Why the World Cup's Smallest Nations Are Delivering Its Biggest Stories

When most people think about the World Cup, they think about the big names. Countries like Argentina, Spain, France, and Brazil. Players like Messi and Mbappé. But as the 2026 World Cup is already proving, sometimes the smallest countries and the most unexpected players make the best stories.

Cape Verde is a prime example. A small island nation off the coast of West Africa with a population of just 525,000, they arrived at their first ever World Cup and promptly held a powerhouse Spain team to a 0-0 draw, earning their first point in World Cup history.

In their second match, they earned a 2-2 draw against Uruguay, scoring their first World Cup goals in the process. Two games in, Cape Verde is undefeated. With a final group game against Saudi Arabia ahead, a spot in the knockout round is very much within reach.

At the center of it all is goalkeeper Josimar José Évora Dias, known as Vozinha. The 40-year-old only turned professional at 25, and went largely unnoticed outside Cape Verde, until now. His performance against Spain, where he made seven saves and shut out one of the top-ranked teams in the world, made him an overnight sensation and earned him the Player of the Match award.

Another team writing its own chapter is Curaçao. The smallest nation by population ever to qualify for the World Cup, they announced themselves on the world stage by scoring their first ever World Cup goal against Germany. Then, in their second match against Ecuador, goalkeeper Eloy Room delivered one of the most remarkable individual performances in recent World Cup memory, making 15 saves to earn Curaçao their first ever World Cup point in a 0-0 draw. With a population of just 158,000, they are proving that size has nothing to do with heart.

Then there's the Democratic Republic of Congo. Making their first World Cup appearance since 1974, they faced a Ronaldo-led Portugal and more than held their own. Ronaldo failed to find the net, and a goal from Yoane Wissa earned DR Congo a 1-1 draw and their first ever World Cup point.

The lesson here for young athletes is simple: never count yourself out. The biggest teams can be beaten. The most unexpected players can become legends overnight. FIFA's decision to expand the 2026 World Cup to 48 teams has already produced a more globally inclusive tournament and some of the best stories the sport has ever seen.

Let these teams serve as a reminder: the underdog moment your team has been working toward is more possible than you think.