To find the World Cup's Cinderellas, we have to start with the group stage

A general view of exterior FIFA World Cup 2026 signage at Kansas City Stadium on June 08, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. Jay Biggerstaff/Getty Images

Jay Biggerstaff/Getty Images

The following was originally published in the Up First newsletter as part of the NPR Network's coverage of the World Cup, Soccer Edition. For more updates from Juliana throughout the games, subscribe to Up First, or check out the new World Cup tab in the NPR app.

Hi! I'm Juliana Kim, a reporter on the General Assignment desk and avid World Cup fan. So much so that in college, I quit my summer job in order to watch every match in the 2018 tournament on TV. Each Tuesday, for the next six weeks, I'll be taking over this slice of the Up First newsletter to talk all things World Cup. To start, here's some viewing advice: Don't skip the opening rounds — a.k.a. the group stage — that kicks off June 11.

I'll be the first to admit, in other sports, I only pay attention towards the end, like during the World Series, the Super Bowl and the current NBA finals. But this summer, 48 national teams — up from 32 — will compete in the most inclusive group stage ever. That means a lot more underdogs and a greater chance that a few might break through to make history. While for others, it'll likely be the only chance to see them in action.

Uzbekistan, Jordan, Cape Verde and are making their World Cup debut. Meanwhile, Scotland, South Africa, Canada, and New Zealand (just to name a few) have never made it past the group stage. The truth is only eight nations have ever won the World Cup in its nearly 100-year history. (None from Africa, Asia or North America.) But in soccer, a single goal can make all the difference. Sometimes it comes down to the final minute. And for some teams, simply making it to the Round of 32, which starts June 28, will be a tear-jerker.