The curtain has fallen on Arab teams' participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the results ranged from disappointment to honourable performances to objections over what many considered favouritism in certain decisions. Nevertheless, the most notable achievement remains the sense of pride that united the Arab sporting public behind the fighting spirit our players showed in many matches.
For the first time in many years, the hearts of Arab fans came together in support of their representatives at the global tournament, coinciding with a rise in the number of Arab teams taking part in the current edition. At the same time, a broad consensus emerged around the perception that FIFA showed favouritism — whether in certain administrative or refereeing decisions — in favour of the major footballing nations.
Regrettably, the participation and results of a number of our Arab teams were affected by this favouritism, something that demands a unified and strong Arab stance in the period ahead — especially after teams such as Morocco, Egypt, and Jordan proved that they command a growing popular following and influence, backed by strong and honourable performances on the pitch.
The time has come for the Arab voice, represented by the Arab football federations, to unite and grow more influential in the decisions of continental and international federations — whether in Asia, Africa, or at the level of FIFA — and to demonstrate to everyone our ability to steer the course in a way that serves the future of Arab football and preserves its rights.
The strength of the Arab voice is no less than that of any other bloc; indeed, it is capable of attracting the support of numerous national associations from across different continents, giving it an influential role in the FIFA presidential election scheduled for March 2027, which is to be hosted by the Moroccan capital, Rabat.
This coming period carries particular importance given the new balances of power within world football, and UEFA's attempts to field a strong candidate to challenge incumbent FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who is seeking a third presidential term.
The Arab role will therefore be pivotal in shaping the contours of the period ahead — not only to protect the interests of Arab football, but also to contribute effectively to defining the future of the game at the international level. Arab football must continue its successes administratively, just as it achieved them on the pitch at the current World Cup.