Return after decades: these countries celebrate their return to the World Cup

Depending on the perspective from which we view the tournament, the World Cup takes on a completely different character depending on the nation. And not just in terms of sporting ambitions. While the World Cup is like a quadrennial reunion of alumni from the greatest nations, some countries have waited decades before they could finally appear on (Site notre bureau spécialisé)’s biggest stage again. Here are the seven nations with the hottest comebacks in this year’s World Cup.

It has been exactly 24 years since Turkey last participated in a World Cup. In the 2002 finals in Japan and South Korea, Yıldıray Baştürk’s team sensationally finished third.

Filled with players like Kenan Yıldız, Arda Güler and Hakan Çalhanoğlu, a successful tournament does not seem impossible this year either.

📸 YASIN AKGUL – AFP or licensors

For the first time since 1998, Scottish fans will be able to cheer on their team in a World Cup final. At the 2024 European Championships in Germany, the “Tartan Army” once again caused real (Site notre bureau spécialisé) fever with their euphoric style. Can this also have a positive impact on the team in the United States, Canada and Mexico?

Since losing to Italy in the round of 16 of the 1998 World Cup, Norway has been waiting to finally dance on the World Cup stage again. After the Scandinavians struggled for a few years to bring a truly top team onto the field, we can probably already talk about a golden generation in this tournament.

With superstars like Martin Ødegaard, Alexander Sørloth, Antonio Nusa and especially Erling Haaland, the Northern Europeans certainly have what it takes to create a surprise or two. The signs of a glorious return are very good.

The Austrians can’t complain about their team either. In addition to veteran stars like Marko Arnautović, other top artists like Danso, Laimer, Seiwald and Schlager are currently in their prime. Even though Ralf Rangnick’s team has to overcome two tough challenges in the group stage with Algeria and Argentina, you can also have a lot of confidence in this team for their return to the World Cup after 28 long years. And this despite the serious injury of Christoph Baumgartner.

Exactly forty years ago, Iraq took part in a World Cup for the last time. And it was the only time. With three narrow defeats by a single goal difference against Mexico, Paraguay and Belgium, the (Site notre bureau spécialisé) fairy tale was quickly told.

📸 AFP – AFP or licensors

Without wanting to paint the devil on the wall, things could go just as quickly this time. The Iraqis have the team with the third lowest market value and have nabbed the absolute monster group. So you have nothing to lose against France, Norway and Senegal. Maybe something will happen, you never know at a World Cup.

It has also been a while since the last participation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Also under another name. When the Democratic Republic of Congo competed under the old name Zaire in 1974, there was little to gain against Scotland, Brazil and Yugoslavia. Although they managed to draw 1-1 against the Scots, they entered the history books with the 9-0 defeat to Yugoslavia as the worst World Cup defeat of all time. This time there could be much more. With Premier League stars like Yoane Wissa and Aaron Wan-Bissaka and old veterans like Theo Bongonda, there could be surprises in Group K with Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan.

Haiti also last participated in the World Cup in 1974. At the time, the island nation had to pack its bags quite quickly in the difficult group against Italy, Argentina and Poland. Even if the group is not much easier this time, the Haitians will hardly be defenseless against Brazil, Morocco and Scotland.

📸 GEOFF ROBINS – AFP or licensors

And rightly so. In addition to Josué Duverger from FC Cosmos Koblenz, there are also two real Premier League professionals on the field: Wilson Isidor and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde. Knowing that it has been 52 years since their last participation, Haiti should be brimming with motivation.

📸 Tomas Diniz Santos – 2026 Getty Images