Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar that poured a fortune into soccer and infrastructure experienced unceremonious exits from the World Cup, proving that big money doesn’t guarantee success on the sport’s biggest stage.
Saudi Arabia’s Early Exit
Saudi Arabia is out at the earliest point, failing to advance beyond the group phase for the sixth time in a row. By signing the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Karim Benzema as part of a spectacular recruitment drive in recent years, Saudi Arabia has been a major disruptor of club soccer.
However, on the international stage, it still has a long way to go, eight years out from hosting the World Cup in 2034. A goalless draw against Cape Verde ended Saudi Arabia’s hopes of advancing from the group phase for the first time since 1994.
Qatar’s Disappointing Performance
Qatar, the host four years ago, is also on its way home after just three games, so too are the other Gulf nations Iran and Iraq. Compared to the success of African teams at this World Cup, with nine out of 10 advancing to the round of 32, Gulf nations are struggling mightily to make their mark.
Qatar made history with its first point at a World Cup, scoring a dramatic late equalizer against Switzerland. But it was another disappointingly early exit after it was eliminated just two games into its home tournament in 2022.
The appointment of Julen Lopetegui — the former Spain and Real Madrid coach — is evidence of the type of investment Qatar has made to try to boost its performance on the global stage. Unlike Saudi Arabia, it has not embarked on such an audacious drive to attract aging stars from Europe to its domestic league.
Focus on Homegrown Talent
Focus on development of homegrown talent is clear as 2034 approaches. Star signings from overseas have slowed, and some big names, including Neymar, have departed. U.S. Soccer’s sporting director Matt Crocker was lured away to head up talent development in Saudi Arabia, and youth investment is said to have doubled over the past three years.
Original reporting: NBC6 Miami — read the source article.
