One country has entered two teams into this year’s World Cup – Here’s how

They've doubled their chances at glory...

Even before it has begun, the 2026 World Cup is certain to make history, set to be the biggest ever, with 48 teams competing for glory, and matches will be hosted in stadiums spread across three different countries in another first.

Since March's play-offs — with the exception of the Middle Eastern nation of Iran, who have seriously considered dropping out due ongoing military tension with the USA, and may yet do so — the 48 competing teams have been locked in, and ready to compete.

Incredibly, within that number of 48 teams, there are actually only 47 different fully independent countries.

As such, a little-known geographical rule allows one of the competing nations to effectively enter two teams, even though they will compete under the banners of different regions in separate continents.

The surprise situation relates to the South American team of Curacao, who are playing at their first ever World Cup finals this summer.

Although Curacao is an "autonomous constituent country" it is not fully independent from the Netherlands, with the Dutch government still maintaining responsibility for areas of policy like defence and foreign relations.

Curacao was colonised by Dutch powers in the 17th Century, and has remained under consistent European control ever since, making it one of the few South American nations to have never achieved independent sovereignty.

The relationship between Curacao and The Netherlands is somewhat similar to that of Greenland and Denmark, that would have brought the Danes into military conflict with their NATO ally, had Donald Trump progressed with plans to annex the island.

So, alongside the Netherlands team, that made it into the tournament via European qualifying, those from the Dutch nation will also be able to support Curacao this summer.

Which countries are competing at the 2026 World Cup?

1. United States
2. Mexico
3. Canada
4. Argentina
5. Iran
6. Japan
7. Uzbekistan
8. Jordan
9. South Korea
10. New Zealand
11. Australia
12. Brazil
13. Ecuador
14. Uruguay
15. Paraguay
16. Colombia
17. Morocco
18. Tunisia
19. Egypt
20. Algeria
21. Ghana
22. Cape Verde
23. South Africa
24. Qatar
25. England
26. Saudi Arabia
27. Ivory Coast
28. Senegal
29. France
30. Croatia
31. Portugal
32. Norway
33. The Netherlands
34. Germany
35. Spain
36. Belgium
37. Austria
38. Scotland
39. Switzerland
40. Panama
41. Haiti
42. Curaçao
43. Bosnia-Herzegovina
44. Iraq
45. DR Congo
46. Czechia
47. Turkey
48. Sweden