Soccer has always been a hugely popular pastime across the world, with the countries making up the Gulf region among those that are passionate about certain activities. Although they may not have the global reputation that other nations may have, they have certainly shown their love for the game of football and other sports in more recent memory.
Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates are the seven countries that make up the Gulf Nations. To football fans, there will be some familiar names when it comes to the beautiful game.
Qatar and Saudi Arabia continue to grow in football stature
Of the seven nations, it is arguable that only two have really had a significant impact on the region’s footballing conquests. Both Qatar and Saudi Arabia have emerged as the biggest players in this region.
For football fans, Qatar’s reputation has started to grow in terms of world football, with the recent 2022 edition of the FIFA World Cup to have given them an elevated status. Of course, there will be some way to go before they are a big-time name in the game, but people will have taken note because of the competition that was recently held.
The country might have only been at the event because they were hosting it, but they have started to forge a deserving reputation. They did win the 2019 Asia Cup as they conceded one goal throughout. On their journey to their maiden Asia Cup victory, they defeated the likes of Japan, Saudi Arabia, and South Korea, thus proving their worth.
Those who like to wager on big international tournaments or enhance their love of the game through football-themed games and use the trusted Kuwait casino sites online that have some on offer will likely recognise Saudi Arabia as the biggest team from the Gulf. This is because they have regularly made appearances at the FIFA World Cup.
The country, which has just looked to disrupt the entire football landscape with its investment into the domestic game and the Saudi Pro League, will have seen its stock increase last winter when they were able to record a famous 2-1 victory over eventual winners Argentina in the Group Stages. It was their sixth appearance at the major event, and with Roberto Mancini in charge, the Saudis will be looking to be even more competitive in the future.
Still some development to go.
It is impossible to deny that there is still a long way for the Gulf region to go in terms of its status in world soccer. Europe and South America have long been the dominant continents when it comes to the sport, with north Asia and North America arguably following closely behind.
The game is seeing a lot of interest in the seven nations that make up the region, which could lead to a surge in the talent that is produced in the future. This could help them to elevate their status further, and with more places being made available in the FIFA World Cup, it will be interesting to see what comes.
For more sports coverage, check out Chat Sports on YouTube!
Back to the Soccer Newsfeed