With FIFA expanding the number of participants to 48 teams, the 2026 World Cup has already broken several records before a ball has been kicked.
These include the strong presence of Arab nations, with a record eight teams set to take part in the United States, Canada and Mexico this summer.
Each of the previous two editions had four Arab nations as part of the line-up, and even that was considered a monumental achievement for the region at the time.
The increased participation of Arab nations will be matched by a significant surge in engagement across the region, especially when it comes to online betting.
The Arab World Cup betting platforms recommended by Arabworldcupbet will be bombarded with requests for new accounts when the tournament starts.
With World Cup betting likely to be off the scale in the region, here are four must-watch group stage games featuring Arab teams.
Brazil vs Morocco – Group C – June 13
Brazil’s showdown with Morocco at the New York New Jersey Stadium on June 13 is undoubtedly one of the blockbuster fixtures in the group stage.
The Samba King are heading into the tournament as one of the favourites to lift the trophy and it would be a brave move to back against them achieving the feat.
Brazil are the favourites to progress as Group C winners, but Morocco have what it takes to give them a run for their money.
Morocco’s heroics in Qatar, where they reached the semi-finals, put them on the global map. They are dangerous opponents for Brazil.
Drawn alongside Haiti and Scotland in Group C, Morocco are the most likely team to stop Brazil from running away with top spot, making this a must-watch game for Arab fans.
Belgium vs Egypt – Group G – June 15
Belgium’s clash with Egypt carries a similar weight as Brazil vs Morocco, with both teams considered the most likely to progress from Group G.
On paper, Belgium should make it through without breaking sweat, but Egypt, Iran and New Zealand will fancy their chances of pushing them all the way.
Although Belgium and Egypt are the strongest sides, they have a history of dropping the ball at key moments, so winning this face-off may not be the ultimate group decider.
However, a win for either side will significantly improve their chances of progressing to the knockout phase as Group G winners.
Spain vs Saudi Arabia – Group H – June 21
Spain will take on Saudi Arabia at the Atlanta Stadium on June 21 in one of several must-watch games for Arab fans.
The reigning European champions are one of the pre-tournament favourites despite their recent World Cup record, having failed to make it past the round of 16 since winning the title in 2010.
While that takes nothing away from their global pedigree, that record could give Saudi Arabia more confidence to go toe to toe with La Roja.
Saudi Arabia will always be remembered for their stunning 2-1 comeback victory against Argentina in their World Cup 2022 curtain raiser.
While Argentina went on to win the World Cup, Saudi Arabia’s tendency to do the unthinkable makes this a must-watch showdown for Arab fans.
France vs Iraq – Group I – June 22
France taking on Iraq at the Philadelphia Stadium on June 22 may not be the most glamorous group stage fixture on paper, but it perfectly captures the spirit of FIFA’s expanded tournament format.
This will be the first time these two teams will face off in international football, a record that may not have been achieved if FIFA had not opened the tournament to more teams.
France are the overwhelming favourites heading into the contest, but Arab fans will be keen to see if Iraq have what it takes to cause them any problems.
Les Blues are one of the pre-tournament favourites and rightly so, having reached the final in each of the last two World Cup editions.
Didier Deschamps’ side won the title in 2018 but were denied the chance to be crowned back-to-back champions in a penalty shoot-out defeat to Argentina in Qatar.
Iraq are gearing up for their first World Cup appearance in 40 years, so Arab fans will have modest expectations this summer.
