The 2026 World Cup features the largest presence of Muslim players and Muslim-majority nations in the tournament’s history.
Here is who to watch, which nations to follow, and how fans across the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia can travel to the matches in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
A record number of Muslim-majority nations
At least 11 Muslim-majority nations have reached the 2026 World Cup, the most ever at a single tournament.
The group is led by a record eight Arab qualifiers, joined by three more Muslim-majority sides from beyond the Arab world.
| Group | Nations |
|---|---|
| Arab nations (8) | Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Tunisia |
| Other Muslim-majority nations (3) | Iran, Senegal and Uzbekistan |
Two of them are first-timers. Jordan and Uzbekistan are both making their World Cup debuts, while Iraq returns after a 40-year absence.
For the full breakdown of the Arab and African contingents, see our companion guides.
- Arab Countries at the 2026 World Cup: All 8 Teams, Their Fixtures and How Fans Can Follow Them
- Every African Nation at the 2026 World Cup: Full List, Groups and Fixtures
The Muslim superstars captaining their nations
Three of the world’s most recognisable Muslim footballers — Mohamed Salah, Achraf Hakimi and Riyad Mahrez — wear the armband for their countries in 2026.
Mohamed Salah — Egypt
Mohamed Salah captains Egypt and arrives as the country’s all-time leading scorer. The Liverpool forward turns 34 on the day of Egypt’s opener against Belgium on 15 June, likely his final World Cup.
He is joined in attack by Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush, giving Egypt one of the tournament’s most dangerous front lines.
Check out our guide for Egypt match schedules at the World Cup.
Egypt Match at the 2026 World Cup: Full Schedule, Dates and Kick-off Times
Achraf Hakimi — Morocco
Achraf Hakimi captains Morocco, the region’s standard-bearer after its run to the Qatar 2022 semi-finals.
The Paris Saint-Germain full-back won the 2025 Champions League and was named the 2025 CAF African Player of the Year.
Riyad Mahrez — Algeria
Riyad Mahrez captains Algeria, the side he led to 2019 Africa Cup of Nations glory.
Now with Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia, he anchors a squad whose striker Mohamed Amoura was among the top scorers in African qualifying.
Other Muslim-majority nations bring their own headline names, from Iran’s European-based core to Senegal’s stars and Uzbekistan’s debutants.
Muslim stars playing for non-Muslim nations
Some of the tournament’s biggest Muslim names line up for European teams rather than Muslim-majority ones.
France’s squad is a prime example. The Ballon d’Or holder Ousmane Dembélé is a practising Muslim, and France’s core also features Muslim players including Ibrahima Konaté, N’Golo Kanté and Youssouf Fofana.
France Match at the 2026 World Cup: Full Schedule, Dates and Kick-off Times
Dembélé, born in Normandy to a Malian father and a Senegalese-Mauritanian mother, has spoken publicly about how his faith shapes his career.
He is one of a record number of Muslim players at the finals, many representing nations where Islam is not the majority faith.
How to follow your team across North America
Matches are spread across 16 host cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico, so map your travel around your team’s specific venues before booking.
Direct long-haul links make North America reachable in one or two hops from the region’s hubs.
- Egypt fans: EgyptAir connects Cairo to New York.
- Morocco fans: Royal Air Maroc links Casablanca to several North American cities.
- Gulf fans: compare routes from Doha, Dubai and Jeddah.
Check live schedules on the Wego flight tracker and compare flights to New York, the gateway to the final, which is played at MetLife Stadium in neighbouring East Rutherford, New Jersey.
If you are basing yourself in one host city, browse hotels in New York early, as availability tightens fast around match dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Muslim-majority nations are at the 2026 World Cup?
At least 11 Muslim-majority nations qualified, a record. They are the eight Arab teams plus Iran, Senegal and Uzbekistan.
Who are the most famous Muslim players at the tournament?
Mohamed Salah, Achraf Hakimi and Riyad Mahrez captain Egypt, Morocco and Algeria respectively. France’s Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé is also a practising Muslim.
Will Ramadan affect any matches?
No. The 2026 World Cup is played in June and July, after Ramadan, so fasting will not affect match days.
Do I need a separate visa for each host country?
Likely yes. There is no unified World Cup visa, so you may need a US visa, a Canadian eTA or visa, and a Mexican immigration form depending on your nationality.
Sources
- FIFA — World Cup 2026 Hosts, Cities and Dates
- FIFA — World Cup 2026 Line-Up Complete as Iraq Claim Final Spot
- FIFA — Ousmane Dembélé: Stats and Highlights
- CAF — Hakimi and Chebbak Named African Players of the Year 2025
- Islam Channel — Record Number of Muslim-Majority Nations at the 2026 World Cup
- Al Jazeera — Ranking the MENA Teams at World Cup 2026
- Sky Sports — World Cup 2026 Group G Guide (Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand)
- Muslim Network TV — Muslim Stars Shine for Non-Muslim Nations at the 2026 World Cup
- Sky Sports — Ramadan: In-Game Pauses for Muslim Players
- The New Arab — Players and Prayers: The Impact of Muslims in UK Football
- FIFA — New York New Jersey to Host the World Cup 2026 Final
- US Department of State — FIFA World Cup 26 Visas
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
