FIFA has identified Nigeria’s Super Eagles, four-time champions Italy and eight other countries as nations expected to battle for a return to the FIFA World Cup after failing to qualify for the 2026 edition.
In a statement published on Thursday, football’s world governing body highlighted 10 teams with notable World Cup histories that will be eager to secure places at the centenary edition of the tournament in 2030.
The countries listed are Nigeria, Italy, Denmark, Poland, Hungary, Romania, Cameroon, Chile, Peru and Costa Rica.
Nigeria, who have reached the Round of 16 in three of their six World Cup appearances, will be seeking a return to the global showpiece after missing the last two editions following an unsuccessful qualification campaign for the 2026 tournament.
FIFA noted that despite the Super Eagles’ recent setbacks, the country’s abundance of football talent means its hopes of qualifying for the 2030 World Cup will depend more on stability and consistency than on the quality of its players.
Italy also featured on the list after the four-time world champions failed to qualify for the World Cup for a third consecutive tournament, extending one of the most surprising droughts in international football.
Other countries named by FIFA include Denmark, Poland, Hungary, Romania, Cameroon, Chile, Peru and Costa Rica, all of whom will be aiming to revive their World Cup fortunes and secure qualification for the 2030 tournament.
