Smallest Countries To Qualify For The FIFA World Cup 2026

The FIFA World Cup is the biggest football tournament in the world, bringing together nations of all sizes. Since its start in 1930, a total of 80 countries have taken part. Some of these nations are football powerhouses with massive populations, while others are surprisingly small but full of passion.

In this article, we will look at the Smallest Countries To Qualify For The FIFA World Cup 2026. These teams proved that size doesn't determine success on the global stage.

List of Smallest Countries To Qualify For The FIFA World Cup 2026

9. Slovenia (Population - 1.9 Million)

Slovenia, a small country that was once part of Yugoslavia, has shown impressive progress in football over the years. They made headlines when they qualified for Euro 2000 and later for the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

Led by their veteran Zlatko Zahović, Slovenia defeated Romania in the qualifiers to secure their World Cup ticket. Although they lost all their group matches, their participation was historic. Slovenia proved that even a country with less than 2 million people can compete at the world's biggest stage.

Smallest Countries To Qualify For The FIFA World Cup 2026: Slovenia remains a proud example of how determination can overcome size.

8. Uruguay (Population - 1.9 Million)

Uruguay is not only among the Smallest Countries To Qualify For The FIFA World Cup 2026 but also one of its most successful. The South American nation won the first-ever World Cup in 1930 and lifted the trophy again in 1950.

At the time of their first victory, Uruguay had a population of around 1.9 million, making them one of the smallest champions in sports history. Their football tradition runs deep, producing legends like Diego Forlán, Luis Suárez, and Edinson Cavani.

Smallest Countries To Qualify For The FIFA World Cup 2026: Uruguay stands as proof that greatness knows no population limit.

7. United Arab Emirates (Population - 1.9 Million)

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) achieved a milestone in 1990 by qualifying for the FIFA World Cup for the first time. With just under 2 million people, UAE was one of the Smallest Countries To Qualify For The FIFA World Cup 2026.

Despite facing strong teams and losing all three matches, their qualification was a proud achievement, especially since they did it before Asian giants like Japan and Saudi Arabia made their mark on the global stage.

Smallest Countries To Qualify For The FIFA World Cup 2026: UAE's 1990 qualification remains one of Asia's proudest footballing moments.

6. Kuwait (Population - 1.5 Million)

Kuwait entered football history when they qualified for the 1982 FIFA World Cup in Spain. With a population of only 1.5 million, they became one of the Smallest Countries To Qualify For The FIFA World Cup 2026.

Placed in a tough group alongside England, France, and Czechoslovakia, Kuwait managed to secure a memorable draw against Czechoslovakia. Despite not advancing, it was a big achievement for a small Gulf nation.

Smallest Countries To Qualify For The FIFA World Cup 2026: Kuwait's journey in 1982 inspired future generations in the Middle East.

5. Northern Ireland (Population - 1.4 Million)

With a population of around 1.4 million, Northern Ireland is one of the Smallest Countries To Qualify For The FIFA World Cup 2026. Their first qualification came in 1958, where they reached the quarter-finals, a remarkable achievement for such a small nation.

They also qualified in 1982 and 1986, competing bravely against much bigger football nations. Although they haven't been back to the tournament since then, their historic runs are still remembered fondly.

Smallest Countries To Qualify For The FIFA World Cup 2026: Northern Ireland's 1958 heroics remain one of the greatest underdog stories.

4.Trinidad & Tobago (Population - 1.3 Million)

In 2006, Trinidad & Tobago finally achieved their World Cup dream after years of trying. With a population of just 1.3 million, they became one of the Smallest Countries To Qualify For The FIFA World Cup 2026.

Their first match against Sweden ended in a 0–0 draw, showcasing their fighting spirit. Despite later losses to England and Paraguay, their qualification was a huge moment for Caribbean football.

Smallest Countries To Qualify For The FIFA World Cup 2026: Trinidad & Tobago's story remains an inspiration for small football nations around the world.

3. Paraguay (Population - 860,000)

When Paraguay competed in the 1930 FIFA World Cup, the country's population was only around 860,000. This made them one of the Smallest Countries To Qualify For The FIFA World Cup 2026 in history.

They managed a famous win over Belgium, but could not advance past the group stage. Still, Paraguay's early participation helped establish South America as a footballing powerhouse.

Smallest Countries To Qualify For The FIFA World Cup 2026: Paraguay's early achievements showed that even small nations can make global history.

2. Cape Verde (Population - 524,000)

The latest addition to this list of the Smallest Countries To Qualify For The FIFA World Cup 2026 is Cape Verde. In 2025, they made history by booking their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time ever.

With a population of just 524,000, Cape Verde became the second smallest nation to qualify for the tournament. Their qualification came after a stunning run in the African qualifiers, where they topped their group against much stronger teams.

All eyes will be on Cape Verde in 2026, as they prepare to make their World Cup debut and represent one of Africa's smallest yet most passionate football nations.

Smallest Countries To Qualify For The FIFA World Cup 2026: Cape Verde's qualification is a new chapter in football history for small nations.

1. Iceland (Population - 340,000)

Iceland holds the record as the Smallest Countries To Qualify For The FIFA World Cup 2026 in history. With a population of just 340,000, they made global headlines by qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Iceland had already gained attention at Euro 2016 when they famously beat England to reach the quarter-finals. In the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, they topped a tough group that included Croatia, Turkey, and Ukraine.

In the tournament, Iceland drew with Argentina in their opening match, a historic result that showed their fighting spirit. Though they eventually lost to Nigeria and Croatia, Iceland's story remains one of the greatest underdog tales in football.

Smallest Countries To Qualify For The FIFA World Cup 2026: Iceland's success proves that even the tiniest nations can achieve greatness with teamwork and belief.