For the first time in World Cup history, the 2022 tournament will be hosted by a country based in the Middle East, as Qatar makes final preparations for the biggest global event in football.
Amongst the thirty-two teams participating, five will represent nations from the Middle East and North Africa region, which often goes by the MENA acronym, representing a grouping of countries that share many cultural and environmental similarities.
Given the growing excitement ahead of the tournament, thousands of supporters from across the MENA region will be traveling, keen to cheer on their teams at the wonderful new stadiums Qatar has built for the 2022 World Cup.
Likewise, millions will be thinking about wagering on games, searching online to find the best football betting sites available to Arab countries. This is why Arabian Betting has focused on recommending safe and secure options, along with providing detailed guides and tips.
But as the oddsmakers attempt to calculate which teams have the best chances for success, which of the five MENA selections are likely to reach furthest at the 2022 World Cup? Let’s take a look at what’s expected of each national team.
Qatar
Having qualified automatically as the host nation, Qatar joined the top-seeded teams in Pot 1 for the 2022 FIFA World Cup draw, arguably giving them a slight advantage compared to the other MENA region sides.
Once the draw was made, Qatar were joined in Group A by Ecuador, Senegal, and the Netherlands. While none of these will be easy opponents, Qatar will certainly fancy their chances of qualifying for the knockout phase of the tournament.
Qatar will undoubtedly benefit from having the home advantage in games, although are clear group favorites, there’s every possibility they could finish above Ecuador and Senegal for a place in the knockout phase.
Iran
According to the latest FIFA national team world ranking, Iran boast the highest position amongst any of the MENA teams featuring at the 2022 World Cup, currently in 22nd position. Their highest ranking ever was 15th in August 2005, before competing in the 2006 World Cup.
Affectionally known as ‘Team Melli’ by their enthusiastic fans, Iran will undoubtedly face a huge challenge qualifying from Group B. They were drawn alongside the United States and Wales, plus England, who are considered to be amongst the tournament favorites.
Inevitably, the bookies believe that England qualifying for the Round of 16 will practically be a formality, although if Iran can perform to their full potential. On paper, they should be able to compete well against Wales and the United States.
Saudi Arabia
Traditionally one of the strongest national teams from the MENA region, Saudi Arabia has featured at five previous World Cup tournaments, having qualified for the first time at USA 1994. This will be their sixth appearance in the finals, and this one will be a massive challenge.
Saudi Arabia could need the support of their travelling fans, due to the fearsome strength of the Group C rivals they will compete against. Argentina won the 2021 Copa America with Lionel Messi in top form, ahead of what could be his final World Cup appearance.
Mexico will also be tough opponents, having consistently reached the Round of 16 at the last seven tournaments. Robert Lewandowski has shown that he is the star of the show at Barcelona, and he will spearhead the Poland attack. Saudi Arabia can surprise, but progress could be difficult.
Tunisia
This will be the sixth World Cup appearance for Tunisia, and there will be one principal objective for the team, which is to reach the knockout phase for the first time. The closes they came was in 1978, narrowly missing out after a magnificent effort.
However, there is every chance the fortunes of Tunisia could change for the better. Beating reigning champions France will be a tall order in Group D, obviously, although ‘The Eagles of Carthage’ might fancy their chances against Denmark and Australia.
Everything will depend on a positive start in the opening match against Denmark, which could provide valuable morale and momentum, especially if that can be followed by beating Australia. That would be priceless, ahead of taking on Group D favorites France.
Morocco
Easily one of the strongest selections from the African continent and the MENA region, Morocco will definitely feel capable of reaching the knockout phase, having only achieved that objective once before at the 1986 World Cup.
This time around, Tunisia can head to the 2022 tournament in Qatar filled with more confidence, thanks to the impressive strength and depth in their squad. They certainly have the talent to compete with Group F rivals Belgium, Croatia, and Canada.
Quality will make every difference for Tunisia, boasting players who represent some of the biggest clubs in Europe. That level of talent and experience will serve them well, as the MENA region side expected to make the best progress at the 2022 World Cup.
