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

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is a historic moment for Arab football. Eight nations from the Arab world have qualified for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, the highest number ever at a single World Cup. For Iraqi fans specifically, the tournament carries a particular emotional charge: Iraq return after a 40-year absence, joining seven other Arab sides in what is shaping up to be the most significant tournament for the region in football history.

Below is a complete guide to all eight Arab nations, their groups, their key players and their realistic chances of progressing.

All Eight Arab Teams at a Glance

Team	Group	Group opponents	First match
Iraq	Group I	France, Senegal, Norway	16 June vs France
Morocco	Group C	Brazil, Haiti, Scotland	13 June vs Scotland
Saudi Arabia	Group H	Spain, Uruguay, Cape Verde	12 June vs Uruguay
Algeria	Group J	Argentina, Austria, Jordan	17 June vs Austria
Egypt	Group G	Belgium, Iran, New Zealand	15 June vs Belgium
Tunisia	Group F	Netherlands, Japan, Sweden	15 June vs Netherlands
Qatar	Group B	Canada, Bosnia & Herz., Switzerland	12 June vs Canada
Jordan	Group J	Argentina, Algeria, Austria	17 June vs Argentina

Iraq — Group I

Iraq’s return to the World Cup is the story of the Arab qualifying campaign. They last appeared in 1986, and their path back included a dramatic intercontinental play-off where Aymen Hussein’s winner against Bolivia on 31 March 2026 sealed their place. Group I is one of the toughest draws in the tournament: France are among the favourites to win the whole thing, and Senegal are one of Africa’s strongest sides.

Iraq’s best realistic hope is to take points from Norway and produce something unexpected against Senegal. A single win could be enough to advance as one of the best third-placed teams under the expanded 48-team format, where eight third-placed sides go through.

Key player: Aymen Hussein. Captain, top scorer, and the man who put Iraq here. See his full profile on our Aymen Hussein page.

First match: 16 June vs France, Gillette Stadium, Foxborough.

Morocco — Group C

Morocco are the strongest Arab side at this tournament and arguably the most dangerous team in Group C alongside Brazil. Their 2022 semi-final run in Qatar, where they beat Spain and Portugal before falling to France, announced them as a genuine force in world football. Achraf Hakimi leads a generation of players who are at or near their peak in 2026.

Group C on paper should see Morocco advance comfortably past Haiti and Scotland. The Brazil match on matchday two will define how far they can go, but the knockout rounds are a realistic target.

Key player: Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain). One of the best right-backs in world football, dangerous going forward and a leader in the dressing room.

First match: 13 June vs Scotland, SoFi Stadium, Inglewood.

Saudi Arabia — Group H

Saudi Arabia carry the memory of their stunning 2-1 win over Argentina at the 2022 World Cup, one of the biggest upsets in tournament history. Group H is competitive: Spain are former world champions and Uruguay bring experience and physicality. Cape Verde, however, offer a winnable game that Saudi Arabia will be expected to take.

Salem Al-Dawsari remains the most recognisable Saudi player internationally, but the squad has strengthened in recent years through the growth of the Saudi Pro League.

Key player: Salem Al-Dawsari (Al-Hilal). Scored the winner against Argentina in 2022 and remains the creative spark in Saudi attacks.

First match: 12 June vs Uruguay, Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City.

Algeria — Group J

Group J contains the Arab derby of the tournament: Algeria and Jordan share a group with Argentina and Austria. Algeria face a difficult path to the knockout stage but are not without quality. Their squad has a blend of Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 experience from the French football system, and they qualified impressively through the African qualifiers.

The match against Jordan on matchday two is the key game for Algeria. Win that and a point against Austria could be enough to advance.

Key player: Riyad Mahrez (retired from international football 2023) — his absence is still felt. The new generation will need Youcef Atal and Islam Slimani’s experience to compensate.

First match: 17 June vs Austria, MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford.

Egypt — Group G

Egypt return to the World Cup after a long absence and face a group that, despite containing Belgium, is not impossible. Iran are beatable, and New Zealand are the weakest side in Group G. Egypt’s strength lies in their defensive organisation and the creativity of Mohamed Salah, who at 33 is making what is likely his last World Cup appearance.

If Salah is fit and firing, Egypt can surprise Belgium and make the knockout stage. A quarter-final appearance for Africa’s most decorated football nation would be a significant achievement.

Key player: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool). One of the greatest players of his generation, approaching what may be his final major tournament. His form and fitness heading into June will define Egypt’s chances.

First match: 15 June vs Belgium, Lumen Field, Seattle.

Tunisia — Group F

Tunisia have qualified for eight World Cups but have never advanced past the group stage. Group F gives them another chance: the Netherlands and Japan are strong opponents, but Sweden are beatable. Tunisia’s 1-0 win over France at the 2022 World Cup showed they can produce results against top sides even when it no longer matters.

The match against Tunisia and Japan will be the 1,000th in World Cup history, adding a historic footnote to what should be a competitive group game.

Key player: Hannibal Mejbri (Burnley). The Manchester United academy graduate has matured into a dynamic central midfielder and will be central to Tunisia’s build-up play.

First match: 15 June vs Netherlands, NRG Stadium, Houston.

Qatar — Group B

Qatar return as the defending hosts, having been eliminated in the group stage in 2022 despite home advantage. Group B is kinder than their previous draw: Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Switzerland are all beatable opponents. Qatar’s squad has developed since 2022 and Akram Afif remains one of the most dangerous players in Asian football.

Key player: Akram Afif (Al-Sadd). The 2023 AFC Asian Player of the Year, Afif is Qatar’s most creative attacker and a genuine match-winner on his day.

First match: 12 June vs Canada, BMO Field, Toronto.

Jordan — Group J

Jordan make their first ever World Cup appearance, and they share Group J with Algeria, making it the only group at the 2026 tournament with two Arab nations. Their qualification was built on a solid defensive foundation and the goals of Ali Olwan, who scored nine times during the Asian qualifying campaign.

A group stage exit is the most likely outcome against Argentina and Austria, but the Jordan vs. Algeria match is a genuine contest and a landmark moment for Jordanian football regardless of the result.

Key player: Ali Olwan. Top scorer during qualification with 9 goals, and the focal point of Jordan’s attack at their debut World Cup.

First match: 17 June vs Argentina, Hard Rock Stadium, Miami.

Follow Every Arab Team at the World Cup

Eight nations, twelve groups, 104 matches. The 2026 World Cup is the biggest tournament in the history of the game, and Arab football has never been better represented.

For full fixtures, standings and match-by-match updates across all eight Arab nations, visit the World Cup 2026 hub on livekoora.com.

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