The 48-team World Cup not only expands football’s boundaries, it also taps into collective nostalgia. In 2026, North America becomes the stage for the return of historic and cult national teams that had spent years — and in some cases decades — off the World Cup radar.
DR Congo and Haiti (1974)
Half a century of drought. Their last World Cup images are in black and white, but in 2026 they return with fresh, physical football and a desire to break the internet.
📸 STAFF – 2011 AFP
Iraq (1986)
📸 AFP – AFP or licensors
Forty years after Ahmed Radhi’s goal in Mexico, the ‘Lions of Mesopotamia’ roar once again. A comeback loaded with mystique and Asian passion.
Austria, Scotland and Norway (1998)
📸 Lutz Bongarts – Bongarts
The 90s generation is celebrating. Scotland brings the tide of fans, Austria the tactical order, and Norway unleashes the tournament’s deadliest factor: Erling Haaland’s goals.
Turkey (2002)
📸 PASCAL GUYOT
The kings of drama and bronze medalists from Korea-Japan return after 24 years. They bring that passionate football that gets anyone hooked on TikTok.
Czech Republic (2006)
📸 Jonathan Ferrey – 2006 Getty Images
The days of Nedvěd are long gone, but the Czechs are back to prove that Eastern Europe still has a fiercely competitive DNA.
Paraguay, New Zealand and South Africa (2010)
📸 Laurence Griffiths – 2010 Getty Images
The vibe of the vuvuzela World Cup is back. Paraguay brings Guaraní grit, New Zealand Oceanian pride, and South Africa African rhythm.
Bosnia and Herzegovina and Ivory Coast (2014)
📸 Felipe Oliveira – 2014 Getty Images
Ten years after Brazil, the Bosnians are seeking revenge with their technical style, while Ivory Coast return as the reigning kings of Africa.
Colombia and Egypt (2018)
📸 FRANCK FIFE
They only missed one edition, but their absence was felt. Colombia’s rhythm and Egypt’s leadership are back to reclaim their throne.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.
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