The 2026 FIFA World Cup takes place next Summer, with the USA, Canada and Mexico hosting the extended 48-team event. Despite gripes in some quarters that the expansion of the tournament will dilute the quality of teams in the event itself, the opportunity to see smaller nations qualify and play at the World Cup Finals can only be a positive for football fans around the globe.
After Cape Verde’s recent qualification from the CAF region, Del Pugh of www.bookiesbonuses.com takes a look at the five smallest nations (by population) to ever appear at a World Cup Finals.
Top 5 Smallest World Cup Qualifiers
1. Iceland – 398,000
The smallest nation to ever qualify (at the time of writing) for a World Cup Finals, having followed their Euro 2016 appearance with a trip to Russia 2018. They drew with Argentina in their opening match, before losing to Nigeria and Croatia. They have dropped off since then, but fond memories of the “Viking Clap” chant remain.
2. Cape Verde – 524,000
After celebrating their 50th anniversary of independence, Cape Verde sealed their first visit to the World Cup Finals, with a 3-0 win over Eswatini in October. Using the vast diaspora available, head coach Bubista has built upon the 2023 quarter-final appearance in the Africa Cup of Nations to take Cape Verde to the world’s biggest stage!
3. Trinidad & Tobago – 1.5 million
The Soca Boys famously reached the finals of the 2006 World Cup, with Premier League stars such as Shaka Hislop, Kenwyn Jones and Dwight Yorke among the star names in Leo Beenhakker’s side. After a goalless draw against Sweden, they nearly caused a big shock against England, with two goals in the last 7 minutes breaking T&T hearts!
4. Northern Ireland – 1.93 million
Three appearances in the tournament, but have not appeared for nearly 40 years, since Mexico ’86. Their most famous moment was Gerry Armstrong scoring the winner against hosts Spain to seal top spot in the group at Espana ’82. After a rare appearance at Euro 2016, the side has struggled to match those heights.
5. Jamaica – 2.8 million
The Reggae Boyz’ only appearance came back in 1998, picking up a victory against Japan, after defeats to Croatia and Argentina. The current side is once again on the verge of returning to the big stage, as Steve McLaren’s side top the group (at the time of writing), thanks to Tijuana Striker, Shamar Nicholson’s goals.
Figures taken from https://www.worldometers.info.
Can a Nation Gatecrash This List?
Qualification places for the 2026 World Cup are still to be finalised, with UEFA and CONCACAF regions yet to finish their group stages, while both intercontinental and regional play-offs are also due to be played. Of the sides still in with a mathematical chance of qualification, there are a handful of small nations that could squeeze onto this list, including:
San Marino – 33,000
The tiny microstate, ranked the worst international side in the world (210th), could technically make the 2026 World Cup Finals. They have lost every qualifier so far, including a 10-0 loss to Austria, but having topped their UEFA Nations League group, ahead of Gibraltar and Liechtenstein, they may get a play-off place!!
Faroe Islands – 56,000
The Faroe Islands have been causing shockwaves in qualifying, having thrashed Montenegro 4-0 before following up with a 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic. Despite the miracle performances, hopes of a play-off place rest on the Faroes getting something out of their trip to Croatia and Gibraltar somehow stopping the Czechs. I would love to see them do it, but there is a greater chance of me being mistaken for Brad Pitt!
Curacao – 185,000
Success for Curacao has come in a similar vein to Cape Verde’s improvements, with the nation using its Dutch-based diaspora to build a strong squad under manager Dick Advocaat. They are battling Jamaica for an automatic berth in CONCACAF and would become the smallest nation to qualify, if they can navigate their final games.
New Caledonia – 295,000
New Caledonia lost to New Zealand 3-0 for the automatic spot in Oceania, but has earned a place in the Intercontinental play-offs. After their junior side reached the Under-20 World Cup Finals this year, could the senior side cause a huge surprise?
Gabon – 2.5 million
Gabon finished a point behind the Ivory Coast in qualifying, with just one defeat (to the Ivorians). They face a tough challenge against Cameroon in the play-offs, but will be leaning on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s experience and goals to reach the finals.
