Muscat – Morocco, Egypt and Algeria have carried Arab hopes into the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, raising expectations that the region could produce its deepest run yet at football’s biggest tournament.

Morocco have already secured a place in the quarter-finals after defeating the Netherlands 3-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time, continuing the momentum generated by their historic semi-final appearance at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Attention now turns to Egypt and Algeria, who face Australia and Switzerland respectively in their Round of 16 fixtures, with hopes of joining Morocco in the last eight.

Football analysts told Muscat Daily that the performances of the three teams reflect the growing maturity of Arab football, which is increasingly competing on equal terms with the world’s leading nations.

Ali Hamad Al Sheyadi, sports analyst and former Al Suwaiq Club goalkeeper, said Morocco’s victory over the Netherlands demonstrated the qualities of a title contender.

“The Atlas Lions showed defensive organisation, fighting spirit and attacking quality,” he said. “If they maintain the same discipline and intensity, they have every chance of reaching the semi-finals once again.”

Looking ahead to Egypt’s meeting with Australia, Al Sheyadi described it as one of the Pharaohs’ biggest tests of the tournament.

“Advancing will require tactical discipline, concentration and the ability to make the most of limited chances because matches at this level are often decided by the smallest details,” he said.

On Algeria’s clash with Switzerland, he said the Desert Warriors possess the technical ability to progress but must remain organised throughout the match.

“Algeria has players capable of handling the intensity of World Cup football. Maintaining cohesion and adopting a well-structured attacking approach will be crucial.”

Sports analyst Khalid Al Rawahi said the tournament has confirmed the progress made by Arab football over the past decade.

“Arab teams no longer travel to the World Cup simply to participate,” he said. “They arrive believing they can compete with the best. Morocco, Egypt and Algeria all have players performing in Europe’s top leagues, giving them the experience and confidence to challenge elite opponents.”

He added that confidence and mental resilience would be decisive as the tournament enters its knockout phase.

Omani football fan Hamood Al Hadhrami believes the current generation has the ability to rewrite history.

“This World Cup has shown that Arab teams can do more than reach the knockout rounds,” he said. “Morocco and Egypt, in particular, have the quality to challenge for a place in the semi-finals.”

With Morocco already through and Egypt and Algeria still in contention, Arab football stands on the brink of another landmark chapter on the World Cup stage.