Iran Chances at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar

The FIFA World Cup is set to be hosted by Qatar in 2022, with qualifiers for the finalists ongoing at different levels. Iran, Qatar’s neighbors, at one time made a bold proposal to co-host the World’s most watched event alongside Qatar, only for the organizing committee to decide against it. The Iran national team was pooled in Group C alongside Iraq, Bahrain, Hong Kong, and Cambodia in the Asian continent qualifiers.

Long before FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed Qatar as the chosen nation for the world’s most famous event, there were doubts over whether, indeed, Qatar would be a suitable host. The harsh weather conditions in that part of Asia, and the unstable geopolitical conditions were the major concerns.

The FIFA World Cup is arguably the most watched event globally, and there will be a lot of focus in the plans going forward. It is also an event that punters usually take advantage of to place wagers on every match. Bookmakers provide a variety of betting options with the Hollywood mobile betting app as well as other platforms.

Iran’s Prospects

After four rounds of qualifying matches, Iran is placed third, behind leaders Iraq on 11 points, Bahrain with 9, albeit both having played a game more than Iran. Iran sits third on 6 points one ahead of Hong Kong, with Cambodia a distant fifth with a single point.

The Iranians will fancy their chances having already played leaders Iraq and Bahrain away, and hoping they can repeat a similar score line of 14-0 against Cambodia, and win the return tie at home against Hong Kong. It is a tough ask given the gap between first-placed Iraq and Iran, but there is hope that they can still push to finish as the best-placed runners up for consideration.

Asia will be represented by 5 teams, with Qatar already qualified as hosts. Neighboring Iran will feel the pain of missing out if something does not happen in the final qualification matches, as this tournament appears like the closest they have ever gotten to hosting a major tournament. The FIFA World Cup offers more than just the sport, as it brings about economic viability to the Middle East. The 2022 event will certainly be used as a tourism tool expected to pump millions of dollars into the economy of both Qatar and her neighbors, including Iran.

Qatar hosted its first ever FIFA Club World Cup in December, featuring top teams from all confederations. English side Liverpool won it beating Brazilian and South American Champions Flamengo in the finals.

Qatar’s influence in the world of soccer

French powerhouse Paris Saint Germain (popularly known as PSG) is owned by Qatar Sports Investments. It has grown in fan base over the last few years, and are tipped as one of the favorites for this season’s UCL according to Betway.

In 2019, former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino was in Qatar to lead a coaching masterclass organized by FIFA and the football federation of Qatar.

Celebrated former Spain and Barcelona midfield maestro Xavi Hernandez is currently working as the head coach of Qatar’s Stars League side Al Sadd where he first joined as a player-coach in 2015.