Underdog teams chase historic World Cup qualification chances

Several underdog teams are vying for their first-ever World Cup qualification as FIFA expands the tournament to 48 teams in 2026. Nations like Uzbekistan, Comoros, and Rwanda are among those with promising chances in ongoing qualifying rounds. Uzbekistan leads its group in the Asian Football Confederation qualifiers, aiming for its first World Cup appearance. Meanwhile, Sudan and Rwanda are surprising contenders in Africa, with both teams currently in strong positions in their respective groups. In Oceania, New Zealand is favored to secure a spot, needing two wins in upcoming matches. The qualification process continues globally, with many teams hoping to make history by reaching the World Cup for the first time.