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Countries with new names competing in the 2026 World Cup

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 3, 2026, 7:02 PM

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

Countries with new names competing in the 2026 World Cup

Summary

The 2026 World Cup, set to take place from June 11 to July 19 in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, will feature 48 national teams. Several nations will compete under newly recognized names. Czechia, recognized at international events since 2016, qualified through European playoffs. The Netherlands, which rebranded from Holland in 2020, secured its spot directly in qualifiers. Türkiye, transitioning from its English name Turkey, reached the tournament via European playoffs. The Democratic Republic of the Congo returns to the World Cup for the first time since 1974 after defeating Nigeria. Iran, officially recognized as Iran since 1935, qualifies for its seventh World Cup, having made it through Asian qualifiers.

Source Links

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Status Watch

•2026 World Cup features 48 teams from June 11 to July 19.
•Czechia qualifies via European playoffs; recognized since 2016.
•Netherlands adopts new name in 2020; qualifies directly.
•Türkiye competes under new name from 2022, qualified via playoffs.
•Democratic Republic of the Congo returns after defeating Nigeria.

Latest Updates

7:02 PMYahoo Sports — 🏆 Which renamed countries will be at the 2026 World Cup?

What they're saying

"
The 2026 World Cup will, for the first time, bring together 48 national teams, from June 11 to July 19, in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.Amid so many new developments, it’s worth taking a lo...
— Yahoo Sports

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