Istanbul: The FIFA World Cup drought will end this summer for Trkiye, Norway, Scotland, Austria, Czechia, Bosnia, and Sweden. These nations are set to make a comeback in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada, marking a significant moment in their football histories.

According to Anadolu Agency, the list of 48 teams for the 2026 tournament includes 16 European teams, expanding from the previous 32-team format. This expansion allows seven European countries, who missed the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, to compete again. Among these, Norway, Scotland, and Austria are notable for making their first World Cup appearance since 1998, ending a 28-year absence from the global stage.

The Turkish National Football Team, known as the Crescent Stars, will also make a significant return. Trkiye is set to compete for the first time in 24 years, having last participated in the 2002 World Cup where they finished third. This marks an end to their absence from the last five tournaments.

Czechia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Sweden are also among the returning nations. Czechia last appeared in the 2006 World Cup, while Bosnia and Herzegovina will return after missing two tournaments post-2014. Sweden, having missed the 2022 World Cup, will rejoin the competition after their appearance in the 2018 edition in Russia.

The tournament will also see new participants as it expands to include 48 teams. Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan are set to make their debut in the World Cup finals, highlighting the increased global reach of the event.