8
Debutants / Returning
48
Record number of nations
40 yrs
Iraq's absence (longest gap)

🆕 All 8 Debutants & Returning Nations

ボスニア・ヘルツェゴビナ
🇧🇦 ボスニア・ヘルツェゴビナ
グループ B
Debut

A long-awaited debut for this former Yugoslav nation that declared independence in 1992. Their striking blue flag features a diagonal yellow stripe and seven white stars. Despite a population of ~3.3 million, several players ply their trade in top European leagues.

キュラソー
🇨🇼 キュラソー
グループ E
Debut

One of the smallest nations ever to qualify. A constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands located in the Caribbean, with a population of ~190,000. Their flag — blue, yellow and white with two stars — will be a new sight at the World Cup.

ハイチ
🇭🇹 ハイチ
グループ C
Debut

The first independent republic in the Caribbean (1804). Their blue-and-red bicolour flag features a central coat of arms. Several Haitian players are based at European clubs.

ウズベキスタン
🇺🇿 ウズベキスタン
グループ K
Debut

Central Asia's largest nation by population (~36 million) and an emerging football force. Their blue-white-green tricolour features a crescent and 12 stars. They have risen rapidly through the AFC rankings in recent years.

ヨルダン
🇯🇴 ヨルダン
グループ J
Debut

A small Middle Eastern nation that punched through the tough Asian final round. Their flag — black, white, and green Pan-Arab colours with a red triangle and a white seven-pointed star — will debut on the world stage. Jordan's youth teams reached the Tokyo Olympics semi-finals.

アルジェリア
🇩🇿 アルジェリア
グループ J
Debut

Africa's largest country by area returns to the World Cup for the first time since 1986. Their green-and-white vertical bicolour with a red crescent and star is instantly recognisable. A large pool of French-based players gives Algeria real quality.

DRコンゴ
🇨🇩 DRコンゴ
グループ K
Debut

Back at the World Cup for the first time since 1974 — a 52-year gap. This central African giant has a population of ~100 million. Their vivid sky-blue, red, and yellow flag will be a colourful addition. Several players are active in top European leagues.

イラク
🇮🇶 イラク
グループ I
Debut

Iraq's second-ever World Cup appearance — 40 years after Mexico 1986. Their qualification, achieved despite decades of instability, was celebrated across the nation. Their green, white, and black Pan-Arab flag bears the Arabic phrase "Allahu Akbar" in the centre.

💡 Test Yourself on the New Flags

Uzbekistan, Curaçao, Jordan, and Bosnia flags tend to catch fans off-guard in quizzes. Learn them now for a better World Cup experience.

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