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WILL ICELAND RETURN TO THE WORLD CUP?
Who wasn't thrilled when Iceland qualified for their first World Cup in 2018? That team from a country with fewer inhabitants than a neighborhood in Mexico City earned the respect of the entire world. But after that fairytale, reality hit hard: they missed out on Qatar 2022. Can they return in 2026? We'll tell you about their current form, the rivals they face in Europe, which stars could lead the way… and why you should never underestimate the Vikings.
How the historic debut of 2018 unfolded
Iceland surprised the world when it qualified for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. It was the team with the smallest population to achieve this: just 350,000 inhabitants. But they didn't come for a vacation. They drew with Argentina (1-1), fought to the end against Nigeria, and left an indelible mark. Road to Russia 2018: They won their group in the European qualifiers, ahead of Croatia, Ukraine, and Turkey. They used their defensive strength and collective play as their main weapon. They had stars like Gylfi Sigurðsson and Aron Gunnarsson. What was most impactful was not just the sporting achievement, but the Viking spirit, the chant of "HUH!" and how an entire country lived its World Cup dream. The football world fell in love with Iceland.
And then what happened?
After that milestone, came a drop in performance. They failed to qualify for Qatar 2022 and went through several coaching and generational changes. But that doesn't mean they've given up.
Their current form in the European qualifiers
Qualifying for the World Cup from Europe is an odyssey. There are many powerhouses and few spots: 16 direct places plus 3 playoff places among more than 50 teams. But Iceland is trying with the same determination as in 2018.
Last campaign and statistics
In the qualifiers for Qatar, Iceland was eliminated after a weak group stage (3 wins, 4 draws, 5 losses).
They failed to qualify for Euro 2024, but played in the playoffs.
Their FIFA ranking has fluctuated between 60th and 80th in recent years.
Despite the results, Iceland remains a difficult opponent: disciplined, physical, and with a strong aerial game. Their main problem has been a lack of goals and generational renewal.
And for 2026?
With the new World Cup format (48 teams), Europe has more spots: 16 direct + 3 in the playoffs. Iceland will have to finish first in their group or qualify for the playoffs via the Nations League or regular qualifiers.
It won't be easy, but it's not impossible either. The draw and their group opponents will largely determine their fate.
New figures and future of Iceland
Although Gylfi Sigurðsson and the veterans who led the 2018 feat are no longer there, a new generation of young Icelanders is beginning to take the reins. They are far from being global stars, but they have talent, heart, and Viking DNA.
Players to Watch
Hákon Arnar Haraldsson: Attacking midfielder for Lille, a promising young player with great vision.
Isak Jóhannesson: Son of an Icelandic legend, pure talent in midfield.
Albert Guðmundsson: Forward for Genoa, one of the team's current top scorers.
Arnór Sigurðsson: Midfielder with international experience, key in the transition Offensive.
What does Iceland need to return?
A good draw in the qualifiers, defensive solidity like in 2016–2018, a consistent goalscorer, and a bit of luck. Fan support is guaranteed, but the margin for error is very small.
The good news: they have young players in competitive leagues, recent World Cup experience, and a clear tactical system.
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