For decades, Arab fans have lived the World Cup through borrowed victories, cheering for distant teams, holding on to moments that rarely felt like their own. But in 2026, that feeling changes. For the first time, seven Arab nations—Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia—will walk onto football’s biggest stage together. It’s a moment of arrival, one built on belief, resilience, and a quiet conviction that Arab football was never a question of potential, only of time.
What this moment represents goes beyond fandom or national pride. It’s the culmination of decades of investment, talent development, and the relentless belief that Arab football belongs not just in regional tournaments, but among the world’s elite.
The Gulf’s ascent was led by two familiar names. Qatar, hosts of the 2022 World Cup, earned their place with a 2-1 win over the UAE. Saudi Arabia topped their group after a tense draw with Iraq, securing their seventh World Cup appearance. Both countries have spent years reshaping the sport domestically, investing in youth systems and infrastructure that now bear fruit on the global stage.
Then there’s Jordan, the tournament’s newest face and perhaps its most heartfelt story. Their first-ever World Cup qualification felt like a collective victory across the region.
Across North Africa, the region’s powerhouses reaffirmed their dominance. Morocco, the nation that changed history with its 2022 semi-final run, led the charge again with a commanding qualification. Tunisia followed in flawless form, qualifying without conceding a single goal. Egypt, with Mohamed Salah at the helm, returned to the global stage, while Algeria made a triumphant comeback after twelve years away.
With Iraq and the UAE still vying for a playoff spot, that presence could yet grow, expanding this collective milestone even further.
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