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Today, the 2026 FIFA World Cup features the highest number of Middle East and North African countries in tournament history, with an unprecedented nine nations having qualified this year to play in North America: Algeria, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Iraq, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Iran. The latest expansion to include more teams, 48 from its prior 32, has brought historic changes across the region, including Jordan's first-ever appearance at the World Cup alongside Egypt, the first nation in Africa to debut back in 1934.
Coupled with Qatar's hosting of the 2022 tournament and Morocco’s historic achievement of becoming the first African team to advance to the semi-finals at the previous tournament, this year’s World Cup represents a broader shift in terms of international football representation, one where fans from across the region and its diasporic communities are no longer simply watching from the sidelines.
As Morocco prepares to co-host the 2030 World Cup and Saudi Arabia looks towards 2034 as the first single nation to host 48 teams, AD surveys 23 historic photographs that capture the Middle East and North Africa's World Cup journey through the ages.
Egypt World Cup History (1934, 1990, 2018, 2026)
Egypt made history in 1934 as the first African and Arab nation to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, hosted and won by Italy. After 56 years, the North African nation returned to the football field at the 1990 World Cup in Italy, facing the Netherlands, Ireland and England before exiting the tournament in the First Group Stage. To date, Egypt has appeared at four FIFA World Cups, solidifying its place as one of the pioneering nations in African and Arab football.
In 2026, the country also broke a major world record with the fastest shot ever recorded at a World Cup, measured at approximately 123.4 km/h by Egyptian midfielder Emam Ashour.
Morocco World Cup History (1970, 1986, 1994, 1998, 2018, 2022, 2026)
Sharing the record with Iran, Saudi Arabia and Tunisia for the most World Cup tournament appearances, Morocco has been a regional fan-favourite across their seven qualifications. The North African nation made its debut in the 1970 World Cup, hosted by Mexico – the first tournament to ever be broadcast in technicolour – before swiftly exiting the group stage following a draw against Bulgaria and two losses against Peru and West Germany. Morocco also holds the record as the first African and Arab team to reach a World Cup semi-final.
Tunisia World Cup History (1978, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2018, 2022, 2026)
With seven tournament qualifications since its debut in the 1978 World Cup hosted in Argentina, Tunisia made history as the first African and Arab team to win a match after defeating Mexico 3−1. Today, the North African nation continues to blaze a trail, this year becoming the first team to qualify for the FIFA World Cup without conceding a single goal.
Iran World Cup History (1978, 1998, 2006, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026)
Despite challenges surrounding preparations and travel restrictions enforced by America, one of the 2026 World Cup co-host nations, Iran remains one of Asia's most accomplished footballing nations. Today, the seven-time World Cup qualifiers continue to make a mark, holding the record for the most international goals scored by a national team across the entirety of Asia.
Algeria World Cup History (1982, 1986, 2010, 2014, 2026)
Algeria returns to the world stage after 12 years for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The North African nation made its cup debut alongside Kuwait in the 1982 World Cup hosted by Spain and shocked the world by defeating West Germany, making World Cup history as the first-ever African nation to defeat a European team.
Kuwait World Cup History (1982)
On December 14, 1981, Kuwait secured a historic 2-1 victory against New Zealand, becoming the first Gulf nation to qualify for the tournament back then. The 1982 World Cup, hosted in Spain, took place from June 13 to July 11, 1982, across 14 Spanish cities. On June 25, 1982, England defeated Kuwait 1-0, leading to the official exit of the Gulf nation at the First Group Stage. The 1982 tournament remains Kuwait’s sole appearance.
Iraq World Cup History (1986, 2026)
Iraq made its historic debut at the 1986 FIFA World Cup, hosted by Mexico and won by Argentina. Following a 40-year wait, the Middle East nation returns to the global stage in 2026, competing alongside France, Senegal and Norway.
Saudi Arabia World Cup History (1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2018, 2022, 2026)
Long before Saudi Arabia delivered a head-spinning win against reigning world champions, Argentina and scored 2-1 in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the Kingdom made its debut back in 1994, hosted by the United States. This 1994 match also marked the first time an Arab country from the Middle East reached beyond the group stage following a 3-1 defeat to Sweden.
UAE World Cup History (1990)
The United Arab Emirates has qualified for the FIFA World Cup only once, making its tournament debut at the 1990 edition in Italy. The national team has not qualified for the competition since.
