The upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is presenting an unprecedented opportunity for lesser-known footballing nations to shine on the global stage. Expanding the tournament from 32 to 48 teams has revitalized the hopes of regional neighbors like Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain, who have often found themselves overshadowed by wealthier Gulf states such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia. 

As the qualifying rounds progress, the stakes are high for these nations. With Asia’s automatic allocation of World Cup spots doubling from four to eight, there is potential for teams beyond the usual contenders—Japan, South Korea, Iran, Australia, and Saudi Arabia—to secure a place in the tournament.

Historically, Kuwait was once a formidable force in Asian football, winning the Asian Cup in 1980 and participating in the 1982 World Cup as the first Asian Arab nation to do so. However, the country has struggled in recent years due to a FIFA ban from 2015 to 2017, stemming from government interference in football governance. This hiatus significantly impacted the development of young talent and diminished public interest in the national team, according to Abdullah Al-Mutairi, a coach in the Kuwaiti Premier League.

Al-Mutairi emphasized the transformative impact World Cup qualification could have on Kuwaiti football: "It would really help football in Kuwait to qualify, as there have been many problems." 

As the third round of qualifying commences, the hopes of these underrepresented teams hang in the balance, sparking excitement among fans who dream of seeing their nations compete on the world’s biggest stage. With the expanded World Cup format, the dream of representing their countries could soon become reality for many talented players from these lesser-known footballing nations.