Arab Teams Prepare for the 2026 World Cup
As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins, the eight Arab nations qualified are ramping up their preparations through intense training camps and friendly matches. Starting from May 20, these teams, including Qatar, Morocco, Algeria, Iraq, Egypt, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan, are set to engage in a series of closed training sessions and practice matches. Qatar kicks off its schedule with a friendly against Sudan on May 22 in Doha, followed by a series of matches involving the other teams. The excitement builds as these nations aim to fine-tune their squads ahead of the tournament, which is set to commence on June 11, 2026, across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Among the notable friendlies lined up are matches featuring Morocco against Norway, Algeria facing the Netherlands, Iraq competing with Spain, and Egypt taking on Brazil. These encounters not only serve as preparation but also as a test of the teams' readiness to compete on the world stage. The following outlines the detailed preparation schedule for each of these teams leading up to the tournament.
Team-Specific Preparation Plans
Morocco: The Moroccan national team is set to warm up with three friendlies, beginning with a match against Burundi on May 26 at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, which will be held without spectators. This will be followed by a game against Madagascar on June 2 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, and a final matchup against Norway on June 7 at the Red Bull Arena in New York. The Atlas Lions will enter the World Cup in Group C, alongside Brazil, Haiti, and Scotland.
Algeria: The Algerian team will embark on a closed training camp starting May 25, leading up to a friendly against the Netherlands on June 3 in Rotterdam. They will also play another friendly on June 10 in Kansas City, ahead of their World Cup opener against Argentina on June 16. Algeria is placed in Group G, alongside Jordan, Argentina, and Austria.
Iraq: Under the guidance of Australian coach Graham Arnold, the Iraqi national team will begin their preparations with a training camp in Girona, Spain, commencing on May 22. They have scheduled a friendly match against Andorra on May 29, providing a critical opportunity for the team to finalize their tactics and strategies. Arnold is expected to announce the final squad of 26 players on June 1, just ahead of their departure to La Coruña, Spain, for further training.
As these Arab teams gear up for the World Cup, their commitment to excellence and competitive spirit will be a focal point for fans and analysts alike. The preparation phase not only tests their skills but also builds camaraderie and resilience among players, setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating tournament.
As reported by france24.com.
