FIFA has framed the expansion of the 2026 World Cup from 32 to 48 teams as a watershed moment for inclusivity, opening the door for nations that have never qualified before.

Four teams will be playing at their first World Cup in North America this summer: Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan. Here is a short guide to the debutants.

Cape Verde, a small archipelago off the coast of Senegal with a population of about 525,000, becomes the third-least populous country to participate in a World Cup. Captain Ryan Mendes, 35, playing for Turkish second-tier Igdir, was instrumental in their 3-0 win over Eswatini in October that secured qualification. The team topped their group at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and also finished ahead of Cameroon in World Cup qualifying.

Curacao, with 160,000 inhabitants, is the smallest country ever by population to qualify for the World Cup. The team is coached by 78-year-old Dick Advocaat, who will become the oldest manager at a World Cup. Most players are from the Dutch diaspora, with the best-known being Tahith Chong of Sheffield United.

Jordan coach Jamal Sellami has urged his players to emulate Morocco's run to the semifinals in 2022. "We are not going just for participation," said midfielder Noor Al-Rawabdeh. Key player is Rennes winger Musa Al-Taamari.

Uzbekistan FA Vice President Ravshan Irmatov said qualification was "a dream for 38 million people for 34 years." Slovenian coach Srecko Katanec stepped down due to health issues, and Timur Kapadze secured the berth. Star players include Eldor Shomurodov and Manchester City's Abdukodir Khusanov. Former Italian World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro now coaches the team.

Source: www.aljazeera.com