كوب قهوة بغطاء
وفر 19%! اشترِ كوب قهوة بغطاء بسعر 219 د.ل فقط في ليبيا. متوفر حالياً، الدفع عند
🛒 تسوق الآنWorld Cup 2026 Opens Today: 48 Teams, 12 Groups, and a Record 8 Arab Nations
World Cup 2026 Opens Today: 48 Teams, 12 Groups, and a Record 8 Arab Nations
The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off today, June 11, at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City — the largest edition in football history. For the first time, 48 national teams compete across 12 groups, playing 104 matches hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The opening match between Mexico and South Africa starts at 9:00 PM Libyan time, with the official ceremony beginning at 8:30 PM.
This 23rd edition introduces a new format: the top two teams from each group plus the eight best third-place finishers advance to a newly created Round of 32. The tournament runs through the final on July 19, spanning 39 days of elite competition across North America.
The 12 Groups: Complete Breakdown
The draw has produced compelling matchups across all 12 groups, mixing football powerhouses with emerging nations.
- Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Czech Republic
- Group B: Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar, Switzerland
- Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
- Group D: United States, Paraguay, Australia, Turkey
- Group E: Germany, Curaçao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador
- Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Tunisia
- Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
- Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay
- Group I: France, Senegal, Iraq, Norway
- Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
- Group K: Portugal, DR Congo, Uzbekistan, Colombia
- Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama
Group J stands out as a group of death, pitting defending champions Argentina against Algeria and Jordan. Group C features five-time winner Brazil against Morocco, the first African and Arab nation to reach a World Cup semi-final in 2022. Group I brings together 2018 champions France with Senegal, hungry to defend their continental title.
Record 8 Arab Teams Carry the Region's Hopes
The 2026 World Cup marks a historic milestone with a record eight Arab nations qualifying: Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Morocco, Iraq, Tunisia, and Algeria. This surpasses all previous tournaments and reflects the growing strength of Arab football.
Morocco enters as the region's standard-bearer after their legendary 2022 campaign. The Atlas Lions face Brazil in their opening match on Saturday, June 13. Saudi Arabia, who stunned Argentina in 2022, face Group H alongside Spain and Uruguay. Egypt opens against Belgium on June 15, while Tunisia meets Sweden on June 15. Qatar faces Switzerland on June 13, Algeria opens against Argentina on June 17, Iraq begins against Norway on June 17, and Jordan takes on Austria the same day.
Opening Weekend Fixtures to Watch
Saturday, June 13 delivers the first blockbusters: Brazil vs Morocco at 1:00 AM and Qatar vs Switzerland at 10:00 PM (Mecca time). Sunday, June 14 sees Germany face Curaçao and Netherlands meet Japan. Monday brings Spain vs Cape Verde, Sweden vs Tunisia, and Belgium vs Egypt. The week peaks with Argentina vs Algeria and France vs Senegal on June 17 and 18.
beIN Sports holds broadcasting rights across the Middle East and North Africa, with the TOD platform and FIFA+ providing streaming coverage. Several Arab nations are expected to broadcast their team matches on free terrestrial channels.
Why Libyan Fans Should Tune In
For Libyan football fans, this World Cup offers unprecedented regional representation. With eight Arab teams competing, the tournament is a powerful showcase of North African and Middle Eastern football talent. Morocco's 2022 semi-final run proved Arab teams can compete with the world's best, and the expanded 48-team format means more matches, more drama, and more opportunities for history.
The tournament also offers Libyan players and coaches a chance to study world-class tactical setups firsthand. With matches airing from early morning to late night across multiple time zones, there is always a reason to tune in — no matter which team you support.
The stage is set. Forty-eight teams, 104 matches, three host nations. Let the games begin.
— LibyaPress / Sports Desk
