The 2026 World Cup is being redefined not just by the football on show, but by the poets in the press box. Arab commentators are weaving magic with their mesmerising play-by-play, turning what could be mundane into pure drama. Their unique style, steeped in Arabic's rich oral traditions and poetic flair, has captivated audiences from bustling cafes in Lebanon to air-conditioned restaurants in the Gulf region.
One such moment of brilliance came during Portugal's match against Uzbekistan when Omani commentator Amer al-Khudhiri unleashed a 90-second soliloquy even before Cristiano Ronaldo's shot found the net. His commentary transcended mere play-by-play, evolving into an emotional tribute to the player that left viewers breathless. "I knew you were coming for revenge... Oh history, put Ronaldo here as Portugal's all-time top scorer, through all its history. Allah, Allah, Allah!" he exclaimed, his voice growing hoarse with emotion.
This 'beautiful commentary', as described by Cherly Abou Chabke, a Lebanese TV reporter, is like a love letter to football – engaging even those who might not typically follow the sport. The language used is not just to heighten drama but to stretch time itself, turning a brief two-second sequence into an elaborate paragraph of anticipation. Hazar al-Kilani, a public relations manager in Doha, highlighted that this makes the anticipation, rather than solely the goal, the primary consumption for viewers.
Commentators like al-Khudhiri and Tunisia's Issam Chaouali break from the more clinical, objective style often found in English-language sports broadcasting. Their voices rise in pitch and pace as players approach the goal, leading fans on an emotional journey that can involve expressions of sorrow for missed opportunities, shouts of joy for goals, and even occasional life advice.
The linguistic foundation of this commentary is key. Arabic boasts a long oral tradition, where improvised poetry competitions were common, showcasing mastery of a language rich in expression, reportedly having as many as 500 ways to say 'lion'. This cultural heritage allows commentators like Chaouali, who studied philology, to infuse their broadcasts with creative and eloquent rhetoric. Following Lionel Messi's 17th World Cup goal against Austria, Yemeni commentator Hassan al-Aidarous declared, "I do not call you Leo, I call you history itself! For if glory has a king, then you are the king of glory."
With a record number of Middle Eastern teams participating in the 2026 World Cup, the reach and influence of these charismatic announcers are only set to grow, making their unique commentary a defining feature of the tournament's regional broadcast.