2026 FIFA World Cup

Every Game Has a Story

What's happening right now — and the journeys that brought everyone here
Updated July 5
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Huge upset
2–1
Norway knock out five-time champions Brazil
Norway Norway · Round of 16 · into the quarterfinals

Haaland strikes twice late as Norway stun Brazil in New Jersey

Playing at their first World Cup in 28 years, Norway pulled off the shock of the tournament. Brazil controlled the game but couldn't finish their chances — and then Erling Haaland took over, powering home in the 79th minute and again in the 90th to make it 2–0. Neymar's stoppage-time penalty pulled one back, but there was no time left for a Brazilian comeback. Norway are into the World Cup quarterfinals for the very first time in their history, and Haaland now has seven goals this summer.

England England 3–2 Mexico · into the quarterfinals
36' 38'
Bellingham's two-minute double
54'
Quansah red card
10
men held on at the Azteca

A rollercoaster at the Estadio Azteca! Jude Bellingham scored twice in two first-half minutes, Julián Quiñones hit back for Mexico, and then England went down to ten men. Harry Kane's penalty made it 3–2, Raúl Jiménez answered from the spot, and England defended for their lives to reach the quarterfinals.

The quarterfinals are taking shape

Norway vs. England is set for Saturday

Two Round of 16 upsets in one day means a fresh quarterfinal: Norway, in the last eight for the first time ever, will meet England in Miami on Saturday. On the other side of the bracket, France and Morocco meet Thursday in Boston.

Why it matters The Round of 16 rolls on: Portugal vs. Spain and USA vs. Belgium play Monday, Argentina vs. Egypt and Switzerland vs. Colombia finish it off Tuesday.
Previous Days
Host farewell
0–3
Morocco end Canada's home dream
Morocco Morocco · Round of 16 · into the quarterfinals

Ounahi's double sends Morocco through as Canada's home adventure ends

Co-hosts Canada battled hard in Houston, but Morocco were too good after the break. Midfield magician Azzedine Ounahi curled in the opener in the 50th minute and added a second in the 82nd, before Soufiane Rahimi made it 3–0 deep in stoppage time. Canada bow out in the Round of 16, but as one of the three host nations they reached the knockouts for the first time ever and gave their fans a summer to remember. Morocco march on to a quarterfinal against France.

France France 1–0 Paraguay · into the quarterfinals
70'
Mbappé penalty winner
7
Mbappé goals this tournament
5
straight France wins

Paraguay, fresh off knocking out Germany, defended brilliantly for 70 minutes in Philadelphia — until a foul on Désiré Doué gave France a penalty and Kylian Mbappé buried it. Goalkeeper Orlando Gill made two late wonder-saves, but Paraguay couldn't level. France reach the quarterfinals with a fifth straight win.

Quarterfinal set · France vs. Morocco

A blockbuster rematch is coming to Boston

France and Morocco met in the semifinals four years ago in Qatar — now they'll do it again in the quarterfinals, on Thursday in Boston. Two of the tournament's most in-form teams, one place in the semis on the line.

Why it matters Canada, France's opponents' victims tonight, can be proud of a historic host run — while France and Morocco set up a rematch of one of the most memorable games of 2022.
Extra-time thriller
3–2
Argentina survive a mighty Cape Verde scare
Argentina Argentina · Round of 32 · into the Round of 16

Messi makes history — but tiny Cape Verde push the champions to the very edge

Lionel Messi's 29th-minute opener was his record 20th World Cup goal — and made him the first player ever to score in eight World Cup games in a row. But Cape Verde, the smallest nation ever to get this far, refused to be starstruck: Deroy Duarte and Sidny Lopes Cabral both dragged them level, and 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha kept denying Messi. It took a deflected header in the 111th minute — an own goal off Diney Borges from Messi's corner — for the world champions to escape 3–2 in extra time.

Egypt Egypt · a first in their history
1–1
after 120 minutes
4–2
on penalties
1st
knockout win in Egypt's history

Egypt had never won a World Cup knockout game — until now. After a 1–1 draw with Australia, Mohamed Salah chipped in the cheekiest of shootout penalties and Mostafa Abdelmaguid sealed a 4–2 shootout win in Dallas. Argentina await.

Cape Verde · a farewell to remember

The Blue Sharks leave with the world applauding

Playing in their first-ever World Cup, Cape Verde drew with Spain, took points off Uruguay, and tonight went toe-to-toe with the champions for 111 minutes. Grandpa-hero goalkeeper Vozinha, 40, leaves as one of the faces of the tournament.

Why it matters Colombia beat Ghana 1–0 to take the last Round of 16 place — they'll face Switzerland on Tuesday, while Argentina and Egypt meet in Atlanta.
Also from July 3 — tap to read
Won at the death
2–1
Portugal break Croatia's hearts in Toronto
Portugal Portugal · Round of 32 · into the Round of 16

Ramos heads a 94th-minute winner as Portugal edge a Toronto thriller

Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, against Luka Modrić, 40 — two legends who know this could be their last World Cup. After a quiet first half the game exploded: Ivan Perišić fired Croatia ahead in the 53rd minute, Ronaldo levelled from the penalty spot in the 68th, and Croatia twice thought they had scored again only for the referee to say no goal. Then, with the very last attack of stoppage time, Gonçalo Ramos rose and headed home a 94th-minute winner. Portugal now meet their neighbours Spain in a blockbuster Round of 16 clash on Monday.

Spain Spain · into the Round of 16
3–0
over Austria in LA
11
Oyarzabal goals in his last 10 games
2010
Spain's last knockout win — until today

Spain looked like true champions in the California sunshine. Mikel Oyarzabal scored twice around Pedro Porro's first-ever goal for Spain, and Lamine Yamal was a menace all afternoon in a 3–0 stroll past Austria.

Round of 32 · Switzerland 2–0 Algeria

Switzerland's 88-year wait is finally over

Switzerland hadn't won a World Cup knockout game since 1938 — until tonight. Johan Manzambi's brilliant solo run set up Breel Embolo after 10 minutes, Dan Ndoye struck just 48 seconds into the second half, and 52,497 fans in Vancouver watched the Swiss cruise through.

Why it matters The Swiss kept reaching the knockout rounds — four World Cups in a row now — but kept falling at the first hurdle. Not this time. They'll face Colombia or Ghana next, while Monday brings the big one: Spain vs. Portugal.
Kane's late double
2–1
England survive DR Congo's huge scare
England England · Round of 32 · into the Round of 16

Kane's late double rescues England from a huge upset against DR Congo

DR Congo — playing their first-ever World Cup knockout match — came within 15 minutes of one of the great World Cup shocks. Brian Cipenga curled a stunning strike past England in just the 7th minute in Atlanta, and the Leopards defended for their lives from there. But Harry Kane headed in a 75th-minute equaliser, then smashed home the winner in the 86th to send England through 2–1. Kane's second goal also moved him past Gary Lineker to become England's all-time leading World Cup scorer. England now travel to Mexico City to face co-host Mexico at the Estadio Azteca in the Round of 16.

Turnaround · Round of 32
7th
min — Cipenga stunner
75th
min — Kane equaliser
86th
min — Kane winner

Brian Cipenga's early screamer had England rattled for most of the match, but two late Harry Kane goals — a header, then a tight-angle finish — turned the game around in the last quarter-hour.

DR Congo · a proud first knockout run

The Leopards' historic run ends — but what a run it was

DR Congo made the World Cup knockouts for the first time ever this year, and they very nearly beat one of the tournament favourites to reach the Round of 16. Goalkeeper Lionnel Mpasi made save after save to keep the dream alive as long as possible.

Why it matters DR Congo's players can go home proud — this was a knockout debut for the ages. England now face a tough trip to the Azteca to take on co-host Mexico in the Round of 16.
USA USA · into the Round of 16
45'
Balogun opener
82'
Tillman free kick
10
men held on

The USA is through to the last 16! Folarin Balogun struck right on halftime, but was sent off just after the hour — so the Americans held on with ten men, and Malik Tillman's brilliant free kick sealed a 2–0 win in San Francisco. Balogun will miss the next game.

Round of 32 · Belgium 3–2 Senegal

The latest goal in World Cup history

Senegal led 2–0 and looked to be through — until Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans struck late to force extra time, and Tielemans won it from the penalty spot in the 125th minute, the last kick of the whole game.

Why it matters The USA and Belgium both won on the same night — and now they meet in the Round of 16 on Monday.
Golden Boot race
6–6
Mbappé draws level with Messi
France France · Round of 32 · into the Round of 16

Mbappé scores twice — ties Messi atop the Golden Boot race

Kylian Mbappé put on a show in East Rutherford, scoring either side of a Bradley Barcola goal as France cruised past Sweden 3–0. Michael Olise set up all three goals — a magician's night from the Bayern winger. Mbappé's brace pulls him level with Lionel Messi at six goals each. France now face Paraguay — fresh off their shootout upset of Germany — in the Round of 16 on Saturday in Philadelphia.

History · Norway's first-ever knockout win
39th
min — Nusa opener
74th
min — Diallo equaliser
86th
min — Haaland winner

Antonio Nusa put Norway ahead, Amad Diallo curled in a stunning equaliser for Ivory Coast, and then Erling Haaland pounced late to send Norway through 2–1.

Ivory Coast · a proud goodbye

Diallo's goal made history — even in defeat

Amad Diallo had been on the pitch for 14 minutes when he danced past two defenders and curled the ball into the corner — Ivory Coast's first-ever goal in a World Cup knockout match.

Why it matters Ivory Coast are out, but Diallo's moment is one this team can be proud of forever — a piece of history that no result can take away. Norway now face Brazil in the Round of 16.
History · Mexico's 40-year wait is over
22nd
min — Quiñones opener
31st
min — Jiménez doubles it
40
years since Mexico's last KO win

Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez struck nine minutes apart at the Estadio Azteca as Mexico beat Ecuador 2–0 to reach the Round of 16.

Mexico · same coach, same magic

El Tri finally breaks their knockout curse

Mexico hadn't won a World Cup knockout match since 2002 — seven straight exits in a row. Their coach that day? Javier Aguirre. Twenty-four years later, he's the coach again, and Mexico are through.

Why it matters A home crowd at the Azteca got to see history made in person. Mexico now know their Round of 16 opponent: England, who they'll host at the Azteca on Sunday.
Biggest upset
Shootout
Germany's first-ever World Cup shootout loss
Paraguay Paraguay · Round of 32 · historic win

Paraguay knock out Germany on penalties — Germany's first-ever World Cup shootout loss

In five previous World Cup shootouts, Germany had never lost. Paraguay ended that legendary record tonight in Houston. Julio Enciso's first-half header gave Paraguay the lead, Kai Havertz equalised after the break, and neither team could separate themselves through extra time. Then goalkeeper Orlando Gill dived to save two German penalties — and when Jonathan Tah blazed his kick over the crossbar, substitute José Canale coolly slotted home the winner. South America's underdogs had toppled the four-time world champions — and left the footballing world utterly stunned.

Penalties · Morocco · Round of 32
90th
min — Diop equaliser
3
Dutch penalties missed
2nd
straight WC knockout stage

Netherlands led 1–0 through Gakpo's 72nd-minute header — then Issa Diop equalised in the 90th minute. Goalkeeper Bounou saved brilliantly in the shootout and Morocco are through to the Round of 16.

Brazil 2–1 Japan · Round of 32

Martinelli scores in the 96th minute to save Brazil

Japan led 1–0, Casemiro equalised, then Brazil looked set for extra time — until substitute Gabriel Martinelli drilled home in the 96th minute. A dramatic escape.

Why it matters Brazil were rattled all night — Japan's goalkeeper Suzuki made 8 saves and nearly sent home the five-time world champions. Martinelli's instinct saved the tournament for Brazil, who now face France in the Round of 16.
Historic moment
92nd
minute — Canada's first knockout win ever
Canada Canada · Round of 32 · into the last 16

Canada into the Round of 16 for the first time ever — Eustáquio's volley in the 92nd minute

South Africa were brilliant — compact, disciplined, giving Canada's attack almost nothing — and with the clock ticking toward extra time, the match looked destined for a shootout. Then a headed clearance dropped to Stephen Eustáquio outside the box and he hit it first-time, on the volley, into the bottom corner of the net. 1–0 Canada. 92nd minute. The Canadian fans went absolutely wild. Canada had never won a knockout game at a men's World Cup. Now they have — and they face Morocco in the Round of 16.

Alphonso Davies · Round of 32 debut

Davies runs onto the pitch — and the crowd goes wild

Canada's biggest star had missed all three group games with a hamstring injury. When he ran onto the pitch as a 75th-minute substitute, the whole stadium cheered — even the neutral fans. He couldn't find the decisive touch before Eustáquio's winner, but seeing him back summed up everything about this special Canadian team.

Why it matters Davies is Canada's best player and their biggest personality. Having him fit and available for the Round of 16 against Morocco is a massive boost for a team already riding the wave of the most important result in their soccer history.
Golden Boot race
6
goals · group stage · all-time lead
Argentina Messi · 21 World Cup goals

Messi scores again — leads the Golden Boot with 6 goals in 3 games

Six goals in three group games. Twenty-one goals across six World Cups. At 38 years old, Lionel Messi is putting on a tournament for the ages. He scored in the 28th minute against Jordan to give Argentina a 2–0 win — and his career total of 21 World Cup goals is a record that may never be broken. Argentina go into the knockout round with nine goals scored and zero conceded.

Drama · Group L final day
63rd
min — Musa strikes
68th
min — Musa again
4
pts — Ghana eliminated

Croatia's Petar Musa scored twice in five minutes to beat Ghana 2–1 and sneak into the knockouts. Ghana are out despite 4 points — not enough when all the third-place teams were ranked.

Group K · Colombia 2–1 Portugal

Ronaldo scores — but Colombia win the group in style

Cristiano Ronaldo converted a second-half penalty — his 3rd goal of the tournament — but Luis Díaz and Richard Ríos gave Colombia a 2–1 win and a perfect group stage. Portugal advance in second.

Why it matters Colombia finish with 9 points, no goals conceded, and Luis Díaz is looking like a contender for Player of the Tournament. They are one of the scariest teams left in the draw.
Also from June 27 — tap to read
Moment of the day
R32
Group H · 2nd · a first ever
Cape Verde Cape Verde · into the knockouts

Cape Verde — a nation of 570,000 — qualify for the knockout round for the first time ever

They drew 0–0 with Saudi Arabia, they held Spain to a 0–0 in their first game, and they never flinched. A nation smaller than most cities just qualified for the Round of 32 at the World Cup. 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha was named Player of the Tournament in their group — the hero of a fairytale story the whole world is falling in love with.

Hat trick · Dembélé · Group I
7th
min — first goal
20th
min — second goal
32nd
min — hat trick complete

Ousmane Dembélé scored three goals in the first 32 minutes as France demolished Norway 4–1. The first first-half hat trick in a World Cup in over 30 years. France are through as Group I winners.

Group G · Egypt 2–1 Iran

Salah seals the group for Egypt

Mohamed Salah scored twice in the first half — a free kick and a counter-attack finish — to give Egypt a 2–1 win over Iran and top spot in Group G. Egypt are through; Iran are eliminated.

Why it matters Salah now has 3 goals at this tournament and Egypt's next opponent is the USA — a blockbuster Round of 32 matchup that will be must-watch TV.
Also from June 26 — tap to read
Moment of the day
First-ever
Group E · into the R32 · African history
Ivory Coast Ivory Coast · into the knockouts

Ivory Coast reach the knockout stage for the first time ever

Three World Cups — 2006, 2010, 2014 — and never once made it out of the group stage. Until now. Nicolas Pépé scored twice as Ivory Coast beat Curaçao 2–0 in Philadelphia, becoming the first African team to clinch a knockout spot at the 2026 World Cup. Their players and fans celebrated like they'd already won the whole thing — and honestly, for them, they kind of had.

Upset · Ecuador 2–1 Germany · Group E
2nd
minute — Germany's opener
77th
minute — Ecuador's winner
40
years old — Neuer in goal

Germany scored inside 2 minutes — then Ecuador came back to win 2–1 and end Germany's run of 11 straight World Cup victories. Germany still went through as group winners.

Group D · Turkey 3–2 USA

Turkey put on a show — but the USA still won Group D

Already eliminated, Turkey scored in the 3rd, 10th, and 95th minutes to beat the USA 3–2 in a wild final group game. The Americans were already through and rested starters, but still — what a night for Arda Güler.

Why it mattersReal Madrid's Arda Güler curled in a beautiful equaliser in the 10th minute — and Kaan Ayhan's 95th-minute winner in eight minutes of stoppage time was pure chaos. The USA face Bosnia in the last 32.
Also from June 25 — tap to read
Moment of the day
R32
Group B · 2nd · a first ever
Canada Canada · into the knockouts

Canada reach the knockout round for the first time ever

They actually lost their last game, 2–1 to Switzerland — but it didn't matter. The 6–0 win over Qatar earlier in the group gave Canada the goal difference to finish second, and the co-hosts are through to the Round of 32 for the first time in their history. Mexico are through too, so both host nations on this side of the border made it.

By the numbers · Mexico
3
wins from 3
0
goals conceded
1st
in Group A

The co-hosts beat Czechia 3–0 in Mexico City to win their group with a perfect record — and celebrated a cameo from goalkeeping great Guillermo Ochoa.

Group C · Brazil 3–0 Scotland

Scotland's dream hangs by a thread

Scotland needed a draw to keep control of their fate, but Vinícius Júnior scored twice and Brazil ran out 3–0 winners. The Scots came closest in the 95th minute, when Scott McTominay's shot was blocked by Alisson.

Why it matters This is Scotland's first World Cup since 1998 — and now they can only wait to see if third place is good enough.
Also from June 24 — tap to read
Moment of the day
5–0
vs Uzbekistan · Game 2 of 3
Portugal Ronaldo · history at 41

The first player ever to score at six different World Cups

A day after Messi broke the all-time scoring record, the other giant of the era answered. Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, scored twice in Portugal's 5–0 win over Uzbekistan to become the first man ever to find the net at six different World Cups — and the second-oldest scorer in men's World Cup history. He chased a hat trick all the way to the final whistle.

By the numbers · Ronaldo
6
World Cups scored at — a first
41
years old
10
career WC goals

No player had ever scored at six different World Cups — until now.

Group L · Ghana 0–0 England

Ghana held England scoreless

Ranked far below England, Ghana dug in for a 0–0 draw and turned away everything the Three Lions threw at them. The point leaves both teams on four points near the top of Group L.

Why it mattersEngland won five corners in stoppage time alone — and still couldn't score.
Also from June 23 — tap to read
Moment of the day
2–0
vs Austria · Game 2 of 3
Argentina Messi · the record is his

Messi is now the World Cup's all-time leading scorer

Six days ago he tied the record. Against Austria he broke it — scoring his 17th and 18th World Cup goals to pass Miroslav Klose and stand alone, the most by anyone, man or woman, in World Cup history. He even missed a penalty in the 8th minute first, then made up for it with both goals, the second deep in stoppage time. At 38 — he turns 39 on Wednesday — every one of Argentina's goals this tournament has been his.

By the numbers · Messi
18
World Cup goals — a record
6
straight games scored in
6
World Cups played

No man or woman has ever scored more at a World Cup, and he's only the third player ever to score in six straight World Cup games.

In their words · Lionel Messi, 38
"There were moments when I was really angry about missing the penalty, but I was able to make up for it."

He missed an 8th-minute penalty — then scored twice to break the record.

Also from June 22 — tap to read
France The chase is on — Kylian Mbappé has reached 15 World Cup goals, three behind the new record Messi just set
Moment of the day
2–2
vs Uruguay · Game 2 of 3
Cape Verde Cape Verde · still standing

Cape Verde held Spain. Now they've held Uruguay too.

A nation of about 500,000 people, in their first-ever World Cup, came from a goal down to draw 2–2 with two-time champions Uruguay. Kevin Pina's 34-yard free kick was their first World Cup goal ever, and sub Hélio Varela tied it in the 61st. They now control their own fate — a draw with Saudi Arabia on June 26 sends them into the next round.

History · Japan 4–0 Tunisia · Group F

The 1,000th World Cup match ever — Japan won it 4–0

4
minute — Kamada's opener, Japan's fastest-ever World Cup goal
2
goals for Ayase Ueda
1,000
World Cup matches in history

Japan scored in the 4th minute and never looked back — the biggest win by any Asian nation in World Cup history. Tunisia are eliminated.

In their words · Lamine Yamal, 18
"Being able to score here with my mum and my family in the stands is a dream come true."

His first World Cup goal — and he's the first player 18 or younger to open the scoring at a World Cup since a teenage Pelé in 1958. He says he watched the last World Cup from his classroom.

Also from June 21 — tap any to read
Moment of the day
0–0
Curaçao v Ecuador
Group Stage
Game 2 of 3
Curaçao CURAÇAO · FIRST-EVER WORLD CUP POINT

The smallest country ever to reach a World Cup just made history

Curaçao — a Caribbean island of about 156,000 people — got walloped 7–1 by Germany in their opener. Today they packed the defense, threw bodies in front of everything, and walked off with a 0–0 draw against Ecuador and the very first point in their nation's history. Keeper Eloy Room was the wall, making save after save.

Eloy Room making a save for Curaçao
By the Numbers · Curaçao 0–0 Ecuador

Curaçao's keeper was a one-man wall

15
saves by their keeper
15
shots Ecuador took
60
years since the last time

Ecuador peppered the goal all night and couldn't beat Curaçao's keeper once — the most shots on target in a World Cup match without a goal in nearly 60 years.

Netherlands 5, Sweden 1 · Group F

The Netherlands put five goals past Sweden

While Curaçao was grinding out history, the Netherlands was making a statement in Houston — Brobbey and Gakpo each scored twice in a 5–1 rout of Sweden, the playoff hero that had knocked out Poland to get here.

The twistSweden was one of the tournament's feel-good underdogs — the team that knocked Poland out with an 88th-minute winner to even get here. One game into the World Cup, they've been brought right back down to earth.
Also from June 20 — tap any to read
Moment of the day
2–0
USA v Australia
Group Stage
Game 2 of 3
USA USMNT · into the knockouts

The U.S. is through to the next round

Two games, two wins, no goals allowed — and they did it without Christian Pulisic, who's resting a calf. If your family is picking a team to follow, this is the easy one.

Milestone · Messi at 38
16
career WC goals
3
in one game
38
years old

His hat trick against Algeria tied Miroslav Klose's all-time World Cup scoring record.

In their words · Vozinha, 40
"We work in life to have moments like this."

A 40-year-old keeper held Spain scoreless.

Also from June 19 — tap any to read
The Road Here · Pre-Tournament
Watching From Home
Italy
Italy
FIFA #12 · Didn't Qualify
✗ MISSED OUT
A Legend Left Behind
Four-time champions, missing a third World Cup in a row

Italy have won the World Cup four times — only Brazil and Germany have won it more. So how are they not here? It came down to one nerve-shredding playoff. Against Bosnia, Italy led early through Moise Kean, but then had a player sent off and was pegged back to 1–1. Extra time settled nothing, so it went to penalties — and Italy lost the shootout 4–1, missing two of their spot-kicks.

It's the third World Cup in a row the Azzurri have missed — something that's never happened to a former champion before. The cruelest twist? Manager Gennaro Gattuso was a player the last time Italy lifted the trophy, in 2006.

Denmark
Denmark
FIFA #20 · Didn't Qualify
✗ MISSED OUT
Heartbreak on Penalties
One shootout away from a third straight World Cup

Denmark reached the last two World Cups, but this time finished second in their group and had to win a playoff. They made it all the way to the final playoff match against Czechia — and drew 2–2 after extra time.

Then came penalties, and it didn't go their way: Denmark lost the shootout 3–1, with star striker Rasmus Højlund among those who missed. One save, one miss, and a team good enough for back-to-back World Cups was suddenly watching from home.

Nigeria
Nigeria
FIFA #27 · Didn't Qualify
✗ MISSED OUT
Super Eagles Grounded
Africa's highest-ranked team won't be there

Nigeria's Super Eagles are one of African football's most famous names — but they finished second in their group, behind South Africa, and had to take the long road through the playoffs. They beat Gabon to reach the African playoff final.

In that final, against DR Congo, the score stayed level and went all the way to penalties — where Nigeria came up just short. They're the highest-ranked African nation to miss the 2026 World Cup, and it's the second tournament in a row they'll watch from home.

Ukraine
Ukraine
FIFA #32 · Didn't Qualify
✗ MISSED OUT
The Long Wait Goes On
Still chasing a first World Cup since 2006

Ukraine drew a tough qualifying group, finishing behind heavyweights France. That sent them to the playoffs, where one bad night can end everything — and it did. They lost 3–1 to Sweden and were knocked out.

It means Ukraine are still searching for their first World Cup appearance since 2006 — the only time they've ever been. A talented team, but the wait for the world's biggest stage goes on.

Poland
Poland
FIFA #37 · Didn't Qualify
✗ MISSED OUT
A Superstar Will Miss Out
Lewandowski's team falls at the final hurdle

Poland have one of the planet's best strikers in Robert Lewandowski — but even a superstar couldn't drag them through. They finished second in their group, then beat Albania in the playoffs to reach the final qualifying match.

That final, against Sweden, slipped away late: Poland lost 3–2, the winner coming in the 88th minute. For Lewandowski, now 37, it may have been his last realistic chance at a World Cup — a tough way for a great career to miss the sport's biggest party.

Giant Killers
Bosnia
Bosnia & Herzegovina
FIFA #52 · Group B
⚡ UPSET
"We came from behind. We believed."
Down a goal and playing a 10-man Italy on the road in Zenica, Bosnia equalized with 11 minutes left and then scored all four of their penalties in the shootout. The crowd erupted. It was their first World Cup since 2014 — and they earned it by slaying a giant ranked 40 spots above them.
Why it mattersBosnia are ranked #52. Spain are ranked #2. A Bosnia win would be a bigger upset than Cape Verde tying Spain.
Czechia
Czechia
FIFA #41 · Group A
⚡ UPSET
Denmark — semi-finalists two years ago — are home watching
Czechia beat Denmark on penalties in the UEFA playoff final, 3–1 in the shootout after a 2–2 draw. Denmark had been one of Europe's best teams, reaching the Euro 2024 semi-finals. Czechia's goalkeeper Matej Kovar was the hero, saving key penalties. It's their first World Cup in 20 years.
Why it mattersCzechia are in Group A with Mexico, South Korea, and South Africa — meaning the #41-ranked team is right there in a wide-open group.
Sweden
Sweden
FIFA #39 · Group F
⚡ UPSET
Gyökeres wins it in the 88th minute
Sweden hadn't been to a World Cup since 2018. They needed to beat Poland in the playoff, and with the score level late in the game, striker Viktor Gyökeres — one of Europe's hottest players — struck in the 88th minute to send Sweden through. Poland and their star striker Robert Lewandowski are home.
Why it mattersSweden are in Group F with the Netherlands and Japan — a dramatic late goal got them here, and they play teams that can be beaten.
Turkey
Turkey
FIFA #42 · Group D
⚡ UPSET
Kosovo's World Cup dream dies in the final minute
Kosovo — a tiny nation that only gained FIFA membership in 2016 and was making its first serious push for World Cup qualification — lost 1–0 to Turkey at home in the playoff to miss out. Turkey qualified instead, ending Kosovo's heartbreaking run. Kosovo had never played in a World Cup.
Why it mattersTurkey (ranked #42) are in Group D with the USA. So the US plays a team that just barely squeaked in over Kosovo — very winnable.
The Long Way Back
Iraq
Iraq
FIFA #61 · Group I · 40 Years Away
🔵 COMEBACK
Last seen at a World Cup in 1986. Now they're back.
Iraq's only previous World Cup was Mexico 1986 — 40 years ago. They secured the final spot (48th team) in dramatic fashion, beating Bolivia 2–1 in an intercontinental playoff with the winning goal in the 53rd minute. Their qualification came against extraordinary odds — a country still rebuilding from decades of conflict finally gets its moment.
Why it mattersGroup I has France (#3 in the world) vs. Iraq (#61). The ranking gap is 58 places. France should win — but so should Argentina in 2022 against Saudi Arabia.
DR Congo
DR Congo
FIFA #51 · Group K · 52 Years Away
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A goal in extra time after 52 years away
DR Congo (then called Zaire) last played in a World Cup in 1974. They returned by beating Jamaica 1–0 in an intercontinental playoff, with the only goal coming in the 100th minute of extra time from Axel Tuanzebe. A continent-wide celebration followed — Central and West Africa's biggest footballing nation was back.
Why it mattersDR Congo opens against Portugal (ranked #5). A 100th-minute hero vs. Cristiano Ronaldo's last World Cup. Watch Group K closely.
Norway
Norway
FIFA #44 · Group I · 28 Years Away
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Haaland ends Norway's 28-year wait
Norway hadn't qualified for a World Cup since 1998 — a 28-year drought despite having one of the world's best players in Erling Haaland. They clinched their spot with a 4–1 win in Italy, with Haaland scoring twice, in a match that also helped seal Italy's fate. Norway had to watch four World Cups without Haaland while he broke every scoring record in club football.
Why it mattersHaaland vs. France in Group I might be the most star-studded group stage match of the tournament. Two of the world's best players on the same pitch.
Haiti
Haiti
FIFA #83 · Group C · 52 Years Away
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52 years of political crisis, tragedy — and now this
Haiti's last World Cup was 1974. In the decades since, the country endured devastating earthquakes, political instability, and federation turmoil, with players scattered across the globe. Their squad now includes players from MLS, European leagues, and the Haitian diaspora. Getting here required stitching together a team from multiple continents.
Why it mattersHaiti (#83) draw Brazil (#6) in Group C. One of the biggest ranking gaps in the whole tournament. But every underdog needs a story — and Haiti has one of the best.
First Time Ever
Curaçao
Curaçao
FIFA #81 · Group E · World Cup Debut
★ HISTORY
A Caribbean island of 156,000 people at the World Cup
Curaçao — a tiny Dutch Caribbean island — became the smallest nation by population ever to qualify for a World Cup. Their players grew up in the Dutch youth development system and largely play in European leagues. Think of it this way: the entire population of Curaçao is about the size of Hartford, CT. They are now on the same stage as France and Argentina.
Why it mattersThey face Germany in Group E — the #81 ranked team vs. the #10 ranked team. A 71-spot gap. Germany are heavy favorites, but Curaçao already proved everyone wrong just by qualifying.
Cape Verde
Cape Verde
FIFA #70 · Group H · World Cup Debut
★ HISTORY
600,000 people. One point off Spain. The feel-good story of the tournament.
Cape Verde is a cluster of islands off West Africa with a population of 600,000. They've already made history in their very first game — holding Spain (#2 in the world and reigning European champions) to a draw in the group stage. Their 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha was the hero, making save after save in what may be the most famous result in their country's history.
Why it mattersThey still play Uruguay and Saudi Arabia — every point they earn is history being made in real time.
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan
FIFA #62 · Group K · World Cup Debut
★ HISTORY
Central Asia gets its first World Cup team — coached by an Italian legend
Uzbekistan is the first Central Asian country to ever qualify for a men's World Cup. Their coach? Fabio Cannavaro — Italy's World Cup-winning captain in 2006, a Ballon d'Or winner, and one of the greatest defenders ever. Cannavaro couldn't get Italy to the World Cup (Italy failed in 2018 and 2022), but he got Uzbekistan there. Their star is Manchester City's Abdukodir Khusanov.
Why it mattersThe Italian legend coaching the Central Asian debutants vs. Portugal (Ronaldo's final World Cup) in Group K. You genuinely can't write this stuff.
Jordan
Jordan
FIFA #68 · Group J · World Cup Debut
★ HISTORY
A country that has never won a match at the World Cup — because they've never been to one
Jordan's rise to qualification was the feel-good story of Asian football. They reached the Asian Cup final in 2023 as a signal they were building something real — and then they delivered on that promise, qualifying for their first-ever World Cup. The country has faced geopolitical challenges throughout the process, making qualification an even bigger achievement.
Why it mattersJordan are in Group J with defending champion Argentina. Their very first World Cup match is against the best team on the planet. No pressure!
Full Circle
Norway
Italy
Norway beat Italy — In Italy — To Seal Italy's Fate
The Moment That Ended an Era
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Here's what makes this World Cup so poetic: Norway qualified for the World Cup for the first time in 28 years by beating Italy 4–1 in Rome. On Italian soil. The same match that ended Italy's World Cup hopes for the third straight time. Erling Haaland scored twice. The Italian fans watched in silence as Norway celebrated in their stadium. Then, a few months later, Bosnia beat Italy in the playoff. Italy — four-time world champions, ranked #12 in the world — is watching the World Cup on TV. Norway (#44) is in it. In Group I, Norway will face France — and the whole story comes full circle when you realize Haaland's Norway could advance further in a World Cup than Italy has managed in 12 years.
The bottom lineWhen you watch Norway vs. France (Group I, June 22), you're watching the team that finally ended Italy's agony face the #3-ranked team in the world. That's the kind of story that makes the World Cup unforgettable.