The Arab World Takes Center Stage as a Record Number of Teams Secure World Cup 2026 Spots | OneFootball

Desert Foxes join Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt in historic milestone for Arab football

The Arab World Takes Center Stage as a Record Number of Teams Secure World Cup Spots

Algeria secured their ticket to the 2026 FIFA World cup after dominant 3 - 0 win over Somalia in the penultimate round of Group G of the African qualifiers officially booking their place among the elite.

Arab Nations Shine on the Road to 2026

The 2026 World cup, hosted jointly by the U.S, Mexico and Canada will feature 48 team for the first time.

Jordan became the 1st Arab nation to qualify via the Asian route followed by Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt who sealed their places earlier in the African qualifiers.

Algeria’s victory makes them the 5th Arab team to secure direct qualification marking record breaking moment for Arab football.

The previous record stood at 4 Arab nation appearing in both the 2018 & 2022 editions.

Sixth Arab Spot Guaranteed Through Asian Playoffs

A sixth Arab team's also guaranteed to qualify through the Asian playoff route. The playoff features two mini leagues of 3 team each, with the winners advancing directly to the World cup and the runners up battling for intercontinental qualification.

This ensures that at least 1 team from Qatar, Oman or the UAE will reach the finals increasing Arab participation to record breaking 6 team in 2026.

Africa’s Most Consistent World Cup Representatives

As the African qualifiers near completion, historical participation records highlight the continent’s traditional powerhouses:

Chasing behind are Senegal, South Africa and Ivory Coast , each with three appearances to date.

Africa’s Strength & Arab Momentum

With 3 African Arab nation (Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt) already qualified and Algeria joining them, Africa's set to deliver 1 of its most diverse representations ever.

The continent’s growing balance & ambition were symbolized by Morocco’s historic semifinal run in 2022 .. a milestone that Arab & African teams now aim to build upon in 2026.