"Iceland With a population of just over 350,000, Iceland became the smallest country to reach the World Cup when it qualified for the tournament in Russia in 2018. That was two years after the team famously eliminated England to reach the quarterfinals of the 2016 European Championship. In Russia, Iceland managed a draw against Argentina but losses to Croatia and Nigeria placed it last in its World Cup group."
"Cape Verde The island nation off the coast of West Africa has about 525,000 inhabitants and is ranked 70th in the FIFA men's world ranking. Cape Verde earned a spot at the 2026 World Cup by finishing first in its African qualifying group ahead of Cameroon, one of the continent's top soccer powers. The country which won independence from Portugal 50 years ago has appeared at the Africa Cup of Nations four times, and reached the quarterfinals in 2013 and 2023. Of the countries that have qualified so far for next year's World Cup in the U.S., Mexico and Canada, it is by far the smallest."
"Paraguay The South American country had an estimated population of just under 1 million when it appeared at the inaugural World Cup in 1930. Paraguay was eliminated in the first round after losing to the United States and defeating Belgium. The Paraguayans will make their ninth World Cup appearance next year after grabbing the last of South America's six direct qualifying spots."
Cape Verde secured its first World Cup berth by beating Eswatini 3-0 and stands as the second-smallest country to appear at the men's World Cup with about 525,000 residents. Iceland, with just over 350,000 people, remains the smallest nation to qualify, reaching Russia 2018 where it drew Argentina but finished last in its group. Paraguay had under 1 million inhabitants when it played in the inaugural 1930 World Cup and will appear again after qualifying for the next tournament. Trinidad and Tobago achieved its sole World Cup appearance in 2006.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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