Ahmed Radhi scored in the 59th minute.

This time, Iraq are drawn in Group I alongside very strong teams like France, Norway and Senegal. Though the prospect of their first win looks bleak, they will be looking forward to pulling an upset. Players like Zidane Iqbal of Utrecht and Ali Al Hamadi of Luton will be hoping to make a mark.

5. Haiti

The Grenadiers will be playing their first World Cup in five decades. This new generation of Haitian players can take the footballing trajectory of Haiti to new heights. In the 1974 edition, they succumbed to defeats against Argentina, Poland, and Italy, even scoring against Italy and Argentina.

This time, they have some really experienced players, who compete regularly in Europe, including Wilson Isidor of Sunderland and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde of Wolves. They are drawn alongside Brazil, Morocco and Scotland in a difficult Group B.

Debutants eyeing their first World Cup win

6. Jordan

Jordanians are enjoying the time of their lives. This generation of Jordanian players has made history by not only reaching the finals of the AFC Asian Cup but also qualifying for the World Cup for the first time. They will be keen to clinch their first World Cup on their debut.

They are drawn alongside Argentina, Algeria and Austria. All teams are ranked above 30, whereas Jordan is ranked 68. The spirits are held high, but technically, it seems difficult for Jordan to pull a win against any of these teams.

7. Cape Verde

Another country with just over 5 lakh population, Cape Verde created history by making it to the FIFA World Cup for the first time ever. Blue Sharks are drawn in Group C alongside reigning European champions Spain, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.

Winning against Uruguay and Spain will be a herculean task, but they can redeem their winning hopes against Saudi Arabia in the World Cup. They are one of the lowest-ranked teams to qualify for the World Cup. Their players play primarily in Asian and African clubs.

8. Uzbekistan

The White Wolves are one of the rapidly growing football nations in the world and have been drawn alongside Portugal, Colombia and DR Congo. It will be difficult for the Uzbeks to win against Portugal and Colombia. They actually have a realistic chance against the Congo Republic.

Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov will also be in action for the White Wolves. He will be looking forward to helping his country secure a win in the World Cup.

9. Curacao

Curacao created history by becoming the least populated nation on this planet to qualify for the 2026 competition. The Caribbean nations’ qualification for the World Cup is indeed a landmark moment for the country’s footballing generations to come.

Some of their players compete in top European leagues, including Sontje Hansen of Middlesbrough and Tahith Chong of Sheffield United. They are drawn alongside former world champions Germany, Ecuador and Ivory Coast.

Though prospects of a win look bleak, they would still be eyeing their first win.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.