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The Lowest-Ranked Teams Heading to the 2026 FIFA World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest ever, featuring 48 teams competing across three countries: Mexico, United States, and Canada. Alongside the traditional favorites, several lower-ranked squads will join the competition. Some of these teams hope to surprise the world; others aim simply to make history by participating.

Here’s a look at the lowest-ranked national sides qualified for the tournament and the tough challenges ahead.

5. Bosnia and Herzegovina

Known as the “Dragons,” Bosnia and Herzegovina sits at No. 65 in the FIFA rankings, making them the lowest-ranked UEFA team this year. Their qualification shocked many by knocking out Italy, four-time World Cup winners, during the European qualifiers. The nation once reached its highest ranking at No. 13 back in 2013 but has slipped since then.

Their group includes Canada (27), Switzerland (17), and Qatar (51). On paper, this looks manageable, and Bosnia and Herzegovina could become one of the lowest-ranked teams ever to progress beyond the group stage.

4. Ghana

The “Black Stars” are rebuilding and currently sit at No. 74 in FIFA’s rankings. This is far from their golden days when they climbed to No. 14 in 2008. Ghana faces a daunting group alongside Panama (33), England (4), and Croatia (11). The quality of their opponents makes their road one of the toughest in the tournament.

3. Curaçao

Making their World Cup debut, “The Blue Wave” had an unbeaten qualifying run, finishing ahead of Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. They are ranked No. 82 now and have never been higher than No. 68. Even as the Netherlands Antilles, they lacked major international success.

Curaçao's group is challenging: opening against Germany (10), followed by Ecuador (23), and finishing with Ivory Coast (34). It promises to be a harsh introduction to the World Cup stage.

2. Haiti

“Les Grenadiers” surprised many by advancing from a group that included Costa Rica, Honduras, and Nicaragua. This marks Haiti’s return to the World Cup after last appearing in 1974. They stand at No. 83 in the rankings but peaked at No. 38 in 2013 due to strong Caribbean Cup performances.

Haiti’s group contains Scotland (43), Brazil (6), and Morocco (8). Facing Brazil—the five-time champions—will test their mettle, with Morocco and Scotland also tough opponents.

1. New Zealand

The “All Whites” have long ruled Oceania but enter the tournament as the lowest-ranked team overall at No. 85. Their best ranking was No. 47 in 2002, but they’ve declined internationally since then. Still, they remain the region’s dominant force.

New Zealand’s group features Iran (21), Egypt (29), and Belgium (9). Should they reach the knockout rounds, they would set a record as the lowest-ranked team ever to advance. The current mark belongs to Russia, which progressed from 2018 while ranked No. 70.

Watch beIN SPORTS Xtra live on YouTube to catch all the action.

  • Bosnia and Herzegovina: Rank 65, Group: Canada (27), Switzerland (17), Qatar (51)
  • Ghana: Rank 74, Group: Panama (33), England (4), Croatia (11)
  • Curaçao: Rank 82, Group: Germany (10), Ecuador (23), Ivory Coast (34)
  • Haiti: Rank 83, Group: Scotland (43), Brazil (6), Morocco (8)
  • New Zealand: Rank 85, Group: Iran (21), Egypt (29), Belgium (9)

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