The draw for the 2026 World Cup, to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, resulted in diverse matchups for the six participating Arab teams, ranging from fiery clashes with global football giants to balanced groups that offer hope for qualification. This edition holds exceptional historical significance as it is the first to feature 48 teams instead of 32, raising Arab aspirations to replicate the achievements of the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
A new era and global challenges
This World Cup comes at a time of significant transformation in global football, with the new format offering greater opportunities for Arab, African, and Asian teams to shine on the world stage. Following the impressive performances of Arab teams in the previous edition, particularly Morocco's historic run to the semi-finals and Saudi Arabia's historic victory over Argentina, all eyes are now on the Arab nations to showcase the progress of football in the region.
Analysis of the Arab national teams' groups
Morocco: The Atlas Lions face off against the Samba
The draw placed the Moroccan national team in Group C, a true test of their abilities, as they face the formidable Brazilian team. Despite the difficulty of the match, Hakimi and Ziyech's teammates possess the necessary international experience to compete with the best. The presence of Scotland presents a physical challenge, while the match against Haiti appears to be an opportunity to collect points. Qualification seems within reach, but topping the group will require a footballing epic against Brazil.
Saudi Arabia: The Green Falcons are in the group of death
In Group H, the Saudi national team faces a daunting task against Spain and Uruguay. This scenario evokes memories of major challenges, but the Green Falcons have previously proven they are not intimidated by big names. Their key match will be against Cape Verde to secure three points, followed by a battle to snatch qualification from the jaws of the Spanish Matadors and the Uruguayan Celeste.
Egypt: The Pharaohs and the Way Back
The draw was relatively kind to the Egyptian national team in Group G, where they will face Belgium, Iran, and New Zealand. Despite Belgium's strength, the declining average age of their golden generation could work in the Pharaohs' favor. The match against Iran will be a tactical battle, while a victory against New Zealand is essential to guarantee passage to the second round.
Tunisia: The Eagles of Carthage between the windmills and the samurai
A tough task awaits Tunisia in Group F against the Netherlands and Japan. Japan's speed and the Netherlands' organization will demand a high level of physical and tactical preparation from the Carthage Eagles. The match against the winner of the European playoff will be crucial in determining the Tunisian national team's fate.
Algeria and Jordan: An Arab derby with a global flavor
Group J witnessed a fascinating twist, with Algeria and Jordan drawn together alongside Argentina (the reigning world champions) and Austria. This represents a rare Arab derby in the World Cup, as the Jordanians, nicknamed "Al-Nashama" (The Chivalrous Ones), seek to make their mark on the global stage, while the Algerians, nicknamed "Al-Muharraq Al-Sahrawi" (The Desert Warriors), aim to recapture their former World Cup glory. The match against Argentina promises to be a challenging encounter, making the battle for the second qualifying spot a fierce contest between the Arab nations and Austria.
Iraq: Waiting for the annex
If the Lions of Mesopotamia succeed in passing the playoffs, they will face a formidable challenge in Group 9 against France, Senegal and Norway, a group that requires maximum readiness to face heavyweight stars.
