More than a decade ago, when FIFA made the controversial decision to stage the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, myriad issues moved to the forefront, ranging from heat to human rights.
Since gaining independence in 1971, the small Persian Gulf state had never participated in the World Cup or cracked the top 50 in FIFA’s rankings. Until 2019, when it won the Asian Cup title, Qatar had never come close to reaching the continental final.
As World Cup host, though, the national team would receive a free pass to the 32-team competition and, by extension, carry the burden of showing it belonged.