The FIFA World Cup 2026, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico with an expanded format of 48 teams, marks a milestone in global sports history. In this edition, three member states of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) — Iran, Uzbekistan, and Türkiye — have successfully qualified.
* Iran: With seven World Cup appearances, Iran has reaffirmed its position as one of Asia’s leading football powers.
* Uzbekistan: For the first time in its history, Uzbekistan has secured a place in the World Cup — a historic achievement for Central Asia and a symbol of sporting progress among ECO nations.
* Türkiye: Türkiye earned its ticket through the European play-offs and enters the tournament with a youthful and dynamic squad, aiming to shine on the global stage.
Beyond the sporting dimension, this collective success represents a new opportunity for sports diplomacy and cultural exchange among ECO member.