The FIFA World Cup 2026 has brought multiple teams with uncomfortable histories into one fold

The FIFA World Cup is one of the biggest sporting events in the world, and this year it has expanded to 48 teams competing for the title. Therefore, several small nations that were once colonised by other big nations that were powerful in terms of finances, manpower, defence forces and so on have qualified for the tournament. Surprisingly, six such nations have been put together, and they will go into the battle of colonisers vs. colonised.

Uruguay vs. Spain

Uruguay was once caught in a four-way fight against Spain, Portugal and the British – all of whom had captured Uruguay at some point in time. Put in Group H, both the nations started with a 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia and Cabo Verde. The two nations will take on each other on June 27 at the Guadalajara Stadium.

The two nations have played only five international matches against each other despite playing football for several decades. Spain has had the upper hand with three victories, whereas two matches ended in draws. Uruguay has never won a game against its past coloniser.

England vs. Ghana

Once known as the Gold Coast, Ghana was colonised by England in 1874 after the latter defeated the Ashanti Empire. The British rule expanded over the region and controlled the country until, finally, in 1957, Ghana became the first sub-Saharan African nation to gain independence.

“Ghana might disturb England and Croatia and take some points,”

Zlatan Ibrahimovic picks Group L as his favourite, backing Ghana’s talent.#JoySports pic.twitter.com/lZXiRJHzne

— #JoySports (@JoySportsGH) June 11, 2026

The sides have played only one international match against each other. In 2011, at the iconic Wembley Stadium, the two sides met for the first time on a football pitch. Andy Carroll opened the scoring for England, and the Three Lions were on the course for victory. However, in the stoppage time, Asamoah Gyan scored an equaliser and denied England a victory.

Ghana plays England on June 23 at the Boston Stadium.

France vs. Senegal

The France versus Senegal match is already done and dusted, with France defeating Senegal by 3 goals to 1. France began colonising Senegal in the 17th century, and by 1902, Senegal had become the capital of French West Africa. In 1960, Senegal finally gained independence from France.

When Senegal shocked the world by beating reigning World Champions France in the opening match of the 2002 WC 🇸🇳pic.twitter.com/aqIP4zO0a2

— 2000s Football ⚽ (@00sFootb4ll) June 16, 2026

Before this year’s match, France and Senegal had met each other only once on the football pitch during the Seoul World Cup. Senegal shocked the world and France by winning the game by one goal, thanks to the strike by Papa Bouba Diop. It was Senegal’s debut year in the FIFA World Cup, when they reached the quarter-final stage, while France exited the group stage.