FIFA World Cup 2026: Top 5 Teams Chasing Their First-Ever Victory
The much awaited 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to begin on June 11, with the United States, Canada and Mexico serving as co-host. The tournament promises thrilling matches, intense rivalries and emotional underdog stories. While football powerhouses like France and Argentina are expected to dominate, a few nations will enter with hopes of securing their first-ever World Cup win.
This time, however, Canada will have the advantage of playing on home soil, and the team believes things could be different. Under coach Jesse March, the team has shown attacking promise and improved consistency in recent performances. Canada will now hope to make the most of their group B fixtures and finally secure a historic World Cup victory.
Led by superstar Mohamed Salah, Egypt qualified unbeaten and looked far more balanced than previous editions. The Pharaohs believe their experienced squad and attacking quality could finally help them break the unwanted record and make history on football’s biggest stage.
Now, nearly four decades later, Iraq return with renewed belief after securing qualification through the play-offs. Drawn alongside France, Norway, and Senegal, the challenge will be difficult, but the Lions of Mesopotamia are determined to prove they belong among the world’s best.
They return in 2026 with hopes of finally turning resilience into victory. Facing Belgium, Egypt, and Iran in Group G, New Zealand will rely on disciplined defending and teamwork to chase a historic first win.
Canada – Home Support Could Make the Difference
Co-hosts Canada are heading into the tournament with rising confidence and huge expectations. Their previous appearance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Qatar ended in disappointment, as they failed to secure a single win in the group stage.This time, however, Canada will have the advantage of playing on home soil, and the team believes things could be different. Under coach Jesse March, the team has shown attacking promise and improved consistency in recent performances. Canada will now hope to make the most of their group B fixtures and finally secure a historic World Cup victory.
Egypt – Salah Leading the Pharaohs’ Dream
Despite being Africa’s most successful nation in the Africa Cup of Nations with seven titles, Egypt have never won a FIFA World Cup match. Their best performance came at Italia 1990, where they earned respectable draws against Ireland and the Netherlands.Led by superstar Mohamed Salah, Egypt qualified unbeaten and looked far more balanced than previous editions. The Pharaohs believe their experienced squad and attacking quality could finally help them break the unwanted record and make history on football’s biggest stage.
Iraq – Hoping for Redemption After Decades
Iraq’s only previous World Cup appearance came in 1986. Although they failed to win a game, Ahmed Radhi’s memorable goal remains one of the country’s proudest football moments.Now, nearly four decades later, Iraq return with renewed belief after securing qualification through the play-offs. Drawn alongside France, Norway, and Senegal, the challenge will be difficult, but the Lions of Mesopotamia are determined to prove they belong among the world’s best.
New Zealand – The Unbeaten Underdogs
New Zealand holds a unique World Cup record. At the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, they remained unbeaten with draws against Slovakia, Italy, and Paraguay, yet still exited in the group stage.They return in 2026 with hopes of finally turning resilience into victory. Facing Belgium, Egypt, and Iran in Group G, New Zealand will rely on disciplined defending and teamwork to chase a historic first win.
Uzbekistan – Fearless Debutants Ready to Shine
Uzbekistan are set to make history as Central Asia’s first world cup participant. Their qualification campaign was extremely impressive with the team showing promising tactical discipline and playing fearlessly. They are placed in the K group and aim to at least register one win in their group stage campaign.Next Story