As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, several non-traditional football nations are making significant strides on the global stage.
Here, we highlight ten such countries, including Australia, the United States, and Georgia, examining their key players, current FIFA rankings, and prospects.
1. United States
Key Players: The U.S. Men’s National Team features stars such as 2021 UEFA Champions League winner Christian Pulisic, Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams and Fulham’s Antonee Robinson.
Current FIFA Ranking: The USMNT hold the 16th spot in the FIFA rankings.
The U.S. Men’s National Team hasn’t enjoyed the same dominance as their women’s side, but they’re steadily improving.
As co-hosts of the 2026 tournament, they’ll be eager to surpass their usual knockout-stage ceiling and make a deep run on home soil.
2. Canada
Key Players: Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David are among Canada’s standout players.
Current FIFA Ranking: Canada are ranked 31st globally.
This will be the third time they feature in the men’s World Cup in their history.
Canada’s return to the World Cup in 2022 was historic, but 2026 will be even more special as they co-host the event.
With automatic qualification secured, their next challenge is to finally advance beyond the group stage.
3. Australia
Key Players: Midfielders Craig Goodwin and Jackson Irvine as well as defender Harry Souttar are some of Australia’s stars.
Current FIFA Ranking: As of December 2024, the Socceroos are ranked 26th.
Australia will be hoping to make it six World Cups in a row (and seventh overall) come 2026. In 2022, they made history by making it to the Round of 16.
Whether they will be able to hit that mark again – or go even further – is a gamble many Aussie fans are willing to take – just ask the punters at Ricky Casino Australia. A lot of excitement has come in in the last few international competitions that the men’s and women’s teams have been involved in, and the online betting market in Australia has responded.
4. Iraq
Key Players: Midfielder Amjad Attwan, forward Mohanad Ali and defender Zaid Tahseen are some of Iraq’s best players.
Current FIFA Ranking: Iraq are positioned at 56th in the FIFA rankings.
Iraq last appeared at a World Cup in 1986, but under coach Jesús Casas, they’re pushing for a long-awaited return.
With players gaining experience in top European leagues, Iraq is a serious contender in the Asian qualifiers.
5. Bahrain
Key Players: Midfielder Mohamed Jasim Marhoon, defender Waleed Al-Hayam and goalkeeper Ebrahim Lutfalla have been instrumental in Bahrain’s recent successes.
Current FIFA Ranking: Bahrain currently hold the 81st spot in the FIFA rankings.
Bahrain’s victory at the Gulf Cup under coach Dragan Talajic has fueled their World Cup ambitions.
If they can carry that momentum into the qualifiers, they may finally break through to the sport’s biggest stage.
6. Comoros
Key Players: Youssouf M’Changama, Faïz Selemani, and Yannick Pandor are Comoros’ hottest players at the moment.
Current FIFA Ranking: Comoros are positioned at 103rd in the FIFA rankings.
Comoros’ debut in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations – and their recent victory over Ghana – showcase their rapid rise.
Already top of the table, equal on points with Ghana, Comoros are determined to make history in qualifying for the World Cup.
7. Georgia
Key Players: PSG’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Valencia’s Giorgi Mamardashvili are among Georgia’s standout talents.
Current FIFA Ranking: Georgia currently sit at 68th in the FIFA rankings.
After their historic qualification for Euro 2024, Georgia has been making waves in international football.
With a talented new generation, they could push for a first-ever World Cup qualification, proving they belong on the biggest stage.
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8. Qatar
Key Players: Al-Sadd’s in-form Akram Afif and Al-Gharafa’s Mohammed Muntari are central figures in Qatar’s squad.
Current FIFA Ranking: Qatar are ranked 48th globally.
As hosts of the 2022 World Cup, Qatar gained invaluable experience, and will be hoping to grow their footballing presence on the world’s biggest stage come 2026.
9. Oman
Key Players: Goalkeeper Ibrahim Al-mukhaini and defender Ali Al Busaidi are Oman’s stars.
Current FIFA Ranking: Oman hold the 80th position in the FIFA rankings.
Getting to the Gulf Cup finals will be a huge motivational boost for Oman. A strong finish in the group stage could bring them closer than ever to a debut appearance.
10. Uzbekistan
Key Players: Midfielder Otabek Shukurov and Manchester City‘s newest signing, Abdukodir Khusanov are among Uzbekistan’s key players.
Current FIFA Ranking: Uzbekistan are ranked 58th globally.
Uzbekistan’s strong showings in Asian competitions indicate their potential to break into the World Cup scene.
These nations are proof of the evolving landscape of international football, where emerging teams are challenging traditional powerhouses.
With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, expect an unpredictable and exciting road to the tournament.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / AAP
Recording Date: 13.11.2024