Saudi Arabia and Qatar have received significant advantages as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Both nations are hosting their respective qualifying matches, creating a favorable scenario for them.
Home Advantage in World Cup Qualification
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has granted Saudi Arabia and Qatar home advantage in the qualifying stages. This decision was made public in June and has led to dissatisfaction among their competitors.
Controversy Surrounding Selection Criteria
Countries such as Indonesia, Iraq, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) expressed concerns about the lack of transparency in the AFC’s decision-making process. These nations had shown interest in hosting matches themselves or suggested neutral venues.
- Indonesia and Iraq
- Oman
- United Arab Emirates
Scheduling Disparities
In addition to home advantage, the competition schedule further favors the hosts. Saudi Arabia and Qatar both have a six-day gap between their matches, while their opponents face a tight schedule.
- Oman’s matches include playing Qatar on a Wednesday and UAE on a Saturday.
- Oman’s preparation time is significantly shorter than that of the hosts.
Managerial Insights
Oman’s coach, Carlos Queiroz, has voiced concerns about the unfair advantages enjoyed by Qatar and Saudi Arabia. He noted the peculiar situation where his team must play a match after only a brief preparation period.
Geopolitical Influences
Geopolitical issues also contribute to the tension around the qualifiers. Indonesia has raised concerns regarding the neutrality of game officiating. They requested a European referee for their match against Saudi Arabia, questioning the impartiality of local officials.
Looking Ahead
The competition landscape is set with six Asian teams already qualified for the World Cup, including Japan, Iran, and South Korea. As it stands, the likelihood of Saudi Arabia and Qatar joining these teams appears high.
With the 2026 World Cup hosting spots on the line, the stage is set for an intriguing showdown in the coming days.
