World Cup Classics

A 1974 World Cup disaster (as Zaire), a 50-year wait, and a 2026 inter-confederation playoff win. The 'hmm' corners of Congolese football.

A 1974 World Cup appearance that shocked the world — a goal that ended Dino Zoff's 1,143-minute shutout streak. Haiti returns to the WC after 52 years. The 'hmm' corners of Les Grenadiers' football journey.

A 1996 Euro final loss, Pavel Nedvěd's 2003 Ballon d'Or, and Patrik Schick's halfway-line goal at Euro 2020. The 'hmm' corners of Czech football.

A 2007 AFC Asian Cup triumph amid war, a 1986 WC debut, and an inter-confederation playoff win in 2026. The 'hmm' corners of Iraqi football.

Undefeated at the 2010 World Cup (yet eliminated), the pride of the OFC, and a return in 2026 after 16 years. The 'hmm' corners of All Whites football.

A 2018 World Cup debut, a Román Torres goal that changed a nation, and a 2023 Gold Cup final appearance. The 'hmm' corners of Panama's football rise.

Hosts of Africa's first-ever World Cup (2010), a dramatic 2024 AFCON bronze, and an iconic Siphiwe Tshabalala goal. The 'hmm' corners of Bafana Bafana football.

A young nation (independent 1995) with one previous World Cup appearance (2014) and a 2026 return led by Edin Džeko. The 'hmm' corners of Zmajevi football.

The first African team to win a World Cup match, the 2022 shock vs France, and an AFCON title at home. The 'hmm' corners of the Carthage Eagles' football story.

A 1982 'Disgrace of Gijón' that changed World Cup rules forever, a 2014 Round of 16 shocker, and Riyad Mahrez's Leicester fairy tale. The 'hmm' corners of Algeria's football story.

The 2022 hosts who lost all 3 matches — and now qualify for WC 2026 properly. From Aspire Academy to two Asian Cup titles in a row, the 'hmm' corners of Qatari football.

A 1930s 'Wunderteam,' a 28-year World Cup drought, and David Alaba's Real Madrid glory. The 'hmm' corners of Austrian football.

From Didier Drogba's iconic Chelsea years to a dramatic 2024 AFCON home triumph. The 'hmm' corners of the Elephants' footballing story.

Four World Cups, a 2006 Round of 16 breakthrough, and Quito's altitude advantage. From Antonio Valencia to Moisés Caicedo, the 'hmm' corners of La Tri football.

Norway's first World Cup since 1998 — led by Erling Haaland. From the golden generation of the 1990s to the Manchester City striking machine, the 'hmm' corners of Norwegian football.

Seven Africa Cup of Nations titles — the most of any African nation. Mohamed Salah's reign. A 45-year-old goalkeeper in 2018 who became the oldest WC player ever. The 'hmm' corners of Pharaohs football.

Six World Cups and a string of near-upsets. From Ali Daei's 109 goals to Sardar Azmoun's rise, from the 1998 USA match to Mehdi Taremi's Serie A move — the 'hmm' corners of Team Melli football.

Co-hosts of WC 2026, returning from a 36-year absence after 2022. From Alphonso Davies's Bayern peak to the 1986 tournament where they lost all 3 matches without scoring, the 'hmm' corners of Canuck football.

A neutral country with 13 World Cup appearances, a 2006 tournament where they didn't concede a single goal (and still got eliminated), and a 2005 playoff tunnel brawl with Türkiye that left scars. The 'hmm' corners of Swiss football.

A home World Cup final loss to Brazil (1958), a 3rd place in 1994, and Zlatan Ibrahimović's 15-year saga. From Tomas Brolin's Parma peaks to Henrik Larsson's Celtic years — the 'hmm' corners of Blågult football.

A 2022 shock win over Argentina, a 1994 solo goal that stunned Belgium, and a plan to host WC 2034. The 'hmm' corners of Green Falcons football.

Scotland's first World Cup since 1998. Drawn in Group C with Brazil, Morocco, and Haiti — the Tartan Army returns to football's biggest stage. From Denis Law to Andy Robertson, the 'hmm' corners of Scottish football.

Seconds from a World Cup semi-final in 2010 — denied by Luis Suárez's handball and a missed penalty. From Abedi Pelé to Michael Essien, the 'hmm' corners of Black Stars football.

A 1994 tragedy, James Rodríguez's 2014 Golden Boot, René Higuita's scorpion kick, and Pibe's curly hair. The 'hmm' corners of Colombia's World Cup journey.