Record Eight MENA Teams Set to Make Their Mark at World Cup 2026

For the first time in history, eight Middle East and North Africa (MENA) nations will compete at a single FIFA World Cup — and expectations could not be more varied.

As the 2026 tournament in North America prepares to kick off on June 11, Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Tunisia are all gearing up to represent the Arab world on football's grandest stage.

The participation of so many Arabic-speaking teams at a World Cup is unprecedented. Morocco's historic feat of becoming the first Arab nation to reach the World Cup semifinals in Qatar in 2022 has bolstered the confidence of other MENA countries, with some now believing they have a shot at reaching the knockout phases in North America. 

Morocco: The Benchmark

Morocco enter the 2026 World Cup with a very different status from previous tournaments. The Atlas Lions are no longer viewed as outsiders capable of causing an upset — they are now expected to challenge the world's best. Ranked seventh in the world, Morocco face a demanding but manageable challenge in Group C alongside Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti. The Atlas Lions are tipped to reach the quarterfinals and once again carry the hopes of the entire Arab world. 

Saudi Arabia and Algeria: Dark Horses

Saudi Arabia arrive in their seventh World Cup believing they can again surprise the football world, having produced one of the greatest upsets in tournament history by defeating eventual champions Argentina in 2022. Drawn in Group H against Uruguay, Spain, and Cape Verde, the Green Falcons are predicted to advance to the round of 32. Algeria, returning to the World Cup for the first time since 2014, face defending champions Argentina in Group J. Algeria have enough talent to compete for a place in the knockout rounds, but their success may depend on solving defensive issues and finding the consistency that has sometimes eluded the team since its 2019 AFCON triumph.

Egypt and Tunisia: Seeking a Historic First

Egypt remain the dominant force in African football with seven AFCON trophies, yet are still chasing their first World Cup victory. Placed in Group G alongside Belgium, New Zealand, and Iran, the Pharaohs will be hoping Mohamed Salah can finally deliver that elusive milestone. Tunisia, meanwhile, arrive for their seventh World Cup still chasing a breakthrough moment, having never progressed beyond the group phase. Drawn against the Netherlands, Japan, and Sweden, the Eagles of Carthage face a steep climb. 

Iraq and Jordan: The Debutants

Two of the most compelling stories belong to the newcomers. Iraq return to the World Cup after a 40-year absence, carrying the hopes of a football-crazy nation that has spent decades waiting for this moment. Despite being placed in a tough group with France, Senegal, and Norway, the Lions of Mesopotamia are expected to cause problems for their opponents. Jordan enter their first-ever World Cup with a determination to make a positive impression, and while they face an uphill battle against Argentina, Algeria, and Austria, their disciplined tactical approach could spring a surprise. 

Qatar: Redemption on the Agenda

Qatar return for their second World Cup appearance, looking to make a stronger impression after a difficult debut on home soil in 2022, where they became the first host nation to lose all three group matches. Drawn in Group B with Switzerland, Canada, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Maroons have a realistic path to the second round if they can shore up their defensive vulnerabilities. 

With the tournament just days away, the MENA region has never been better represented — and has never had more reason to believe.