FEATURE: Tracing the highs and lows of Arab Nations at the World Cup

A compelling new book titled “Yalla! The Fluctuating History of Arab National Teams in the World Cup” by Ali Khaled offers a deep dive into the often-overlooked journey of Arab football on the global stage.

Spanning nearly nine decades, the book captures a story that began with Egypt’s groundbreaking appearance at the 1934 World Cup and stretches to Morocco’s remarkable run to the semi-finals in the 2022 tournament.

Through a carefully structured narrative, each World Cup featuring Arab participation is explored in its own chapter, blending historical context with detailed sporting analysis.

Beyond match results, the book paints a broader picture by examining the cultural, political, and social environments surrounding each tournament. It revisits defining moments such as Egypt’s trip to Italy in 1934, Morocco’s return in 1970, Tunisia’s historic victory in 1978, and Algeria’s dramatic campaign in 1982.

The rise of Gulf nations also features prominently, highlighting the contributions of teams like Kuwait, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia, including the latter’s stunning win over Argentina in 2022.

Rather than focusing solely on success, the narrative also reflects on periods of decline, particularly the stagnation seen in the early 2000s, before charting a resurgence that gained momentum from 2014 onward.

This revival ultimately peaked with Morocco’s historic achievement in Qatar, where they became the first Arab nation to reach the World Cup semi-finals.

By weaving together history and on-field insight, the book presents a rich account of resilience, missed chances, and unforgettable triumphs, positioning itself as a comprehensive reference on Arab football’s evolving presence at the World Cup.

Its release comes at a significant moment for the region. With the 2026 World Cup approaching, Morocco set to co-host the 2030 edition, and Saudi Arabia preparing for 2034, global attention on Arab football continues to grow.

Notably, the 2026 tournament is expected to feature a record eight Arab nations, including Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Iraq, and Jordan, marking a new chapter in this evolving story.