2025 Watch List: Fourteen National Teams on Our Radar – Part II
Part II
Suriname
2025 could be a pivotal year for Suriname. Natio has never qualified for a World Cup, but this year presents their best opportunity yet. Additionally, they have a chance to return to the CONCACAF Gold Cup in the summer. After missing the 2023 edition, they must overcome a potentially tricky Martinique squad in a two-legged playoff in March.
The history of the Suriname National Team is one of slight misfortune. Due to the country’s close ties with the Netherlands, many talented players who could have represented Suriname opted instead to play for the Dutch national team. Edgar Davids, Ruud Gullit, Frank Rijkaard, Patrick Kluivert (see Part I), and Virgil van Dijk are among the notable names on that list.
The Surinamese Football Federation is working to change that. Last year saw several new faces introduced to the squad, with more rumored to be on the way. Although neither has found the net yet, Dylan Vente (PEC Zwolle/NED) and Gyrano Kerk (Royal Antwerp/BEL) have added excitement up front. Etienne Vaessen (Groningen/NED) has strengthened the goalkeeper position, while Immanuel Pherai (Hamburger SV/GER) has provided a boost in midfield. Liam van Gelderen (RKC Waalwijk/NED) has seemingly locked down a starting spot in defense.
Complementing these new additions is a core of veterans, led by Sheraldo Becker (Real Sociedad/ESP), the team’s talisman. Other regulars include Gleofilo Vlijter (OFK Beograd/SRB), Myenty Abena (Spartak Moscow/RUS), and Shaquille Pinas (Hammarby/SWE). While Becker is the standout, Suriname has done well to spread the scoring burden—10 different players found the net in 2024.
More reinforcements could be on the way. Danilho Doekhi (Union Berlin/GER) is expected to join the squad this year, providing a significant boost to the defense. A towering center-back with composure on the ball and an impressive range of passing, he has previously drawn interest from clubs like Inter, Wolfsburg, and Stuttgart. Meanwhile, winger Javairô Dilrosun (Club América/MEX) awaits FIFA clearance to make his debut.
Suriname has ascended to a new tier within CONCACAF, now competing alongside the likes of Honduras, El Salvador, Jamaica, and Costa Rica. However, growing pains remain. A draw against Costa Rica in October was a statement result, but in November, Canada exposed their remaining gaps, shutting them out over two legs.
Despite the success under head coach Stanley Menzo, a time will come—much like in Indonesia—when the coaching level must rise to match the team’s increasing quality.
We fancy Suriname to be one of the fresh faces at the 2026 World Cup. To make that happen, they must continue their steady progress.

Wales
By all accounts, Wales had a strong 2024. Despite missing out on EURO 2024 after a heartbreaking penalty shootout loss to Poland, they suffered just one defeat all year—a friendly against Slovakia. They capped off the year by earning promotion back to League A of the UEFA Nations League, thanks to an inspired win over Iceland and a collapse from Turkey on the final matchday.
Now, their promotion could serve as a launchpad to propel them into their second straight FIFA World Cup – something they have never accomplished. To qualify directly however, they will have to get past a familiar foe in Belgium. North Macedonia is also in their group and could be a bit of a sleeper pick, if not a spoiler, so they will want to tread with caution.
Craig Bellamy, appointed as manager last year, has already made a noticeable impact on Y Dreigiau (The Dragons). They play with a fearless intensity—almost like the fire-breathing creatures of legend. Liam Cullen (Swansea City/WAL) and Mark Harris have caught Bellamy’s eye, securing places in the squad in the latter half of 2024. Meanwhile, established names like Harry Wilson (Fulham/ENG), Ethan Ampadu (Leeds United/ENG), and Ben Davies (Tottenham/ENG) provide a steady core. Adding to the squad’s depth is a promising new generation, including Rennes (FRA) midfielder Jordan James, one of the country’s brightest young talents.
However, the goalkeeper position remains a concern. Danny Ward (Leicester City/ENG) has struggled for consistency, creating opportunities for Karl Darlow (Leeds United/ENG) to earn minutes. Yet neither he, Ward, nor Tom King (Wolves/ENG) is a regular starter at club level. David Harrington (Fleetwood Town/ENG) has been called up a handful of times, but his inexperience leaves a gap. It’s a conundrum that no recent Wales manager has been able to solve.
Should Wales fall short of topping Belgium in their group, they have an emergency backup plan. As winners of their UEFA Nations League group, they are in contention for the UEFA World Cup Play-off (second round). If they rank among the top four Nations League group winners who fail to finish in the top two of their World Cup qualifying group, they will advance to the play-offs—a potentially crucial safety net.
The key battles will be against Belgium. Wales is winless in their last four meetings (2021, 2022), with their last victory coming in the group stage of EURO 2016. Can The Dragons roar their way to the 2026 World Cup?
Update 1.30.25: After this was written, it was announced that Harry Wilson is set to miss the start of World Cup Qualifying in March due to foot surgery.

Dominican Republic
Like Comoros (read Part I here), 2024 was a great year for the Dominican Republic in many ways. This year could outmatch it, but there’s a lot of factors at play.
The Dominican Republic topped their Nations League group in League B, securing promotion to League A and, more importantly, qualifying for their first-ever CONCACAF Gold Cup. For a country that produces athletes that are more likely to reach a World Series than a World Cup, this is a giant leap towards carving out some space for the world’s game. For the first time, La Sedofútbol has reached a major tournament, and before that journey begins, an even bigger test awaits.
In June, the Dominican Republic will head into a hostile Guatemala City for a do-or-die showdown in World Cup qualification. Of their two defeats in 2024, a narrow 1-0 loss to Jamaica in qualifying left them trailing in the group. Both Guatemala and Jamaica sit on six points, with the Dominican Republic close behind on three. If—and it’s a big if—they can secure a win in Guatemala, they will put themselves in a strong position for the final matchday at home against Dominica. Meanwhile, Guatemala will travel to face Jamaica. Given the Dominican Republic’s dominant results against Dominica last year (2-0 at home, 6-1 away), a high-scoring win could see them edge past Guatemala on goal difference. Currently, Guatemala holds a +6 advantage, but if they drop points in Jamaica, La Sedofútbol could sneak through.
That’s a lot of “if’s”. Winning away to Guatemala is no easy task. Costa Rica couldn’t do it last year (0-0). The last time these two met in 2022 in Guatemala City, the Dominican Republic lost 2-0.
But two years is a long time. The Dominican Republic has come a long way since then, and the squad looks vastly different. Heinz Mörschel (Vizela/POR), Junior Firpo (Leeds United/ENG), and Joao Urbáez (CD Leganés B/ESP) were not in the lineup back then. If they can integrate Peter González (Getafe/ESP)—fingers crossed for March—he would add even more depth.
It’s an exciting time to follow the Dominican Republic. They play with pace, chemistry, and confidence heading into 2025. Junior Firpo has quickly emerged as a natural leader, bringing a clear sense of national pride that resonates in his media appearances.
We would be remiss not to mention Dorny Romero—one of the most exciting players in the international game right now. Having just completed a move to Bolívar following financial troubles at Aktobe (KAZ), he will now compete in South America’s biggest club tournament, the Copa Libertadores. We’re a little surprised there wasn’t more interest in him, but perhaps this stage will be the launching pad to take him back to Europe. Meanwhile, midfielder Ronaldo Vásquez has secured a move to Sumgayit (AZE). Injuries have slowed his progress, but he remains a promising talent with room to grow.
A massive challenge lies ahead, but the magic is very much in the air.

Norway
1998.
That was the last time Norway graced a World Cup. Now, more than two decades later, the dream of a return feels more alive than ever.
They enter 2025 riding high after securing promotion to League A of the UEFA Nations League, having topped a group featuring Austria and Slovenia.
This is the most talented Norway squad in years. Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal/ENG) looks (hopefully) back to full health, Erling Haaland (Manchester City/ENG) continues to score at an elite rate, and Antonio Nusa (Leipzig/GER) has emerged as a key attacking threat out wide. At the back, Leo Østigård (Hoffenheim/GER) and Julian Ryerson (Borussia Dortmund/GER) provide stability. The midfield is deep, featuring Ødegaard alongside Sander Berge (Fulham/ENG), Patrick Berg (Bodø/Glimt/NOR), Kristian Thorstvedt (Sassuolo/ITA), Aron Dønnum (Toulouse/FRA), and others.
If there’s a concern, it’s the defense. Kristoffer Ajer (Brentford/ENG) had a nightmare performance against Austria in Linz and wasn’t called up in November—though, to be fair, he was injured. The backline remains a puzzle, especially when Østigård is unavailable. Outside of Marcus Holmgren Pedersen (Torino/ITA), Østigård, and Ryerson, every other defender called up in November had 10 caps or fewer.
Fortunately for Norway, they have the attacking firepower to outscore most opponents, and their World Cup qualifying group is manageable outside of Germany or Italy. Moldova, Israel, and Estonia round out the group, presenting a clear path forward.
Like Wales, Norway also has a potential lifeline in the UEFA World Cup Play-off. As winners of their UEFA Nations League group, if they finish outside the top two in qualifying but rank among the best four Nations League group winners, they will advance to the play-offs.
Topping Germany or Italy will be a challenge, but we like Norway’s chances of reaching the play-offs. From there, they’ll be a tough opponent for anyone.

Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan faces a bright, new world right now.
The White Wolves are closer than ever to reaching their first FIFA World Cup. Abdukodir Khusanov recently became the first Uzbek player to feature in the Premier League with Manchester City. The federation is making significant investments in infrastructure, with a new national football center under construction in Tashkent. This state-of-the-art facility will include a hotel, training grounds, medical and rehabilitation centers, a football academy, and research facilities. Meanwhile, a young and talented generation is emerging from the U23 squad that made history by qualifying for the Olympics.
The only blemish on an otherwise promising trajectory is the sudden resignation of Srečko Katanec due to health concerns. His departure marks the end of an impressive tenure in which he achieved a 62% win rate (27-9-7) over 3.5 years—an incredible feat.
Fortunately, his successor was already in place. Timur Kapadze, the architect of the U23 squad that competed in Paris, steps up to take charge. Tactically astute and deeply respected, he has been a driving force behind Uzbekistan’s footballing progress and should transition seamlessly into his new role.
Abbosbek Fayzullaev (CSKA Moscow/RUS) is another name that will enter one of the top five leagues in Europe soon. He won the AFC Youth Player of the Year in 2024, and has dazzled in the Russian Premier League as well as last year’s Asian Cup. Not only is the 21-year old winger extremely creative, but he has pinpoint accuracy and intelligent movement to put himself or his teammates into dangerous positions.

Uzbekistan faces a crucial stretch in World Cup qualifying, beginning with a home match against Kyrgyzstan in March before a tough away test in Iran. In June, they travel to the UAE—currently three points behind them in third—before wrapping up the round at home against Qatar.
Having come agonizingly close in previous qualification campaigns, Uzbekistan has never been better positioned to finally break through. They have the talent, depth, and momentum to make history—and if they do, they’ll bring an exciting, fresh dynamic to next summer’s expanded tournament.

Haiti
We could have chosen several CONCACAF nations for this spotlight—Curaçao and Guatemala come to mind—but Haiti deserves some notice. They don’t get a lot of attention and perhaps it’s because they are usually par for the course, but 2025 could be a big year for them.
A fitting mantra for Les Grenadiers could be “all gas, no brake”. They were undefeated in 2024, racking up 35 goals in nine matches—the highest tally of any country in the Western Hemisphere (just edging out the Dominican Republic’s 34 and Colombia/Argentina’s 33). While the competition wasn’t elite, Haiti’s attacking firepower is undeniable—especially for CONCACAF.
With Duckens Nazon (Kayserispor/TUR), Frantzdy Pierrot (AEK Athens/GRE), Louicius Don Deedson (Odense/DEN), Dany Jean (Rodez/FRA), and Christopher Attys (Lecco/ITA), they can hit opponents fast and hard.
The biggest concern is at the back. Haiti kept only three clean sheets last year, and even Aruba found the net against them in both Nations League matchups.
There are potential defensive reinforcements. Hannes Delcroix (Swansea City/WAL) would be the most impactful. Born in Grande Hatte, Haiti, the center-back earned a Belgium call-up in 2020 but hasn’t been involved since. He’s currently getting regular minutes at Swansea after a January loan from Burnley. Could Haiti bring him into the fold?
Other possible additions include Ritchy Valme (AS Monaco U21/FRA), who struggled for playing time on loan at FC Annecy (L2), Jefferson Alphonse (Halifax Wanderers/CAN), Keeto Thermoncy (Young Boys U21/SUI), and Ashley Ketterer (SC Freiburg U19/GER), though the latter two lack senior experience.
Haiti is almost certain to reach the third round of World Cup Qualifying, where they’ll face tougher regional opponents—a major litmus test for their ambitions. They haven’t reached the World Cup since 1974. They’ll also compete in the CONCACAF Gold Cup this summer. If they bring a full-strength squad, they could be legitimate contenders for a deep run.
Several dual nationals could bolster the team, including Lenny Joseph (Ferencváros/HUN), Wilson Isidor (Sunderland/ENG), and the Ceide twins (Rosenborg/NOR). Securing their commitments could elevate Haiti’s squad to another level.
Off the pitch, Haiti continues to endure profound hardship. Gang violence has destabilized the nation, with the government losing control of the capital and police presence nearly nonexistent. The country, the poorest in the Western Hemisphere, is in desperate need of hope.
Perhaps, this year, Haiti’s national team can provide it—by making noise on the international stage.

Greece
If you’ve been watching closely, you’ll be aware that Greece has improved in the last 18 months.
Their stunning win against England was one of the great matches of 2024. They narrowly missed reaching Euro 2024 after falling in penalties to vastly improved Georgia and they probably should have tied with Germany, at minimum, in a pre-Euro friendly in June.
They have become a tricky side to navigate for many teams and some could argue they are dark horses to reach 2026.
This isn’t the defensive-minded Greece of Euro 2004. While they still keep things tight at the back—conceding just six goals in 2024—manager Ivan Jovanović has made them far more dynamic in attack. They scored 19 goals last year, their highest tally in over 15 years (since 2008).
Vangelis Pavlidis (Benfica/POR) is their biggest attacking weapon—his brace against England and a recent hat trick vs. Barcelona highlight his finishing ability. Christos Tzolis (Club Brugge/BEL) and Georgios Masouras (VfL Bochum/GER) add width and creativity, while Anastasios Douvikas (Como/ITA) hopes to rediscover his best form in Serie A.
The midfield is in transition. Veterans remain, but fresh talent is emerging—Christos Zafeiris (Slavia Prague/CZE), Giannis Konstantelias (PAOK/GRE), and Christos Mouzakitis (Olympiacos/GRE) are among the names to watch.
Defensively, Greece is in solid hands. Kostas Tsimikas (Liverpool/ENG) and Konstantinos Mavropanos (West Ham/ENG) bring top-level experience, while Konstantinos Koulierakis (VfL Wolfsburg/GER) is quickly proving himself at a high level.
Greece has landed in a four-team World Cup qualifying group featuring:
- The loser of Portugal vs. Denmark in the Nations League quarterfinals
- Scotland
- Belarus
If Denmark drops into the group, it is not out of the question for Greece to spring a surprise. Scotland looms as Greece’s main rival for a play-off spot, and the two will see plenty of each other this year. They’ll also clash in March for the Nations League promotion/relegation play-off.
With only two spots at play (first: qualifies, second: play-off round), whoever finishes outside the top two will have squandered a prime opportunity to reach the world’s biggest stage.
Greece is no longer just a tough team to break down. They’re a team that can win big games—and they could be one of 2026’s surprise stories.