Historic Leap: Saudi Arabia Expands Arab Footprint at World Cup 2026
14 October 2025
A Historic Moment in Arab Football
The Saudi national team amplified the Arab presence at the 2026 World Cup by securing a finals berth after a goalless draw with Iraq at the Al Inma stadium in King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah, as part of the Asian playoff.
The Green entered the match needing only a point to seal qualification, and they achieved it thanks to a better goal difference.
With this achievement, the Green lifted their World Cup tally to seven appearances, cementing their status as the most represented Arab Asian nation at the global festival and pushing the Arab world toward a new milestone in world football.
From America Shock to Permanent Presence
The Saudi journey to the World Cup has been a story of persistence since 1994, when the first appearance in the United States drew global attention. They reached the round of 16 after wins over Morocco and Belgium, then exited to Sweden in the last 16, earning lasting respect.
They returned in 1998 in France but finished in the group stage after draws and losses. The same pattern repeated in Korea and Japan 2002, followed by 2006 in Germany. They reemerged in 2018 in Russia, earned a morale boosting win over Egypt, and then competed in Qatar 2022, before heading to the United States Canada Mexico 2026.
Morocco: The 2022 Landmark
Morocco has appeared six times; first in 1970, then 1986, where they reached the knockout rounds, before continuing in 1994, 1998, 2018, and 2022. Their Qatar run culminated in a historic semifinal, finishing fourth globally and standing as a marquee achievement for Arab football.
Tunisia: Consistent Presence and Experience
Tunisia has taken part in six World Cups, beginning with 1978 and including 1998, 2002, 2006, 2018, and 2022. Notably, they defeated France in 2022, a landmark moment despite a group stage exit.
Egypt: From History to Return
Egypt was the first Arab nation to appear at the World Cup in 1934 in Italy, losing to Hungary. After a long absence, they reemerged in 1990, then returned in 2018 with Mohammed Salah’s generation, but they exited in the group stage. Their ongoing presence remains a symbol of enduring Arab ambition.
Algeria: 1982 Memory and 2014 Triumph
Algeria shone in 1982 with memorable wins that sparked a lasting memory, later participating in 1986, 2010, and 2014, continuing the legacy of North African excellence in the global arena.
Qatar and Jordan: A Dream Turned Historic
Qatar hosted the 2022 World Cup, marking its first ever appearance. Jordan will make its World Cup debut in 2026, adding another historic chapter to the Arab story in football.
After seven Saudi participations, the largest Arab representation in history stands at seven. Will 2026 be the edition where an Arab team reaches the final after the Morocco 2022 milestone?
Punchline 1: If precision is the game, Saudi shots are now in sniper mode — target locked, scoreboard smiling. Punchline 2: And if the trophy cabinet starts needing more space, don’t worry — the fans’ enthusiasm will just keep expanding the house for all those medals.
