Historic Representation as Eight Teams from the Middle East and North Africa Qualify for 2026 World Cup

In a landmark moment for football in the region, a record-equaling eight teams from the Middle East, the Arab Gulf, and North Africa have officially booked their tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The tournament, set to be the largest in history, will be co-hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

This strong contingent underscores the growing prowess and competitive spirit of football across the Arab world and Iran, promising passionate support and thrilling performances on the global stage.

A Closer Look at the Qualified Teams

The qualified teams bring a diverse mix of World Cup pedigree and exciting new talent:

• Saudi Arabia & Qatar (Qualified Oct. 14): These Gulf rivals secured their places early. Saudi Arabia, famous for its stunning victory over Argentina in 2022, will be looking to advance beyond the Round of 16 for the first time since their debut in 1994. As hosts of the last tournament, Qatar aims to build on their 2022 group stage experience and prove their capabilities on the road.

• Iran: A consistent Asian football powerhouse, Iran will be participating in their fourth World Cup in the last three editions. Known for their disciplined and resilient style of play, Team Melli is always a formidable opponent and will be determined to make a deep run in the tournament.

• Jordan (Historic First Qualification): The biggest story of the qualifiers is Jordan’s remarkable debut. After years of near misses, “The Chivalrous” have made history, sending the nation into a frenzy as they prepare to grace the world’s biggest sporting stage for the first time.

• The North African Powerhouses (Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria): This region continues to be a beacon of Arab football excellence.

  • Morocco enters the tournament as a bona fide contender after their breathtaking Cinderella run to the semi-finals in 2022. Their success has inspired a generation, and the Atlas Lions will carry the hopes of an entire region.

  • Tunisia brings immense experience, having competed in six previous World Cups. While they have often been a tough opponent in the group stages, their goal will be to finally break through to the knockout rounds.

  • Algeria returns with a point to prove after missing out in 2022. The Desert Foxes, with their talented squad, are capable of challenging any team and will be eager to recapture the magic of their 2014 World Cup performance.

• Egypt: The Pharaohs, led by their global superstar Mohamed Salah, are always a team to watch. With a record seven Africa Cup of Nations titles, their quest for World Cup success continues, and their passionate fan base will be out in full force across the host nations.

A Truly Global Tournament Takes Shape

The 2026 World Cup is expanding to 48 teams, and the qualification process has confirmed a diverse and exciting field. Alongside the Middle Eastern and North African squads, other notable teams that have qualified include:

• Host Nations: USA, Mexico, Canada

• South America: Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Ecuador, Colombia, Paraguay

• Europe: England, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Croatia, Scotland, Norway, Switzerland, Austria

• Asia: Japan, South Korea, Australia, Uzbekistan

• Africa: Senegal, Ghana, Ivory Coast, South Africa, Cape Verde

• CONCACAF: Panama, Haiti, Curaçao

• Oceania: New Zealand

The stage is set for a spectacular celebration of football, with the teams from the Middle East and North Africa poised to play a central and unforgettable role.

 

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