- The 2026 FIFA World Cup includes a record 13 Muslim-majority nations, creating one of the most diverse tournaments in history.
- Iraq return after 40 years, Turkey after 24 years. Senegal have growing ambitions for this tournament. But who will go the furthest?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup signals a new era in global football. A record 13 Muslim-majority nations have qualified, forming one of the most diverse line-ups the tournament has ever seen.
For the first time, the competition expands to 48 teams. The United States, Canada, and Mexico will co-host the event. This new format reshapes qualification and opens the door for rising football nations. It also brings a new level of global representation to the world’s biggest stage.
This year’s Muslim-majority nation qualifiers are: Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, Senegal, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Iraq, Iran, Uzbekistan, Türkiye, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Each carries its own footballing narrative, ambition, and growing global presence.
For many of these nations, qualification extends beyond sporting success. It signals years of sustained investment in grassroots development, professional leagues, and modern infrastructure. Morocco and Senegal have already proven their competitiveness at the highest level.
Notable Comebacks And Special Milestones
Iraq’s Return After 4 Decades
Iraq is back on the World Cup stage after a 40-year absence. Their return has reignited excitement across the Middle East and Muslim world.
Australian head coach Graham Arnold is reported to have written believe on a board, when meeting his new team, asking players if they thought they could qualify.
The team arrived in the United States in the early hours of the morning on Saturday. Iraq’s star player, striker, Aymen Hussein was held and questioned for nearly seven hours at Chicago airport. We hope Muslim football players will not face similar issues at American airports for the remainder of the tournament.
Turkey Returns After 24 years
After a 24-year wait, Turkey has secured its place at the World Cup once again.
Left sided forward Yildiz and attacking midfielder Guler have a combined 48 goals. Turkey have produced 17 goals in six qualifiying group features.
All eyes on Morocco
The Atlas Lions changed the history of African football four years ago in Qatar by becoming the first nation in the region to reach the semi finals. Morocco the underdog, surprised many by their victories against powerhouses, Spain and Portugal. This continues to stand as one of world football’s most captivating stories.
Football analysts argue that this surge reflects a broader reconfiguration of global football’s balance of power. Once firmly dominated by traditional heavyweights, the international game is now increasingly shaped by nations that have methodically strengthened their systems, elevated coaching standards, and embraced long-term developmental strategies.
Yassine Bounou is once again expected to lead from goal. Morocco have been diligently preparing to show the world that Qatar was not simply a one-off.
Mohamed Ouahbi’s team have been drawn in Group C, where they will face Scotland, Brazil and Haiti.
Their opening match against Brazil in New York will immediately give Morocco the chance to measure themselves against the most successful nation in World Cup history.
Saudi Arabia’s love for the game!
America are hosting the World Cup after 32 years. Saudi Arabia are set to host the biggest sporting event in 2034. But for now, the Saudi team; nicknamed The Green Falcons, will participate in the 2026 World Cup and have the task of proving themselves as a national team.
In the Qatari World Cup, Saudi Arabia delivered one of the all-time great upsets by defeating the world renowned Argentina.
Despite that iconic result in 2022, Saudi Arabia did not get out of their group at the tournament in Qatar.
Al-Ghamdi recalls how the day after the Argentina victory was made an official holiday for workers across the kingdom, making it an even more memorable occasion.
“The culture of supporting the Saudi national team is special,” she says. “Whenever Saudi Arabia play, every outdoor venue is full, cafes are crowded, restaurants are packed and there is a carnival atmosphere.
“Even at work, employers often give people time to watch matches or bring in large screens so staff can follow the games. My sister works at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and they make arrangements there too.
“In hospitals and pharmacies, where people cannot leave work, they still set up screens in staff areas.
“Everyone watches — even my grandmother follows the team. Football brings together every generation.”
Senegal’s Chance of Victory
Senagal participated in the World Cup in 2002, 2018, 2022 and are scheduled to complete this month.
Their most valuable players are Sadio Mane, midfielder kingpin Pape Gueye, goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and captain Kalidou Koulibaly.
A 1-0 win against then defending champions France in 2002 announced Senegal as a rising footballing powerhouse. Their first Group I encounter this time around is against Didier Deschamps side in on 16th June in New York.
“If I lose even a second of my belief that I can win the World Cup with Senegal, I will step down,” said the team’s captain Pape Bouna Thiaw.
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The 2026 FIFA World Cup Final is scheduled for Sunday 19th July at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, New York.
