BREAKING: A historic moment for the Middle East and North Africa as a record number of teams have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to take place in the USA, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026. The draw held in Washington just revealed the initial group stage matchups, heightening excitement among fans across the region.
This groundbreaking tournament will feature 48 teams—an increase from the traditional 32—and will span 39 days with 104 matches played across 16 host cities, including 11 in the US, 2 in Canada, and 3 in Mexico. The first match kicks off at the Mexico City Stadium, marking a significant moment in World Cup history.
Among the teams from MENA that have confirmed their spots are:
1. **Morocco** – Known as the Atlas Lions, they are coming off a stellar performance in Qatar 2022, where they finished fourth, defeating teams like Belgium and Portugal. Morocco will face **Brazil**, **Scotland**, and **Haiti** in Group C.
2. **Iran** – With their seventh World Cup appearance, Team Melli qualified by topping their qualifying group. They will compete against **Belgium**, **Egypt**, and **New Zealand** in Group G.
3. **Egypt** – The Pharaohs, who first appeared in the World Cup in **1934**, topped their qualifying group and will face **Belgium**, **Iran**, and **New Zealand** in Group G.
4. **Algeria** – The Desert Foxes return to the World Cup after a 12-year absence, having topped their qualifying group. Algeria has been drawn into Group J with **Argentina**, **Austria**, and **Jordan**.
5. **Tunisia** – The Carthage Eagles qualified for their seventh World Cup and will face **Netherlands**, **Japan**, and a yet-to-be-determined team in Group F.
6. **Qatar** – Hosting the last World Cup, they will look to improve their performance this time. Qatar will compete in Group B with **Canada**, **Switzerland**, and a playoff winner.
7. **Saudi Arabia** – Making their seventh appearance, they will meet **Spain**, **Uruguay**, and **Cape Verde** in Group H.
8. **Jordan** – Celebrating their first World Cup qualification, Jordan is placed in Group J with **Algeria**, **Argentina**, and **Austria**.
As Japan and Turkey fight for their playoff spots in March 2026, the anticipation grows. The finals will kick off with an opening match at the Mexico City Stadium on June 11, 2026, and culminate in the final at the New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026.
This expansion of the tournament allows for greater representation, and the momentum surrounding the MENA teams is palpable. Fans are eager to see how these nations will fare on the world stage, with Morocco, in particular, riding a wave of confidence following their recent successes.
The implications are significant, as not only do these teams represent their nations, but they also symbolize the growing strength of football in the MENA region. The excitement surrounding the draw and the upcoming matches has ignited discussions among fans and analysts alike.
Stay tuned for further updates as the tournament approaches and the remaining teams finalize their positions via playoffs in March 2026. This is a developing story that promises to deliver thrilling moments and unforgettable matches.
