World Cup 2026: How Arabs Told Their Story in the Group Stage (By the Numbers)

The 2026 World Cup group stage concluded with a record Arab participation, featuring eight teams. While five teams faced early exits, Morocco, Egypt, and Algeria managed to progress to the knockout stage, marking a significant achievement for Arab football. The statistics reveal a comprehensive picture of the performance of these teams, highlighting both their strengths and weaknesses. Throughout the group stage, Arab teams played a total of 24 matches, scoring 25 goals while conceding 60. Morocco led the Arab teams with 7 points, followed by Egypt with 5 points, and Algeria, which qualified as one of the best third-placed teams. These numbers reflect not only the results but also the overall performance and competitiveness of the teams on the world stage. Morocco stood out as the most offensive Arab team, scoring six goals and ranking 13th overall in the tournament. They demonstrated impressive attacking prowess, with 48 shots, including 16 on target. Their ability to compete against top teams, such as Brazil, showcased their potential and tactical discipline. Algeria and Egypt followed closely, each scoring five goals, but their paths to these totals varied significantly. Algeria's journey included a heavy loss to Argentina, followed by a recovery against Jordan, allowing them to secure a place in the knockout stage. In contrast, Egypt's qualification was marked by a comeback victory against New Zealand and a crucial draw with Iran. These performances underline the resilience and tactical adaptability of the Arab teams, despite the challenges they faced in the tournament.