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AMMAN — Arab football is set to make history at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as seven Arab nations have secured qualification for the tournament, the highest number ever recorded.
The expansion of the World Cup from 32 to 48 teams has opened new doors for Arab representation, allowing more teams from Asia and Africa to qualify for football’s most prestigious competition.
The previous record of four Arab teams participating in the same edition was set in 2018, when Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Tunisia, and Morocco all qualified for the World Cup in Russia.
The 2026 tournament, to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will see nearly double that number take part, reflecting the growing strength and development of football across the Arab world.
Under the new format, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) will have eight or nine slots instead of 4.5, while the Confederation of African Football (CAF) will be represented by nine teams instead of five. The change has benefited several Arab nations that have shown consistent improvement in recent years, both in terms of performance and football infrastructure.
Jordan made history by qualifying for the 2026 World Cup for the first time, becoming not only the country’s first-ever appearance but also the first Arab team to secure qualification for this tournament.
Their qualification came after a series of strong performances in the Asian qualifiers and followed their remarkable run to the AFC Asian Cup final earlier this year. For Jordan, participation in the World Cup marks the fulfilment of a decades-long footballing dream.
Morocco, semi-finalists at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, will make their seventh appearance at the tournament. Their 2022 campaign remains the best achievement by an Arab or African team in World Cup history, after they became the first from either region to reach the final four.
Egypt, the first Arab nation ever to qualify for a World Cup in 1934, will return to the global stage, hoping for a stronger showing after their 2018 participation. The Pharaohs’ qualification ends an eight-year absence, and their experienced squad, led by Mohamed Salah, will aim to restore Egypt’s status among football’s elite.
Tunisia secured their seventh World Cup appearance, continuing their record of regular participation since 1998. The team will once again represent Africa with a new generation of players seeking to advance beyond the group stage for the first time.
Saudi Arabia, making their seventh appearance as well, remain one of Asia’s most consistent performers. The Green Falcons, who famously defeated eventual champions Argentina in their opening match at the 2022 World Cup, confirmed their place last week after their win against Iraq.
Algeria also return to the World Cup after missing the last two editions. The Desert Foxes, who reached the round of 16 in 2014, boast a squad combining domestic and European-based players. Their qualification strengthens North Africa’s already significant representation.
Qatar, the 2022 hosts, complete the group of seven after booking their place through the Asian qualifiers. Having gained valuable experience as hosts, Qatar will look to improve on their last World Cup performance.
An eighth Arab team could still join them, as Iraq and the United Arab Emirates are set to face each other in an Asian playoff. The winner will advance to the intercontinental playoff, with a chance to secure another spot for the Arab world at the 2026 tournament.
