The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the 23rd edition of the tournament, but for the first time it is going to feature 48 teams and three hosting countries, shaping up to be the most exciting tournament full of matches and intense clashes and moments to remember for years. Fans across the Middle East are excited to see the final groups and fixtures for the eight qualified Arab countries that will shape their World Cup journey.
48 Teams for the First Time
As FIFA has upgraded its strategy and this time expanded from 32 to 48 teams, it means matches more opportunities and more thrills for football fans. Under this new format, there are 16 groups of three teams each, giving more countries a chance to compete on the world stage.
The World Cup grows to 48 teams, reshaping the competitive landscapes while promising fresh rivalries and unforgettable matches. Arab countries gain significantly more benefit with this upgraded World Cup format, as more teams can qualify, increasing both regional presence and fan enthusiasm.
Who will Host the FIFA World Cup 2026
For the first time in history, the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be hosted across three countries, the USA, Canada, and Mexico, offering fans a truly North American football experience. With iconic stadiums in cities like Los Angeles, Toronto, and Mexico City, the tournament will begin at the Mexico City Stadium, and for the Finale, the US will be host and taking place at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Arab supporters attending the event will have the chance to explore multiple host cities, enjoy diverse cuisines, and celebrate football in three different countries, making every match not just a game but a global celebration of sport and culture.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Schedule Overview
Exciting clashes between top-ranked teams and Arab nations are already creating a buzz, with fans worldwide marking their calendars to catch every crucial moment. The 2026 FIFA World Cup, expanded to 48 teams, will offer more matches than ever before, making sure there is non-stop football action. From the group stage all the way to the final, the tournament offers weeks of thrilling football action, followed by the round of 32, round of 16, semi-finals and the grand finale. Matches scheduled across various time zones in the USA, Canada and Mexico, fans can plan ahead to follow their favourite teams live.
Final Groups for FIFA World Cup 2026
The final groupings of the FIFA World Cup 2026 with 16 Groups of three Teams each set to compete in the expanded tournament. The group lineup has already created excitement and speculation, highlighting potential “groups of death” and fascinating clashes between established giants and rising teams. Arab nations have been drawn into groups presenting both challenges and opportunities, with key fixers that may determine their path in the tournament.
Arab Teams and Their Group Stages
Eight Arab countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria, Jordan and Uzbekistan, have secured their spots in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing regional pride and excitement to fans across the Middle East, and are set to compete in groups that will test their skills against some of the world’s best teams.
Each country is drawn into competitive groups, and here’s the grouping schedule. Qatar will be in Group B, Morocco in Group C, Tunisia in Group F, Egypt in Group G, and Saudi Arabia in Group H. Both Algeria and Jordan are placed in Group J, while Uzbekistan joins Group K.
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