The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to become a landmark tournament for Arab football, with a record eight Arab nations qualifying for the competition for the first time in history.
The expanded tournament, which will feature 48 teams, has opened the door for unprecedented Arab representation on football’s biggest stage. The participating Arab sides are Egypt national football team, Morocco national football team, Algeria national football team, Tunisia national football team, Iraq national football team, Qatar national football team, Saudi Arabia national football team and Jordan national football team.
Jordan’s qualification is particularly significant, as it marks the country’s first-ever appearance at the World Cup finals.
The rise of Arab football in recent years was underlined by Morocco’s remarkable run to the semi-finals at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The “Atlas Lions” became the first Arab and African side to reach the last four after eliminating Spain and Portugal.
With expectations rising ahead of the 2026 tournament, attention has turned to the strengths and weaknesses that could define each Arab nation’s campaign.
Morocco Carry Confidence Of Historic 2022 Run
Morocco enter the tournament with considerable belief after their historic achievements in Qatar four years earlier.
Under coach Mohamed Wahbi, the team remains defensively organised and tactically disciplined. The system also allows star full-back Achraf Hakimi greater attacking freedom.
However, Morocco showed vulnerability under pressure during the Africa Cup of Nations, particularly against teams with fast wingers such as Cameroon and Senegal. The added expectation surrounding the team may also increase pressure during the World Cup.
Egypt Depend Heavily On Salah And Marmoush
Egypt’s biggest attacking weapon remains the pace and quality of Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush.
The Pharaohs are viewed as dangerous on the counter-attack and difficult to break down defensively, having shown resilience in friendly matches against Spain and Brazil.
Yet Egypt’s dependence on Salah remains a major concern. Opponents who successfully isolate the Liverpool forward can significantly reduce Egypt’s attacking threat. The team has also struggled to play effectively from the back under pressure and lacks a dominant target striker for direct football.
Algeria’s Attack Excites But Defensive Doubts Remain
Riyad Mahrez continues to lead a technically gifted Algerian side alongside forward Mohamed Amine Amoura, who impressed during qualifying campaigns with his versatility and pace.
Young talents including Rayan Ait-Nouri, Ibrahim Maza and Farès Chaïbi have also strengthened the squad.
Despite their attacking quality, Algeria’s quarter-final defeat to Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations exposed defensive weaknesses. The team appears more comfortable attacking than defending deep or closing spaces effectively.
Saudi Arabia Seek Balance After Offensive Problems
Saudi Arabia’s players benefit from strong familiarity through the domestic league, while experienced winger Salem Al-Dawsari remains a key figure.
The Saudis also carry confidence from their famous victory over Argentina at the previous World Cup.
However, goals have been difficult to come by. Saudi Arabia scored only seven goals in ten qualifying matches and struggled defensively, particularly when dealing with crosses and counter-attacks.
Tunisia Prioritise Discipline Over Creativity
Tunisia impressed defensively during qualification, conceding no goals and adopting a disciplined tactical structure under coach Sabri Lamouchi.
The side is expected to deploy a compact 4-5-1 system focused on organisation and defensive solidity.
But that structure has come at the expense of attacking creativity. Young midfielder Hannibal Mejbri carries much of the creative responsibility despite limited experience at the highest level.
Qatar Hope Set Pieces Can Deliver Again
Julen Lopetegui brings major experience to Qatar, who may benefit from entering the tournament with lower expectations.
Set pieces have become one of Qatar’s most dangerous weapons, contributing heavily to their qualification campaign.
Still, defensive concerns remain significant after conceding 24 goals in ten qualifying matches. The team’s defensive setup can also isolate star forward Akram Afif in attack.
Jordan And Iraq Rely On Organisation And Spirit
Jordan’s historic qualification has been built around tactical stability and the attacking threat of Musa Al-Taamari, whose pace and long-range shooting offer the team a major outlet.
Yet Jordan’s lack of experience at major tournaments and injury concerns surrounding Yazan Al-Naimat could prove costly.
Iraq, meanwhile, have earned praise for resilience and defensive organisation. Veteran goalkeeper Jalal Hassan recorded ten clean sheets during qualification, while striker Ayman Hussein remains a major aerial threat.
However, Iraq’s attack is viewed as predictable, relying heavily on Hussein and set-piece situations. Breaking down stronger opponents may therefore become one of the team’s biggest challenges at the tournament.
