Football Quiz! Every FIFA nation to never appear at the World Cup

SAN MARINO, SAN MARINO - SEPTEMBER 05: Filippo Fabbri of San Marino reacts as the team enter the half time break trailing by 4-0 whilst Karol Swiderski of Poland reacts after missing a chance to increase the side's lead in the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifier match between San Marino and Poland at San Marino Stadium on September 05, 2021 in San Marino, San Marino. (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)
Filippo Fabbri of San Marino reacts as his team enters the half time break trailing Poland 4-0 in a 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifier match (Image credit: Getty Images)

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... and if you know your geography, that might help. There are 211 nations playing under the FIFA banner, but 127 of them have NEVER qualified for a World Cup

The expanded format in 2026 has increased their chances, and rumours of a further increase to 64 even more so. But still more than half have never played in the tournament.

Cape Verde, Haiti and Curacao all made their bow at this year's event; who will be next to debut?

You have 25 minutes to name as many of the hopefuls as you can.

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To ensure you stay one step ahead of the late tactical shifts as the knockout rounds loom, subscribe to our newsletter for your daily afternoon briefing of hand-picked trivia. To truly secure your legacy this summer, make sure you've joined The Club, our free membership hub that serves as your digital dugout, where you can unlock secret hints for the toughest quizzes, fight for the top of the global leaderboards, and join the debate in the comments section as the tournament drama unfolds.

Ryan Gray
Freelance Writer

Ryan Gray is a freelance writer, covering mainly travel and occasionally sport. He previously spent two years as Sports Editor at the Watford Observer before turning his hand to travel writing, with his work appearing in various national UK publications. He has gone from providing matchday commentary for Blyth Spartans to covering FA Cup and Euros finals, as well as interviewing the likes of Claudio Ranieri, Alan Shearer and Glenn Hoddle, among other big names. 

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