FIFA World Cup 2026 dominates regional sports agenda as qualifying teams finalize squads and overcome logistical challenges ahead of tournament in North America.
Lead:
The sporting landscape across the Levantine region remains centered on preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026, scheduled to begin June 11 in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Multiple national teams are announcing final rosters, conducting friendly matches, and addressing diplomatic and administrative obstacles. Simultaneously, club football continues to generate significant transfer and managerial news, while emerging challenges in governance and player welfare command attention from major institutions.
Top Stories:
Saudi Arabia national team — The squad enters World Cup 2026 with significant questions regarding its seventh global appearance, following the recent dismissal of coach Herve Renard and uncertainty over player readiness, according to reporting from Al Nahar and Addiyar. Concerns persist about the team's ability to replicate the 1994 achievement of reaching the Round of 16.Zamalek football club — Egypt's Zamalek faces a critical threat following FIFA's decision to suspend the club's registration for two consecutive transfer windows as a disciplinary penalty, reported by Addiyar. Barcelona's legal strategies may potentially offer solutions to the Egyptian club's predicament.Switzerland squad complications — Breel Embolo was excluded from Switzerland's World Cup 2026 roster over visa issues preventing entry to the United States, reported by Al Nahar. The forward's absence represents a notable gap in the team's attacking options.Lebanon university sports revitalization — The Lebanese University Sports Federation has reinvigorated campus athletics through the Lebanese University Cup competition, featuring robust participation and competitive matches between institutions, according to reporting from multiple outlets including Al Nahar and Addiyar.Liverpool's financial losses — Liverpool has sustained substantial monetary losses following the departures of multiple stars on free transfers, including Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah, impacting future investment capacity under current technical management, reported by Al Nahar.Everton managerial change — David Moyes has been appointed as coach of French club Lille for the upcoming season, according to Alakhbar, replacing the retiring Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti.What to Watch:
Tunisia faces Belgium in a friendly match preparing for World Cup 2026, with broadcast details announced by Al Nahar. Argentina prepares for tournament action in Kansas City with squad optimism following Lionel Messi's arrival at the main training facility, reported by Addiyar.