These World Cup nations won’t win the trophy but are seeing a boom in tourists – here are
Tour operators and flight comparison sites are reporting a spike in interest when the ‘minnows’ take on the big boys in the World Cup being held in the US, Mexico and Canada.
Website impressions for specialist travel firms have soared by as much as 15-fold, notably after Cape Verde held Spain to a 0-0 draw last weekend.
And Skyscanner says lesser-known nations traditionally expect a swell in holiday bookings lasting months after the tournament.
With more than five billion viewers of the last World Cup in Qatar, it’s big business. So here’s our guide to what a post-tournament ‘minnows getaway’ could look like…
CAPE VERDE
Cape Verde, located off the west coast of Africa, is home to picture-postcard beaches like Tarrafal Beach (pictured)
Expect lovely beaches, rolling dunes and great-value all-inclusive resorts at the archipelago off the west coast of Africa.
The Cape Experience, a specialist operator to the Atlantic nation, says web impressions rose from 20,000 a day to 292,000 when the country drew with Spain.
CURACAO
Curacao is an island full of colour – from candy-coloured Dutch colonial architecture to streets lined with vibrant art
When Curacao equalised against Germany to make it 1-1, Google searches for the country soared – the Sandals Royal Curacao hotel saw a 500 per cent surge in interest.
This southern Caribbean island – part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands – is joyfully laid-back.
Sadly, the team lost 7-1 in what was Curacao’s first ever match at a World Cup.
SENEGAL
Senegal, dubbed the ‘Gateway to Africa’, offering a blend of deep-rooted history and stunning natural landscapes
Senegal were beaten 3-1 by France last week, but searches for the African nation leapt by 18 per cent at Tui.
Expect nature reserves teeming with wildlife, beach resorts and the intriguing capital of Dakar.
UZBEKISTAN
Uzbekistan is currently among the fastest-growing tourism destinations in the world – seeing a record 10.7 million visitors in 2025
This central Asian nation may not be up there with Brazil on the pitch, but off it Flightfinder.com says the World Cup will lead to a surge in interest.
It boasts beautiful cities such as Tashkent and Bukhara.
JORDAN
Heading to Jordan? The ancient city of Petra is a must-visit…
Having lost 3-1 to Austria, the Jordanians can take comfort from the Foreign Office lifting its ‘no-go’ status for the Middle East country.
With a World Cup boost, it’s all go for tourism again – with the Wadi Rum desert and ancient city of Petra the highlights.
PARAGUAY
Unlike its popular South American neighbours, Paraguay offers genuine indigenous culture and a delightfully uncrowded atmosphere, plus plenty of natural beauty
Paraguay may have lost 4-1 to the USA in their opening match, but DialAFlight says the World Cup will put the South American nation ‘on people’s radars’.
It boasts huge waterfalls and colonial architecture.
BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA
Bosnia-Herzegovina is famed for its old Bridge Stari and breathtaking natural landscape
The tournament will put a spotlight on this former part of Yugoslavia.
Expect beautiful mountains, castles and the charming cities of Sarajevo and Mostar.