Group L World Cup 2026 Preview: New Zealand, Peru, Hungary and Cuba

Group L is the expanded World Cup's heart. Four nations for whom reaching the World Cup finals is itself an extraordinary achievement. Four communities where this tournament will generate joy, pride and inspiration that lasts for generations regardless of results.

New Zealand: Pacific Pioneers

The All Whites have qualified via Oceania, where New Zealand's footballing infrastructure has grown dramatically. Players like Chris Wood have given New Zealand a proper goal-scoring threat. The squad is increasingly built around players from Australian A-League and British football.

New Zealand understand they face the tournament's most difficult path. But they play with the freedom of nations who know they've already achieved something — and that freedom can produce unexpected results.

Peru: Passionate and Technical

Peru have a rich footballing tradition. La Blanquirroja play attractive, technical football — influenced by South American tradition — with a passionate fanbase that follows them everywhere.

The squad has quality, particularly in midfield, and a hunger to match their historical record in qualifying for tournaments consistently.

Hungary: The Sleeping Giant Wakes

Hungary were arguably the greatest national team in the world in the 1950s — the Mighty Magyars, ranked number one globally for years. The current revival of Hungarian football doesn't reach that peak, but under their current coaching structure, they've qualified for consecutive major tournaments and shown genuine improvement.

Technical players in key positions, an organised system, and the motivation of representing a proud footballing nation.

Cuba: A Historic Debut

Cuba's appearance is potentially historic — a moment that shows what the 48-team format can achieve for football's development globally.

The Group L Spirit

In Group L, every point matters, every match is a cup final, and every moment is treasured.

The World Cup reminds us why we love football. [Find your football partner on Glluz](/football) — free on iOS and Android.