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Historic teams return to World Cup in North America

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 7, 2026, 9:25 AM

Last updated Jun 7, 2026

Historic teams return to World Cup in North America

Summary

The 2026 World Cup will welcome back several national teams with storied histories. Teams like DR Congo and Haiti, last seen in 1974, are set to return alongside Iraq, which has not participated since 1986. Other notable returnees include Austria, Scotland, Turkey, and the Czech Republic, each bringing a unique footballing culture. The tournament will also see the likes of Paraguay and Ivory Coast seeking redemption from previous campaigns. These teams aim to make an impact in what promises to be an expansive and memorable edition of the World Cup.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•DR Congo and Haiti return after decades.
•Iraq participates for the first time since 1986.
•Austria, Scotland, and Norway highlighted for their tactical football.
•Turkey aims to reclaim its dramatic football legacy from 2002.
•Bosnia, Ivory Coast, Paraguay, and others return with competitive ambitions.

Latest Updates

9:25 AMYahoo Sports — 🔙 Welcome back: the nations returning to the World Cup 🤩

What they're saying

"
The 48-team World Cup not only expands football’s boundaries, it also taps into collective nostalgia. In 2026, North America becomes the stage for the return of historic and cult national teams that...
— Yahoo Sports

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