10 countries aiming for 2030 FIFA World Cup return

The 2026 FIFA World Cup was the largest edition in history, featuring 48 teams for the first time.

However, several established football nations, including former champions and finalists, failed to qualify for the global showpiece.

With the 2030 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, these countries will be hoping to recover from recent setbacks and reclaim their places on football’s biggest stage according to FIFA on Wednesday.

FIFA highlights 10 nations with strong World Cup traditions that will be determined to secure a return in 2030.

See the 10 nations below:

Italy

Four-time champions Italy remain one of the most successful nations in World Cup history, but their recent struggles have been unprecedented. The Azzurri have now missed three consecutive tournaments, a remarkable decline for a team that featured in 18 of the previous 20 editions.

After finishing behind Norway in qualification for the 2026 tournament, Italy still had a chance to reach the competition through the playoffs. However, their hopes ended after a penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The 1934 and 1990 hosts have not appeared at the World Cup since their group-stage exit in 2014. The two-time European champions will now look to rebuild and turn their talented squad into a competitive force ahead of 2030.

Denmark

Denmark have grown into regular World Cup participants since making their debut in 1986, with six appearances and a quarter-final finish in 1998.

The Danes narrowly missed out on the 2026 tournament after losing their final qualifying group match against Scotland and later falling to Czechia on penalties in the playoffs.

Their early exit at the 2022 World Cup also added to the disappointment. However, with a talented squad available, Denmark will hope manager Brian Riemer can guide them back to the global stage.

Poland

Poland have featured at nine World Cups and secured third-place finishes in 1974 and 1982. They returned to the knockout stage in 2022 for the first time since 1986 but failed to build on that achievement.

The Poles missed qualification for 2026 after losing 3-2 to Sweden in the playoff final.

The country now faces a rebuilding phase, especially with veteran striker Robert Lewandowski approaching the twilight of his career. However, Poland’s emerging generation of players offers hope for a strong comeback.

Hungary

Once a dominant force in world football, Hungary have appeared at nine World Cups and reached two finals. However, their last appearance came in 1986, making them the team on this list with the longest absence from the tournament.

The Hungarians came close to reaching the 2026 playoffs but suffered a dramatic final-day defeat to the Republic of Ireland.

Despite their World Cup struggles, Hungary’s recent performances at European Championship tournaments have provided encouragement as they seek a return to football’s biggest competition.

Romania

Romania’s greatest World Cup moment came in 1994 when a golden generation featuring Gheorghe Hagi and Gheorghe Popescu reached the quarter-finals.

Since their last appearance in 1998, however, the Tricolorii have struggled to return to the tournament. They reached the 2026 playoffs through the UEFA Nations League route but lost 1-0 to Türkiye in the semi-finals.

With Hagi back for a second spell as coach, Romania will hope to develop a squad capable of ending their long World Cup wait.

Nigeria

Nigeria have reached the knockout stage in three of their six World Cup appearances, including memorable campaigns in 1994, 1998 and 2014.

The Super Eagles missed the last two editions after finishing behind South Africa in their 2026 African qualifying group. They reached the playoff stage but lost to DR Congo on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

Despite the setback, Nigeria’s deep pool of football talent remains a major advantage. A stable structure and consistent performances will be key to their return in 2030.

Cameroon

Cameroon hold the African record for the most World Cup appearances, having featured at eight tournaments.

The Indomitable Lions made history in 1990 by becoming the first African nation to reach the quarter-finals. However, their 2026 qualification campaign ended in disappointment after finishing behind Cape Verde and losing to DR Congo in the playoffs.

With a rich football tradition and abundant talent, Cameroon will aim to regain the consistency that made them one of Africa’s strongest teams.

Chile

Chile have participated in nine World Cups and finished third in the 1962 tournament hosted on home soil.

The country enjoyed a golden era between 2010 and 2014, reaching the knockout stages in consecutive editions. However, La Roja have since missed three straight tournaments and endured a difficult qualifying campaign for 2026.

Chile will now look toward a new generation of players to revive their fortunes before 2030.

Peru

Peru have reached the World Cup quarter-finals twice, in 1970 and 1978, and ended a 36-year absence by qualifying for the 2018 tournament.

However, their recent campaigns have been disappointing. They finished ninth in the 2026 qualifiers, recording only two wins and scoring six goals in 18 matches.

A major rebuilding effort will be needed as Peru attempt to develop a new attacking force while maintaining the defensive organisation that previously brought success.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica have been one of CONCACAF’s most consistent World Cup teams, appearing in five of the last seven tournaments.

Their greatest achievement came in 2014 when they reached the quarter-finals after topping a group containing Uruguay, Italy and England.

However, their hopes of reaching 2026 ended after a disappointing qualifying campaign, with a draw against Honduras denying them even a playoff opportunity.

The three-time regional champions will now focus on developing a new generation capable of restoring their status as one of Central America’s leading football nations.