The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially on. Set to take over the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the tournament will be the biggest World Cup in history, bringing together more teams, more matches, and more football drama than ever before.
For fans across the Arab world, there’s even more reason to tune in this time around. With a record number of MENA nations securing their spots, the region is heading into the tournament with a strong presence and plenty of ambitions. From familiar World Cup contenders to historic first-timers, here are the 10 MENA teams that punched their tickets to football’s biggest stage.
Egypt
The Pharaohs are no strangers to making history. As Africa’s most successful national team with a record seven Africa Cup of Nations titles, Egypt will be making its fourth FIFA World Cup appearance in 2026, following previous appearances in 1934, 1990, and 2018.
Drawn into Group G alongside Belgium, Iran, and New Zealand, Egypt will kick off its campaign against the Red Devils on June 15.
Jordan
This year, Jordan will be making its FIFA World Cup debut following a demanding Asian qualifying campaign. The national team will appear alongside World Cup holders Argentina, Austria, and Algeria in Group J and will face Austria on 16 June at Santa Clara’s Levi Stadium in their debut appearance.
Qatar
The Gulf nation will make its second appearance at a World Cup finals, and its first through qualification, after participating as hosts four years ago. Qatar will face Switzerland on 13 June in Santa Clara and is also grouped with hosts Canada and Bosnia-Herzegovina in group B.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia will be making its seventh FIFA World Cup appearance in 2026 and will be hoping to recreate the magic of USA 1994, when the Green Falcons reached the knockout stage for the first time in their history. The Saudis also arrive with confidence after their famous victory over eventual champions Argentina at the 2022 World Cup. Drawn into a tough Group H alongside Spain, Uruguay, and Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia will begin its campaign against Uruguay on June 16.
Iraq
Iraq’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup sparked celebrations across the country, as the Lions of Mesopotamia secured their place at the tournament for only the second time in their history and their first appearance since 1986. The achievement marked the end of a 40-year wait and was widely celebrated by fans who had long dreamed of seeing Iraq return to football’s biggest stage.
Drawn into Group I alongside Norway, Senegal, and tournament favorites France, Iraq will kick off its World Cup campaign against Norway on June 17.
Tunisia
Tunisia will be making its seventh FIFA World Cup appearance in 2026, further cementing its status as one of Africa’s most consistent World Cup participants. While the Eagles of Carthage have yet to advance beyond the group stage, they’ll be hoping this tournament finally changes that. Drawn into Group F alongside Japan, the Netherlands, and Sweden, Tunisia will begin its campaign against Sweden on June 15.
Morocco
In the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Morocco’s Atlas Lions made history, stunning the football world with an unforgettable run to the semifinals and a fourth-place finish. In doing so, they became the first Arab and African nation ever to reach the tournament’s final four.
Four years later, Morocco returns to the global stage with expectations higher than ever. Drawn into Group B alongside Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti, the Atlas Lions will kick off their 2026 World Cup campaign against the South American powerhouse at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on June 13.
Algeria
After its last appearance in 2014, Algeria qualified for its fifth World Cup without difficulty. The Fennec Foxes won eight of their 10 games, drawing one and losing one. Their first game will come against Argentina on 16 June in Kansas City, and they are also up against Jordan and Austria in Group J.
Turkey
Turkey is set to make its long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup in 2026, ending a 24-year absence from football’s biggest stage. The tournament will mark just the nation’s third World Cup appearance, following its campaigns in 1954 and 2002, the latter producing a historic third-place finish.
Drawn into Group D alongside the United States, Paraguay, and Australia, Turkey will begin its World Cup journey against the Socceroos in Vancouver on June 13.
Iran
Iran heads into the 2026 FIFA World Cup amid unique circumstances, with the team’s preparations drawing added attention following recent regional tensions. Despite uncertainty surrounding logistics and travel arrangements, the team has confirmed its participation and will be based in Mexico throughout the tournament, traveling to the United States for its group-stage fixtures.
Drawn into Group G alongside Egypt, Belgium, and New Zealand, Iran will begin its World Cup campaign in Inglewood, California, on June 16. As one of Asia’s most consistent World Cup qualifiers, the nation will be aiming to make a strong impression on football’s biggest stage.
With 10 MENA nations heading to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the region is set to have one of its strongest representations ever on football’s biggest stage. From seasoned contenders to nations making long-awaited returns, there’s no shortage of stories to follow and teams to root for.
As the countdown to kickoff continues, now’s the time to lock in your predictions, pick your favorites, and keep an eye on the MENA teams ready to make their mark on the world.
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