Cape Verde's defensive masterclass against Spain instantly earns them a place on this list.
Some of the World Cup‘s most romantic stories have come when nations with tiny populations punch well above their weight.
While the likes of China and India fail to make any impression on football’s greatest competition, nations with much fewer resources have made quite the splash.
We’ve listed the nations with the smallest populations to have avoided defeat at the World Cup, whether holding out for a plucky draw or scoring a sensational victory.
