The FIFA World Cup 2026, in its expanded format, has featured four teams making their tournament debut: Curacao, Cape Verde, Jordan, and Uzbekistan.
Now, with the first round of the tournament having ended, all four teams have officially made their World Cup debut. Some have fared better than others, with one specific team having arguably the most stand-out debut.
Here is a recap of how the four debuting countries fared in their first-ever FIFA World Cup matches:
Germany 7-1 Curacao: June 14
Curacao was the first of the four to make its debut, facing up against 2014 champion Germany. Despite falling a goal behind early, Curacao had a short-lived spell of control where Livano Comenencia scored its first-ever World Cup goal. However, soon after the first hydration break, The Blue Wave tailed off, and Germany dominated the game. By the end of the game, Curacao had let in six more goals, losing 7-1.
Spain 0-0 Cape Verde: June 15
Cape Verde made its debut next, taking on 2010 champion and holding European champion Spain. In spite of the difference in player power and 65-ranking gap, the Blue Sharks defence stood strong. Led by 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha making seven key saves, the side secured a famous 0-0 draw against the odds. While it was the only debutant not to open its goalscoring account, it is unlikely many fans will be disappointed.
Austria 3-1 Jordan: June 17
Jordan made its tournament debut after. Its first match was against Austria, which was making its seventh appearance at a World Cup. In the fixture, Austria took an early lead through Romano Schmidt, but Ali Olwan scored early in the second half. However, defender Yazan Al-Arab’s own goal and Marko Arnautović’s late penalty resigned Jordan to a loss. Still, head coach Jamal Sellami could take a lot of positives away from the game.
Uzbekistan 1-3 Colombia: June 18
Uzbekistan was the last of the four to make its debut, facing off against Colombia. The Central Asian country fell behind late in the first half following a Daniel Munoz goal, but had a short spell of control early in the second half, where winger Abbosbek Fayzullaev scored. However, Colombia talisman Luis Díaz scored five minutes later. Despite Uzbekistan throwing players forward, it was unable to score an equaliser. Colombian attacking midfielder Jaminton Campaz scored a brilliant header to seal the game in added time.
What’s next for all four teams?
Curacao’s next game will be against Ecuador in Kansas on June 20, at 6 pm local time (5:30 am IST on June 21).
Cape Verde will play Uruguay in Miami on June 21, at 6 pm local time (3:30 am IST on June 22)
Jordan faces Algeria next, with the match set to be held in San Francisco on June 22, at 8 pm local time (8:30 am IST on June 23).
Uzbekistan next plays Portugal in Houston on June 23, at 12 noon local time (10:30 pm IST).
Published on Jun 18, 2026
