The World Cup 2026 hype has already started, even the year before the Tournament. Catch up with the latest news and my reactions.

Jordan made history on June 6, 2025, when they secured their first-ever qualification for the FIFA World Cup after defeating Oman 3–0 in Muscat. The victory, highlighted by a stunning hat-trick from Ali Olwan, was later confirmed when South Korea beat Iraq, mathematically guaranteeing Jordan’s place in the expanded 2026 tournament. This achievement marked a monumental moment for Jordanian football, coming four decades after their first attempt at World Cup qualification in 1986. The triumph was celebrated across the Arab world as a symbol of perseverance and progress, with Jordan now preparing to showcase their talent on the global stage in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Uzbekistan also made history on June 11, 2024, by qualifying for their first-ever FIFA World Cup after defeating Turkmenistan 3–1 in Tashkent. These two teams qualifying makes the World Cup exciting.

Scotland ended a 28‑year wait when they qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on November 18, 2025, with a thrilling 4–2 victory over Denmark at Hampden Park. The dramatic win, sealed by two stoppage‑time goals, ensured Scotland topped their UEFA qualifying group and booked their first World Cup appearance since 1998. Under manager Steve Clarke, the team showed resilience and belief throughout the campaign, reigniting national pride and sparking huge celebrations among the Tartan Army, who are now preparing to follow their team to the USA, Canada, and Mexico for the tournament.

On the same day, Curaçao shocked everyone and qualified for the World Cup. Curaçao’s entry into the FIFA World Cup 2026 is nothing short of historic. For the first time, this small Caribbean island nation will step onto football’s biggest stage, becoming the smallest country ever to qualify for the tournament. Guided by veteran coach Dick Advocaat and led by captain Leandro Bacuna, Curaçao earned their place through resilience and determination in the Concacaf qualifiers. Drawn into Group E alongside giants like Germany, Ecuador, and Ivory Coast, their debut symbolizes the expanded opportunities of the 48‑team format and the magic of underdog stories. For Curaçao, qualification is more than just sport — it is a moment of national pride, uniting fans across the island and showcasing that even the smallest nations can dream big and achieve greatness.

The official draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup was held on December 5, 2025, at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., marking a historic moment as the tournament prepares to welcome an expanded field of 48 teams. During the ceremony, the teams were divided into 12 groups of four, setting the stage for the first World Cup to be jointly hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The event not only unveiled the eagerly awaited matchups but also highlighted the inclusion of debutants such as Jordan and Uzbekistan, alongside traditional football powerhouses like Brazil, Germany, and Argentina, igniting excitement worldwide for the tournament that kicks off in June 2026.