Arab football fans in Kuwait are showing strong support for their national teams during the ongoing World Cup in North America, expressing both pride and optimism despite some challenges linked to the tournament's location and atmosphere.

Moroccan supporter Mohamed Chibani traveled from Kuwait to the United States to cheer on his team, which he believes has the potential to reach the final. Morocco made history during the previous World Cup by becoming the first African and Arab nation to reach the semifinals, finishing fourth. This progress has raised expectations for the Atlas Lions, who performed well in the current group stage, drawing 1-1 with Brazil and securing a 1-0 victory over Scotland in Boston, with Ismael Saibari scoring just over a minute into the match. Moroccan football expert Saif Mostafa highlighted Morocco’s steady development and strong federation leadership, suggesting the team is a serious contender for the title.

While Morocco garners considerable attention, Egypt’s prospects have also inspired optimism. Egyptian fans point to the team’s cohesion and standout players like Omar Marmoush and Mostafa Shobeir, with hopes that Egypt will advance to the round of 16. Saudi Arabia’s participation is viewed as a test of the region’s long-term international competitiveness. Saudi fan Khaled Al-Ghamdi noted encouraging signs from his team but acknowledged areas that require improvement for advancing beyond the group stage.

The tournament has also spotlighted teams making their World Cup debuts. Jordanian fan Mohammad Kishta celebrated Jordan’s first appearance, emphasizing its significance given the country’s limited resources. Jordan’s spirited play, including scoring its first-ever World Cup goal despite a 3-1 loss to Austria, has been a source of pride. Kishta traced Jordan’s progress to foundations laid at regional competitions and highlighted the importance of upcoming matches against stronger teams like Algeria. Algerian fan Samira Frimeche recalled Algeria’s history in the tournament and expressed confidence in the team’s ability to compete against top global sides, despite mixed results.

For Iraqi fans like Qais Al-Tamimi, participation carries significant value beyond wins or losses. Facing elite teams such as Spain and Argentina is seen as crucial for Iraqi football development. Supporters across Kuwait who are expatriates express a strong emotional connection to their teams, with gatherings to watch matches reinforcing their cultural identity.

However, some fans noted that the current World Cup atmosphere lacks the vibrancy and visibility seen in previous editions, particularly Qatar 2022. Tunisian expatriate Mohamed Omrani criticized the marketing efforts and overall excitement, suggesting that a host nation’s deep football culture is vital to a successful tournament. He praised Qatar’s organization and ambiance as a benchmark while expressing disappointment over Tunisia’s early elimination and coaching standards. Jordanian fan Kishta shared similar views, highlighting the familiarity and fan accessibility experienced during the Qatar event.

Despite these differences in enthusiasm and outlook, Arab fans in Kuwait remain united by a shared hope that one of the region’s teams could achieve notable success. The sense of solidarity extends beyond national borders, reflecting a collective pride in the progress and potential of Arab football on the world stage.