All Arab Teams at the 2026 World Cup: Eight Nations and Their Groups

Eight Arab nations have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the most in a single tournament since the competition began. The expansion to 48 teams opened extra slots across Asia and Africa, and Arab football took full advantage. From Morocco in Group C to Jordan’s historic debut in Group J, the eight Arab sides represent six different groups and span three continents of qualification.

This guide covers every Arab team: their group, their fixtures, their key players and how far they could realistically go.

Arab Teams and Their Groups

Iraq — Group I: France, Senegal, Norway

Iraq return to the World Cup for the first time since 1986, completing one of the most emotional qualification journeys in the Arab world this cycle. Aymen Hussein’s goal against Bolivia in the intercontinental play-off on 31 March sealed their place and ended four decades of absence.

Group I is formidable. France are among the tournament favourites and Senegal are Africa’s most organised side. Norway offer the most realistic chance of points, and under the expanded format, finishing third with enough points can still earn a place in the round of 32.

One to watch: Aymen Hussein (Al-Karma). 33 goals in 93 internationals, top scorer at the 2023 Asian Cup, and the man who sent Iraq to this tournament.

Morocco — Group C: Brazil, Haiti, Scotland

Morocco are the best-placed Arab side to go deep into this tournament. Their 2022 semi-final run in Qatar changed expectations permanently, and the core of that squad, Achraf Hakimi, Hakim Ziyech, Youssef En-Nesyri, is still together and a year older. Brazil in Group C is a marquee fixture that will draw global attention.

The group stage should not trouble Morocco unduly. Haiti and Scotland are winnable games, and even a draw against Brazil would be a strong platform for the knockouts.

One to watch: Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain). Arguably the best right-back in the world, equally dangerous in attack and defence.

Saudi Arabia — Group H: Spain, Uruguay, Cape Verde

The image of Salem Al-Dawsari wheeling away after his winner against Argentina at the 2022 World Cup has not faded. Saudi Arabia enter Group H with that memory and a squad that has continued to develop through the growth of the Saudi Pro League.

Spain are a serious challenge, but Uruguay and Cape Verde offer genuine opportunities to collect points. Saudi Arabia reaching the knockouts would not be a surprise.

One to watch: Salem Al-Dawsari (Al-Hilal). The most recognisable Saudi player internationally, with the big-game experience to make a difference.

Algeria — Group J: Argentina, Austria, Jordan

Group J contains the only Arab derby at this World Cup: Algeria and Jordan meet in what will be one of the most-watched matches for Arab football fans. Algeria’s task is to beat Jordan and take something from Austria, which would likely be enough to advance. The Argentina match is a different challenge entirely.

Algeria qualified strongly through the African qualifiers and have a well-organised squad built largely around players in Ligue 1 and Ligue 2.

One to watch: Youcef Atal (Nice). An attacking right-back with pace and crossing ability who can change the tempo of a match.

Egypt — Group G: Belgium, Iran, New Zealand

Egypt’s group is the one that could produce the biggest Arab story of the tournament if Mohamed Salah is fit. Belgium are strong but not unbeatable, Iran are a known quantity, and New Zealand are the weakest side in the group. Three wins from three is not impossible for an Egypt side with Salah operating at his level.

This is likely Salah’s final World Cup. At 33 he is still among the best players in the Premier League, and a deep run with Egypt would cap an extraordinary career.

One to watch: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool). No further introduction needed.

Tunisia — Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden

Tunisia have qualified for eight World Cups without once making the knockout stage. Group F gives them a genuine shot at changing that record. The Netherlands are the group favourites, but Japan and Sweden are beatable. Tunisia’s disciplined defensive shape and set-piece threat mean they can stay competitive in any game.

Their match against Japan will be the 1,000th in World Cup history, a fitting landmark for a side that has been a consistent presence at the tournament for nearly five decades.

One to watch: Hannibal Mejbri (Burnley). A dynamic, press-resistant midfielder with the technical quality to compete at the highest level.

Qatar — Group B: Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Switzerland

Qatar’s group stage exit on home soil in 2022 left unfinished business. Group B in 2026 is more manageable: Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Switzerland are all competitive sides, but none carries the weight of a Brazil or Argentina. Qatar’s squad has continued to develop and Akram Afif remains one of Asia’s most dangerous attacking players.

One to watch: Akram Afif (Al-Sadd). The 2023 AFC Asian Player of the Year, capable of producing decisive moments in tight matches.

Jordan — Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria

Jordan’s presence at a World Cup is a milestone for football in the Arab world. They qualified for the first time in their history through a composed campaign in the Asian qualifiers, finishing second in their group behind South Korea. The squad is built around a strong collective and the goals of striker Ali Olwan.

A first World Cup win would be historic. The Argentina match is a tough opener, but the Austria and Algeria games offer realistic chances to pick up points.

One to watch: Ali Olwan. Nine goals during qualification make him Jordan’s most important attacking threat heading into the tournament.

Eight Arab Nations: A Historic Milestone

The previous record for Arab representation at a single World Cup was four teams at Russia 2018: Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Tunisia and Morocco. The 2026 expansion doubled that number in one step.

Full Coverage of Every Arab Nation

For live fixtures, match schedules and group standings throughout the tournament, visit the World Cup 2026 hub on livekoora.com. All 104 matches, updated in real time from the group stage to the final on 19 July.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Arab countries qualified for the 2026 World Cup?

Eight Arab nations qualified: Iraq, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Egypt, Tunisia, Qatar and Jordan. It is the highest number of Arab teams at a single World Cup in history.

Which Arab nations are making their World Cup debut in 2026?

Jordan are making their first ever World Cup appearance in 2026. No other Arab team is making their debut; all others have appeared at least once before.

Are there any Arab teams in the same group at the 2026 World Cup?

Yes. Algeria and Jordan are both in Group J, making their match the only Arab derby of the 2026 tournament.

Which Arab team performed best at previous World Cups?

Morocco hold the record for the best performance by an Arab team at a World Cup, reaching the semi-finals at Qatar 2022. Algeria reached the round of 16 in Brazil 2014, and Saudi Arabia did the same at USA 1994.

How many Arab teams have qualified for a World Cup before?

All eight Arab nations at the 2026 World Cup have qualified before, except Jordan, who make their debut. Morocco have appeared seven times, Saudi Arabia seven times, Egypt twice (1934 and 1990), Tunisia eight times, Algeria seven times, Iraq twice (1986 and 2026), and Qatar twice (2022 and 2026).