After Two Matches: Which Arab Teams Still Have a Real Chance in the 2026 World Cup?

posted on: Jun 24, 2026

By Aziz Hellal / Arab America Contributing Writer

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has quickly become a major reality check for Arab football. After just two matches, the group stage has drawn a clear line across the Arab teams, separating those on the verge of making history from those still fighting to keep their hopes alive.

Morocco and Egypt have put themselves in great positions to advance to the Round of 32 after picking up vital results. Algeria also kept its tournament alive by bouncing back with a tense win over Jordan, while Saudi Arabia and Qatar still have a narrow path forward if they can deliver under pressure in their final matches.

It hasn’t been a perfect tournament for everyone. Tunisia has already been eliminated, while Iraq faces a difficult road ahead. With only one match left in the group stage, the next few days will decide exactly how many Arab nations move on to the knockout rounds.

Morocco and Egypt Move Closer to the Knockout Stage

Morocco and Egypt have looked like the sharpest Arab teams in the tournament so far. Morocco showed why they remain a global force by pulling off a stunning 1-1 draw against five-time champions Brazil in Group C. It followed up with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Scotland. Under their new coaching staff, the Atlas Lions look like they are capturing the same disciplined, resilient spirit that fueled their historic semifinal run at Qatar 2022.

Egypt also gave fans a night to remember by defeating New Zealand 3-1, bouncing back from an early 1-1 draw with Belgium. The win was a massive statement; the Pharaohs trailed 1-0 at halftime before roaring back with one of their most dominant World Cup performances in recent memory. The comeback gave Mohamed Salah another incredible milestone to add to his legendary career as he helped lead the frontline.

With four points each, both teams sit comfortably at the top of their groups. While they haven’t mathematically clinched their spots just yet, Morocco and Egypt are in prime position to lock down their tickets to the Round of 32 in the final matchday.

Algeria Revives Its Hopes

Algeria managed to save its tournament with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Jordan. After starting the World Cup with a tough 3-0 defeat against Argentina, the Desert Warriors went into their second match knowing that another loss would mean an early exit.

Things did not start well. Jordan took a 1-0 lead into halftime, leaving Algerian fans on edge. However, the team completely turned things around in the second half, adjusting their attack and scoring twice to secure the win.

The victory kept Algeria firmly in the race for the Round of 32. A positive result in their final group match against Austria could send them through directly, and even a draw might be enough to secure a spot as one of the best third-place teams. After a rough start, Algeria has given itself a fighting chance to keep the World Cup journey going.

Saudi Arabia and Qatar Still Alive

Saudi Arabia and Qatar are still mathematically alive in the tournament, but they have left themselves with a very narrow path forward. Both teams are heading into their final group-stage matches knowing that anything less than a win will send them home.

Saudi Arabia’s 4-0 loss to Spain was a painful setback after their opening draw with Uruguay. Despite the heavy defeat, the Green Falcons still have a lifeline in their final match against Cape Verde. A victory there would put them on four points. The team would have a strong chance of reaching the Round of 32, either by finishing second or sneaking through as one of the best third-place teams.

Qatar is in a very similar boat following a tough loss to Canada. That defeat really hurt their goal difference, adding even more pressure before their final match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Qatar cannot afford to hold back now; if they want to keep their World Cup run going, they must fight for all three points.

Tunisia and Jordan Eliminated, Iraq Down to the Wire

Tunisia has had a devastating run in the tournament so far. After back-to-back defeats against Sweden and Japan, the Eagles of Carthage are officially out of the 2026 World Cup. The early exit shocked fans, especially since Tunisia cruised through qualifiers without conceding a single goal, earning a reputation for having a rock-solid defense. Yet, in just two World Cup games, that defense collapsed, letting in nine goals as the team struggled to keep up with world-class attackers.

Jordan has also seen its World Cup dreams end early. After a tough opening loss to Austria, their close 2-1 defeat against Algeria sealed their elimination from the group stage. Even though they played with plenty of heart in their first-ever tournament appearance, the results just did not go their way.

Meanwhile, Iraq is barely holding on. Having lost their first two matches to Norway and France, their chances of sneaking into the Round of 32 are incredibly slim. Iraq still has one final match against Senegal, but that will be a difficult test. The team would need a big victory and a lot of help from other results to avoid booking a flight home.

The Final Showdown Ahead

The final group-stage matchday now carries massive weight for Arab football. Morocco and Egypt are just a step away from confirming historic starts, while others are forced to play for their lives to rescue their tournaments at the last possible second.

Whatever happens next, these first two rounds have proven how quickly the World Cup can change a team’s destiny. A single goal can spark history, revive a dying hope, or crush a dream entirely.

For the surviving Arab nations, these next ninety minutes will decide whether the 2026 tournament becomes a celebrated step forward or a painful story of what could have been.

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