A New Era for MENA Football at World Cup 2026

The upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America will feature an unprecedented eight national teams from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This significant increase in representation, which includes Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Tunisia, underscores a growing presence and ambition for football in the Arabic-speaking world. Iran, while geographically part of the Middle East, competes under the Central Asian Football Association.

Morocco's historic run to the semifinals in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar has undeniably boosted confidence across the region, inspiring other MENA nations to believe they can advance beyond the group stages. As the tournament approaches, a closer look at each team reveals varied prospects, from seasoned contenders to debutants hoping to make a mark.

Algeria: Seeking Consistency on the Global Stage

  • World Cup Appearances: 5 (1982, 1986, 2010, 2014, 2026)
  • Best Finish: Round of 16 (2014)
  • FIFA World Ranking: 28

Returning to the World Cup after missing out in 2022, Algeria arrives with a mix of high expectations and questions regarding their consistency. Following their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) victory, the 'Desert Warriors' faced a period of underperformance. However, their current squad boasts a blend of veteran leadership, exemplified by Riyad Mahrez, and promising young talents like Mohamed Amoura and Adil Boulbina, suggesting they have the attacking prowess to challenge defenses.

The primary concern for Algeria lies in defensive stability and the ability of coach Vladimir Petkovic to forge a cohesive unit. Their group includes Argentina, Austria, and World Cup debutants Jordan. The match against Jordan could be pivotal for their knockout stage aspirations.

Key takeaway: Algeria possesses the talent for a knockout berth, but defensive solidity and consistent performance will be crucial for their success.

Prediction: Elimination in the round of 32.

Egypt: Chasing a Historic First Victory

  • World Cup Appearances: 4 (1934, 1990, 2018, 2026)
  • Best Finish: Group Stage
  • FIFA World Ranking: 29

Despite their dominance in AFCON with seven titles, Egypt remarkably still seeks its first-ever World Cup victory. The 'Pharaohs' are renowned for their potent attacking play, combining technical skill, experience, and speed in transition, often relying on star power like Mohamed Salah. Their long history of high-pressure continental tournaments has also instilled a resilient mentality.

However, Egypt can sometimes be overly dependent on individual brilliance, and defensive vulnerabilities against top-tier opponents have been observed. Placed in a group with Belgium, New Zealand, and Iran, securing a win against New Zealand will be paramount. Achieving a first World Cup victory would be a significant milestone for the nation.

Key takeaway: Egypt has the potential to contend for the knockout rounds, but achieving their first World Cup win will demand more than just individual moments of brilliance.

Prediction: Elimination in the round of 32.

Iraq: A Resilient Return After Four Decades

  • World Cup Appearances: 2 (1986, 2026)
  • Best Finish: Group Stage (1986)
  • FIFA World Ranking: 56

Iraq's return to the World Cup after a 40-year absence is a monumental achievement for a nation passionate about football. Their strength lies in a robust mentality, often grinding out narrow victories and displaying remarkable resilience. Key assets include aerial threat Aymen Hussein and veteran goalkeeper Jalal Hassan, who maintained an impressive clean sheet record in Asian qualifiers.

The main challenge for Iraq will be consistent goal-scoring against elite opposition, as their attacking patterns can be predictable. They face a formidable Group D alongside France, Senegal, and Norway. The opening match against Norway could be crucial for their campaign.

Key takeaway: Iraq has already made history by qualifying. The next step is to demonstrate that this generation can leave a legacy beyond mere participation and establish themselves as an emerging force in Asian football.

Prediction: Elimination in the group stage, but capable of challenging opponents.

Jordan: Debutants Aiming for a Memorable Impression

  • World Cup Appearances: 1 (2026)
  • FIFA World Ranking: 63

Jordan makes its World Cup debut, bringing a reputation built on defensive discipline and rapid transitions, highlighted by their recent run to the AFC Asian Cup final. Under coach Jamal Sellami, and with key players like Mousa Al-Tamari and Ali Olwan, Jordan aims to make more than just a fleeting appearance.

Their strengths include strong organization and team cohesion, making them difficult to break down. They pose a threat on the counterattack, with Al-Tamari providing pace and creativity. However, a lack of World Cup experience and overall squad depth could be significant hurdles. They face a daunting group with Argentina, Algeria, and Austria, with the match against Algeria potentially being their best chance for points.

Key takeaway: Jordan enters as an underdog but has a history of exceeding expectations. Defensive discipline and capitalizing on counter-attacking opportunities will be vital for a memorable debut.

Prediction: Elimination in the group stage.

Morocco: From Underdogs to Contenders

  • World Cup Appearances: 7 (1970, 1986, 1994, 1998, 2018, 2022, 2026)
  • Best Finish: Fourth Place (2022)
  • FIFA World Ranking: 7

Morocco's status has dramatically shifted since their historic fourth-place finish in Qatar 2022. No longer considered outsiders, the 'Atlas Lions' are now expected to challenge the world's best. Their success was built on tactical discipline, a strong defensive core, and the individual brilliance of players like Achraf Hakimi and Yassine Bounou.

The challenge for Morocco will be to manage the increased pressure and maintain their high performance levels. While their defense remains a cornerstone, developing more consistent attacking patterns will be key to breaking down resilient opponents. Their group draw will be crucial in determining their path to the later stages.

Key takeaway: Morocco enters as a genuine contender, and their ability to handle increased expectations while maintaining their defensive strength and evolving their attack will define their tournament.

Prediction: Quarterfinals.

Source: Al Jazeera