Ten teams eyeing World Cup return in 2030

This year's FIFA World Cup was the largest and most inclusive yet, featuring 48 teams for the first time. Despite the expanded format, several traditional powerhouses were absent, including former champions and regular participants. As the football world shifts focus to the 2030 tournament—the centenary edition—these nations are determined to reclaim their places on the global stage.

Italy: Four-time champions facing unprecedented absence

Italy sits joint-second in the all-time World Cup standings with four titles, but has now missed three consecutive tournaments—an unprecedented streak for a nation that had participated in 18 of the previous 20 editions. The Azzurri finished behind Norway in qualifying for the 2026 tournament and entered the play-offs with confidence. After easing through to the final, however, Gennaro Gattuso's side suffered a shock penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Italy has not appeared at the World Cup since being eliminated in the group stage in 2014. The two-time European champions now aim to rebuild a cohesive team from their abundant individual talent and finally overcome their qualifying struggles ahead of 2030.

Denmark: Near miss in 2026 qualifying

Denmark made its World Cup debut in 1986 and has since become a regular, featuring in six tournaments and reaching the quarter-finals in 1998. The Danes came close to qualifying for the 2026 edition but squandered a chance for direct qualification when they lost to Scotland in their Group C opener, despite being level with nine minutes remaining. They then fell to Czechia on penalties in the play-off decider. This disappointment followed a poor showing at Qatar 2022, where the UEFA Euro 1992 winners were eliminated in the group stage. If coach Brian Riemer can harness the potential of a talented squad, especially under pressure, Denmark's prospects for an immediate return look promising.

Poland: Post-Lewandowski era on the horizon

Poland has participated in nine World Cups, winning bronze in 1974 and 1982. The Orły reached the knockout rounds for the first time since 1986 in 2022 but failed to build on that progress. In qualifying for the 2026 tournament, they lost 3-2 to Sweden in the play-off final after being edged out of first place in Group G by the Netherlands. Looking ahead to 2030, a major rebuild may be necessary as star striker Robert Lewandowski approaches his 38th birthday. Poland has promising talent across several age groups, with contenders emerging to fill not only Lewandowski's role but other positions as well.

Hungary: Longest exile among former finalists

Hungary is a historic World Cup powerhouse, having appeared in nine editions and reaching the final twice, in 1938 and 1954. However, the Magyars have not qualified since 1986, giving them the longest current absence of any team on this list. Their return to the global stage remains a priority as the centenary tournament approaches.

These four nations are among ten with rich World Cup heritage that are determined to end their droughts and compete in the 2030 tournament. The centenary edition adds extra allure, and each team will be working to overcome recent struggles and secure their place in football's ultimate event.