8 Middle East and North African Teams Set for Record World Cup 2026 Appearance: Opportunities and Challenges
Al Jazeera English
A record eight MENA teams will compete in the 2026 World Cup. Al Jazeera analyzes each team's prospects ahead of the June 11 kick-off, from Morocco's high expectations to debutants Jordan and Iraq's long-awaited return.
The 2026 World Cup will feature a record eight teams from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, an unprecedented milestone for Arabic-speaking nations. The teams are: Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Tunisia. Iran, despite being in the Middle East, falls under the Central Asian Football Federation.
Morocco's historic run as the first Arab nation to reach the World Cup semi-finals at Qatar 2022 has boosted confidence among other MENA teams. Many now believe they can advance deep into the tournament in North America.
Algeria
Algeria returns to the World Cup for the first time since 2014, boasting an attack-rich squad featuring Riyad Mahrez, Mohamed Amoura, and Adil Boulbina. Their weakness lies in defensive inconsistency. They are in Group J alongside defending champions Argentina, Austria, and Jordan. Opening against Argentina presents a huge challenge, followed by an Arab derby with Jordan. Prediction: eliminated in the round of 32.
Egypt
Egypt is still seeking its first ever World Cup victory, despite dominating Africa with seven CAN titles. They have a dangerous attack led by Mohamed Salah and a resilient fighting spirit. Group G includes Belgium, New Zealand, and Iran. The match against New Zealand is seen as crucial. Prediction: eliminated in the round of 32.
Iraq
Iraq returns to the World Cup after a 40-year absence, with strengths in combativeness and set pieces thanks to striker Aymen Hussein. However, they are in a tough Group D alongside France, Senegal, and Norway. Their opening match against Norway is seen as their best chance for points. Prediction: eliminated in the group stage.
Jordan
Jordan makes its World Cup debut, relying on defensive discipline and fast counter-attacks led by captain Mousa Al-Tamari. They are in Group J with Argentina, Algeria, and Austria. The match against Algeria is seen as their path to advancement. Prediction: eliminated in the group stage.
Morocco
Morocco is no longer an unknown quantity after reaching the semi-finals in 2022. They boast a well-rounded squad including Achraf Hakimi, Brahim Diaz, and Yassine Bounou. Group C features Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti. They are expected to advance past the group stage. Prediction: quarter-finals.
Qatar
Qatar returns to the World Cup after a disappointing 2022 campaign (losing all three matches). Their strengths are cohesion and technique, but their defense is weak. Group B includes Switzerland, Canada, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The match against Canada could decide their fate. Prediction: eliminated in the group stage.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia famously stunned Argentina in 2022. They possess technique, high intensity, and a developing domestic league. Group H features Uruguay, Spain, and Cape Verde. They need a good result against Uruguay and a win over Cape Verde. Prediction: advance to the round of 32.
Tunisia
Tunisia is making its seventh World Cup appearance, still seeking its first knockout stage. Their strength is defensive discipline; their weakness is goal-scoring. Group F includes the Netherlands, Japan, and Sweden. The match against Japan – the 1,000th game in World Cup history – may determine their hopes. Prediction: eliminated in the group stage.
