UPDATE: A historic moment for football as a record **five teams** from the **Middle East and North Africa (MENA)** have qualified for the **2026 FIFA World Cup**! The draw was announced today in **Washington**, revealing the group matchups for this monumental tournament set to take place across **Canada, Mexico, and the USA** from **June 11 to July 19, 2026**.
This year’s tournament will be unlike any other, expanding from **32 to 48 teams** and featuring **104 matches** over **39 days**. The change allows more opportunities for nations to showcase their talent on the world stage, with the **MENA region** achieving its highest representation in the tournament’s **96-year history**.
The teams qualified from the MENA region include **Morocco**, **Iran**, **Egypt**, **Algeria**, and **Tunisia**. Each team now knows their initial opponents as they prepare for what promises to be an exhilarating competition.
Morocco takes on **Brazil**, **Scotland**, and **Haiti** in Group C. The Atlas Lions, who finished fourth in the previous World Cup in Qatar, boast a remarkable qualification record with **24 points** from **eight games**. Expectations are high for Morocco, especially after their stellar performance in 2022.
Iran will face **Belgium**, **Egypt**, and **New Zealand** in Group G. Known for their resilience, Team Melli is making their seventh World Cup appearance, having qualified early by topping their groups during qualification.
Egypt, competing in Group G alongside Iran, is aiming for redemption after missing the previous tournament. The Pharaohs secured their spot with **26 points**, including a standout performance where **Mohamed Salah** scored a hat-trick against Djibouti.
Algeria returns to the finals after a 12-year absence, drawn into Group J with **Argentina**, **Austria**, and **Jordan**. The Desert Foxes topped their qualifying group undefeated, led by key players like **Riyad Mahrez**.
Tunisia finds itself in Group F with **Netherlands**, **Japan**, and the winner of Play-off B. The Carthage Eagles qualified without conceding a goal, showcasing a robust defense that could prove vital in their quest to advance past the group stage.
The excitement surrounding the tournament is palpable, with the first match kicking off on **June 11, 2026**, at **Mexico City Stadium**, and the final to be held on **July 19, 2026**, at **New Jersey Stadium**. The **MENA teams** are not just participants; they represent a growing legacy in international football, pushing boundaries and inspiring future generations.
Looking ahead, the final six spots in the tournament will be determined through play-offs scheduled for **March 2026**. Teams like **Turkey** and **Iraq** are in contention, adding even more drama to the already thrilling build-up to the World Cup.
Stay tuned as we continue to cover the latest developments in the lead-up to the **2026 FIFA World Cup**, highlighting the journeys of all teams involved, especially those from the MENA region, as they prepare for this historic event.
