The 2026 FIFA World Cup, expanding to 48 teams and spread across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will host a record number of Arab nations.
The previous high was four, at both Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022. At Brazil 2014 and South Africa 2010, only one Arab side made the cut.
This time, here is where each of the eight teams stands heading into the tournament.
Algeria return after missing the past two editions entirely. Under Vladimir Petkovic, the Fennecs carry genuine attacking ambition, with Riyad Mahrez, Amine Gouiri, Houssem Aouar, and Mohamed Amoura among the names expected to feature. Their benchmark is the last-16 run at Brazil 2014.
Egypt arrive with a clear and long-overdue goal: their first World Cup win. Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush headline a squad managed by Hossam Hassan, who has spent the cycle rebuilding confidence after the group-stage exit in Russia.
Iraq are back at the World Cup for the first time in 40 years. Australian coach Graham Arnold takes charge of a side featuring Aymen Hussein, Ali Al-Hamadi, and Amir Al Ammari, with the stated aim of securing a first-ever win at the tournament.
Jordan make their World Cup debut after their strongest-ever run of form, which included reaching the final of the most recent AFC Asian Cup. Coach Jamal Sellami has positioned the Nashama as a potential dark horse, with Mousa Al Tamari among their key creative threats.
Morocco return as one of the tournament’s most watched sides after their semi-final run at Qatar 2022. New head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has taken over from Walid Regragui, but the squad remains formidable, built around Achraf Hakimi, Brahim Díaz, and goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Qatar earned their place on merit this time rather than as hosts. Back-to-back AFC Asian Cup winners, they come into the tournament with Julen Lopetegui as coach and Akram Afif and Almoez Ali as the most likely sources of goals.
Saudi Arabia are chasing a run past the group stage after a series of early exits. The domestic league’s rapid growth has deepened the talent pool, and the squad is expected to draw on the experience of captain Salem Al Dawsari.
Tunisia have qualified for multiple World Cups without ever advancing beyond the group stage. Coach Sabri Lamouchi, who took charge after the most recent Africa Cup of Nations, will lean on Seifeddine Jaziri, Naim Sliti, and Mohamed Ben Ali in another attempt to break that pattern.
