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Seven European countries that missed the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar are set to return to the tournament in 2026, including Türkiye, which will appear on the world stage for the first time in 24 years.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, will be the first edition played with 48 teams instead of 32. Europe will be represented by 16 national teams, giving several countries the chance to end long waits for a place in football’s biggest international tournament.
Türkiye’s national football team will take part in the World Cup for the first time since 2002, when the tournament was jointly hosted by Japan and South Korea.
The Turkish side had missed out on the five World Cups held after 2002. In that last appearance, Türkiye finished third, marking one of the most successful campaigns in the country’s football history.
Among the European teams making long-awaited comebacks, Norway, Scotland and Austria stand out with the longest absences.
All three last appeared in the 1998 World Cup, the final edition held before the new millennium. Their return in 2026 will bring a 28-year wait to an end.
Czechia will return to the World Cup after last taking part in the 2006 edition.
Bosnia and Herzegovina, which played in the 2014 World Cup, will come back after missing the following two tournaments.
Sweden, meanwhile, last competed at the 2018 World Cup in Russia and will return after sitting out the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
Norway, Scotland and Austria will return after 28 years, having last appeared in 1998. Türkiye follows with a 24-year gap since 2002, while Czechia is back after 20 years. Bosnia and Herzegovina will return after 12 years, and Sweden after eight years.
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