The FIFA World Cup 2026 will bring together debutants, returning nations and long-time participants still chasing one defining milestone: a first ever victory on football’s biggest stage.
With the expanded 48-team format set to be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico, the tournament offers a rare mix of global powerhouses and emerging sides all sharing one objective: winning a World Cup match for the first time.
For some, just qualifying is already history. For others, the wait for a breakthrough continues. From debut nations to long-suffering campaigns, here are ten teams heading into 2026 still searching for that first win.
Canada aiming to turn progress into results
Canada return to the World Cup with renewed expectations after ending a 36-year absence in Qatar. That campaign delivered a landmark goal from Alphonso Davies, but no wins as they lost all three group matches.
Across their World Cup history, Canada are still searching for their first point and first victory. At home in 2026, they will see a group featuring Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar and Switzerland as a real opportunity to change that record.
Iraq targeting a historic breakthrough
Iraq return to the World Cup for the first time since 1986, when they exited without a point. Nearly four decades later, a new generation has a chance to write a different story.
Placed in a challenging group alongside France, Norway and Senegal, Iraq face a steep test. But even a single win would mark one of the most significant moments in their football history.
Egypt chasing a long-awaited first win
Egypt arrive in 2026 still searching for their first World Cup victory despite multiple appearances. Their strongest showing came in 1990, when they earned draws against strong European opposition but failed to progress.
Led by Mohamed Salah, Egypt will head into the tournament with optimism after an unbeaten qualifying campaign and renewed belief they can finally break their World Cup drought.
New Zealand look to convert respect into results
New Zealand remain one of the most intriguing cases in World Cup history. In 2010, they finished unbeaten in the group stage, drawing with Italy, Paraguay and Slovakia, yet still failed to reach the knockout rounds.
Now drawn against Belgium, Egypt and Iran, the All Whites will aim to turn competitive performances into their first ever World Cup win.
Haiti return after more than 50 years
Haiti return to the World Cup for the first time since 1974, when they faced a steep learning curve against elite opposition.
Their qualification has sparked major excitement at home, but a difficult group featuring Brazil, Morocco and Scotland means any positive result would be considered historic.
Qatar looking to prove long-term progress
Qatar enter the 2026 World Cup with a very different narrative compared to their debut as hosts in 2022. This time, they qualified through competition and not automatic entry.
Although they failed to win a match in 2022, the experience accelerated development across their national setup. Under increased expectations, Qatar will target their first World Cup victory in a group featuring Switzerland, Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Four debut nations ready for history
The expanded tournament also welcomes four first-time participants: Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan.
With no previous World Cup experience, every match represents uncharted territory. Every point will be historic, every goal a national milestone, and every win an instant entry into football folklore.
As the countdown to 2026 continues, attention will naturally focus on the established contenders. Yet some of the tournament’s most compelling stories may come from these nations still chasing a simple but powerful achievement: a first World Cup victory.
