2024 saw Qatar win the Asian Cup and Iran and Japan dominate World Cup qualifiers
2024 was packed with highs and lows for sports in the Middle East and North Africa region. Qatar kicked things off with a bang, successfully defending their Asian Cup title, while Saudi Arabia ended the year making headlines as the future host of the 2034 World Cup. It was a year that showcased the region’s growing impact on the global sports scene, marked by big wins and tough losses.
Qatar back-to-back Asian Cup champions
Qatar were in full celebration mode to kick off 2024 with the successful defence of their Asian Cup title. Playing on home soil, the team proved their mettle once again, defeating surprise finalists Jordan in a thrilling match in Doha.
Captain Akram Afif led the charge with an outstanding performance throughout the tournament, ending as the top scorer with eight goals and securing his second Asian Player of the Year award.
The victory cemented Qatar’s reputation as a football powerhouse in the region, showcasing the depth of talent and tactical brilliance that has been cultivated in recent years. Fans filled the streets in celebration, proud to witness their nation retain the coveted trophy in front of an electrified home crowd.
Qatar’s success boosted belief they could make a second straight appearance at the World Cup having hosted the 2022 tournament but by November those hopes were hanging by a thread as defeats by the United Arab Emirates and Iran cost coach Marquez Lopez his job.
Iran and Japan dominate 2026 World Cup qualifiers
Iran and Japan have emerged as the dominant forces in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, underlining their status as two of Asia’s footballing heavyweights.
Both teams have been in formidable form, with Iran quickly taking control of Group A and Japan pulling ahead in their group by a significant margin. Their performances have set them apart from the competition, with clinical finishing, disciplined defence, and tactical superiority defining their campaigns.
For Iran, Team Melli has demonstrated a blend of youthful energy and veteran leadership, making them a tough opponent for any side. With a series of convincing victories, Iran has solidified its top spot in the group, leaving rivals scrambling to keep pace. Their emphatic win over the UAE was a statement of intent, reaffirming their ambitions for another successful World Cup appearance.
Meanwhile, Japan has been equally impressive, bouncing back from an early Asian Cup exit to dominate their qualifying group. Their ability to regroup and refocus after that disappointment speaks volumes about their resilience. Japan’s attacking prowess, led by a new generation of talent, has been on full display, as they racked up goal after goal to open a nine-point gap at the top of the table. Their consistency and adaptability have set them apart from underperforming rivals like Australia and Saudi Arabia.
As the qualifiers progress, both Iran and Japan look well-positioned to secure their spots in the 2026 World Cup. Their dominance highlights not only their strength but also the growing gap between Asia’s elite teams and the rest of the pack. While there is still time for surprises, the form of these two giants suggests that they will be leading Asia’s charge on the global stage in 2026.
Saudi Arabia to host World Cup 2034
In December, FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced that Saudi Arabia would become the second nation from the Middle East to host the quadrennial tournament in 2034 – 12 years after neighbours Qatar staged the 2022 edition.
The kingdom has invested heavily in sport over the last few years, although critics, including women’s rights groups and members of the LGBTQ community, allege it is using its Public Investment Fund to sportswash its human rights record.
Saudi Arabia, which denies accusations of human rights abuses and says it protects its national security through its laws, has never hosted a tournament of this magnitude and will have to construct eight stadiums to be used for the event.
The ambitious plan to host the World Cup includes constructing eight new stadiums and upgrading existing infrastructure to meet FIFA’s standards.
