10 countries hoping to return to the FIFA World Cup in 2030

The 2026 FIFA World Cup was the biggest ever, with 48 teams taking part for the first time.

But many well-known football countries, including past champions and finalists, did not qualify for the tournament.

As the 2030 FIFA World Cup approaches, these nations want to bounce back and reclaim their spots on the world stage. FIFA highlighted 10 countries with strong World Cup histories that are eager to make a comeback in 2030.

Italy

Italy, a four-time champion, is one of the most successful nations in World Cup history. But their recent struggles are shocking. The Azzurri have missed three straight tournaments, a big drop for a team that played in 18 of the last 20 editions.

They finished behind Norway in the qualifiers for the 2026 tournament but had a chance to qualify through the playoffs. Their hopes ended with a penalty shootout loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The hosts of the 1934 and 1990 tournaments have not been at the World Cup since they left in the group stage in 2014. The two-time European champions now aim to rebuild and turn their talented squad into a competitive team for 2030.

Denmark

Denmark has become a regular at the World Cup since their first appearance in 1986. They have played in six tournaments and reached the quarter-finals in 1998.

The Danes narrowly missed out on the 2026 tournament. They lost their last qualifying match against Scotland and then fell to Czechia in the playoffs on penalties.

Their early exit from the 2022 World Cup added to the disappointment. Yet, with a talented squad, Denmark hopes manager Brian Riemer can lead them back to the global stage.

Poland

Poland has played in nine World Cups, finishing third in 1974 and 1982. They returned to the knockout stage in 2022 for the first time since 1986 but could not build on that success.

The Poles missed out on the 2026 qualifiers after a 3-2 loss to Sweden in the playoff final.

Now, Poland needs to rebuild, especially as veteran striker Robert Lewandowski nears the end of his career. But the new generation of players gives hope for a strong return.

Hungary

Hungary was once a powerful team in world football, playing in nine World Cups and reaching two finals. Their last appearance was in 1986, making them the team with the longest absence on this list.

They nearly reached the 2026 playoffs but lost a dramatic final match to the Republic of Ireland.

Despite their struggles, Hungary's recent performances in the European Championship have brought some hope as they try to return to the biggest competition in football.

Romania

Romania's best World Cup moment was in 1994 when a golden generation with Gheorghe Hagi and Gheorghe Popescu reached the quarter-finals.

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

With Hagi back as coach, Romania hopes to build a squad that can end their long wait for the World Cup.

Nigeria

Nigeria has reached the knockout stage in three of their six World Cup appearances, with memorable runs in 1994, 1998, and 2014.

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

Despite this setback, Nigeria's wealth of football talent remains a big advantage. A stable structure and consistent performances will be vital for their return in 2030.

Cameroon

Cameroon holds the African record for most World Cup appearances, with eight tournaments under their belt.

The Indomitable Lions made history in 1990 by being the first African team to reach the quarter-finals. But their 2026 qualification campaign ended sadly after finishing behind Cape Verde and losing to DR Congo in the playoffs.

With a strong football tradition and plenty of talent, Cameroon aims to regain the consistency that once made them one of Africa's top teams.

Chile

Chile has played in nine World Cups and finished third in 1962 when they hosted the tournament.

They enjoyed a great period from 2010 to 2014, reaching the knockout stages in consecutive tournaments. But La Roja has missed three tournaments in a row and faced tough qualifying for 2026.

Now, Chile will look to new players to bring back their success before 2030.

Peru

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

But their recent campaigns have not gone well. They finished ninth in the 2026 qualifiers, with only two wins and six goals in 18 matches.

A major rebuilding effort is needed as Peru tries to create a new attacking force while keeping the solid defense that brought them past success.

Costa Rica

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

Their biggest achievement was in 2014 when they reached the quarter-finals after topping a group with Uruguay, Italy, and England.

But their chances for 2026 ended after a disappointing qualifying campaign, with a draw against Honduras that kept them from even a playoff chance. The three-time regional champions will now focus on building a new generation to restore their status as one of Central America's top football nations.