With just 65 days until the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off, the expanded 48-team format is already delivering historic storylines. Among the most compelling are the long-awaited returns of Haiti and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, both ending a staggering 52-year absence from the global stage.

Haiti and DR Congo first made their World Cup debuts in 1974, a tournament forever etched in memory for the African nation then known as Zaire. This time, Haiti punched its ticket outright by securing a CONCACAF berth, while DR Congo fought through a tense intercontinental play-off to defeat Jamaica. Their journeys back are a testament to resilience and a new era of global football parity.

They are joined by Iraq, which returns after a 40-year drought following a dramatic 2-1 play-in victory over Bolivia. While none of these three nations advanced past the group stage in their debut appearances, their mere presence in 2026 signals a fresh opportunity to rewrite history on soccer's biggest stage.

The comeback stories extend to Europe, where the fiercely competitive UEFA qualification zone has seen several traditional powers locked out for decades. Norway, Scotland, and Austria are all set to end a 28-year wait, last appearing in 1998. Czechia, a two-time runner-up in its history, returns after a 20-year gap, having secured its place with a crucial play-off win over Denmark.

For fans, these narratives add a layer of deep-rooted passion to the tournament. It's the chance to see historic kits return to the world stage and new generations of players carry the hopes of nations that have waited a lifetime for this moment. The 2026 World Cup isn't just about who will lift the trophy; it's about celebrating the triumphant return of footballing cultures that have been absent for far too long.