Four nations made debuts at the 2026 World Cup, with Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan gracing the grandest stage in international football for the first time. It was the tournament with the most newcomers since 2006 and Cape Verde achieved the feat of ending a 16-year wait for a debutant to reach the knockout stages, before succumbing to Lionel Messi's Argentina in a classic.
Taegeuk Warriors boss has admitted that physical conditioning will be the greatest obstacle for his side at upcoming global showpiece, citing the punishing effects of high altitude. The Asian giants are taking no chances as they prepare for a difficult Group A campaign that includes a meeting with Hugo Broos’ South Africa, at altitude in Guadalupe.