A team from a country with only 55,000 people, whose squad value is comparable to Vietnam's national team, has a chance to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

After demolishing Montenegro 4-0 and then overcoming the Czech Republic 2-1, the Faroe Islands team is turning heads in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, moving closer to securing a play-off spot.

In the midst of Europe’s grandeur, where football has long been a hallmark of giants like Germany, England, France, and Spain, a tiny team is quietly crafting its own fairy tale: the Faroe Islands. With a population of about 55,000 and a squad value just slightly above Vietnam’s national team (5.38 million euros versus 4.93 million euros, according to Transfermarkt), the Faroe Islands are becoming the standout phenomenon in the European qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

The Faroe Islands’ fairy tale