The 2026 World Cup will feature ten nations still searching for their first victory on football’s biggest stage. Canada return after scoring their maiden World Cup goal in 2022, hoping to finally convert promise into points against Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar and Switzerland. Iraq, back for the first time since 1986, face a daunting group with France, Norway and Senegal but carry renewed ambition.
Egypt, one of Africa’s giants, remain winless despite multiple appearances and arrive unbeaten in qualifying, driven by Mohamed Salah. New Zealand famously left 2010 undefeated yet winless; Belgium, Egypt and Iran now stand between them and a historic breakthrough. Haiti return after 52 years, drawn into a demanding group with Brazil, Morocco and Scotland. Qatar seek validation after qualifying on merit, while debutants Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan and Uzbekistan enter with freedom and optimism.
As favourites dominate headlines, some of 2026’s most compelling stories may come from nations chasing that elusive first win.