Arab Teams Secure Spots in 2026 World Cup: A Milestone for Football Fans Across the Region

Arab nations are making history at the 2026 World Cup. Seven teams have now secured their spots, with Saudi Arabia and Qatar joining the party after crucial matches in Asian qualifying. This marks the largest Arab representation ever at a World Cup, signaling the region's growing football strength on the global stage.

Saudi Arabia booked their ticket with a 0-0 draw against Iraq in Jeddah, while Qatar beat the UAE 2-1 in Doha. Both results were enough to send the teams through to the expanded 48-team tournament.

The Saudi match at King Abdullah Sports City drew nearly 60,000 fans. The Green Falcons controlled the midfield and created the better chances, but couldn't find the breakthrough against a disciplined Iraqi defense. It didn't matter – the point was enough to top their group.

"It was a tough match, but we achieved what we wanted," said Saudi midfielder Firas Al-Buraikan after securing the country's third straight World Cup appearance. "Congratulations to the Saudi fans who never left us tonight."

Qatar's path proved more dramatic. Goals from Boualem Khoukhi and Pedro Miguel gave them a 2-1 win over the UAE, despite playing the final minutes with 10 men after a red card. The victory means Qatar reaches their second World Cup – but crucially, their first through qualifying rather than as hosts.

"Our joy is indescribable after completing this difficult task," said captain Khoukhi. "We lived under enormous pressure after drawing our first match against Oman, but we rose to the challenge."

Veteran midfielder Hassan Al-Haydos, who came out of international retirement for this campaign, called it a defining moment. "This is the historic generation that won the Asian Cups in 2019 and 2023, and now qualified for the World Cup through qualifying for the first time."

The expanded World Cup format has clearly benefited Arab football. Five teams had already qualified: Jordan (their first ever), Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria. Now Saudi Arabia and Qatar make it seven, with Iraq and the UAE still fighting for spots through playoffs.

For Qatar, this represents redemption after their disappointing home tournament in 2022, where they lost all three group matches. Saudi Arabia continues their strong World Cup tradition – this will be their seventh appearance.

The results show how competitive Asian qualifying has become. Both Saudi Arabia and Qatar topped their groups with just four points, highlighting the tight margins in the region's football landscape.

Iraq and the UAE aren't done yet. They'll face each other in a playoff for the right to advance to the intercontinental playoffs, keeping hopes alive for an eighth Arab representative at the tournament.

This historic Arab showing at the 2026 World Cup reflects years of investment in youth development, domestic leagues, and coaching infrastructure across the region. With the tournament expanding to North America's three host nations, these seven teams will have their best chance yet to make a lasting impact on football's biggest stage.