A decision should be made in early December after the World Cup group draw.
In Asia, too, the anticipation is currently somewhat clouded in some countries. Because individual nations feel disadvantaged in World Cup qualification. What is it about? Six World Cup participants from Asia have already been confirmed, two are still missing. Six teams were drawn into two groups of three.
Qatar, Oman and the United Arab Emirates play against each other in one group. In the other group Iraq, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia. Each duel only occurs once, no return leg. Several countries applied to host the event. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) gave Qatar and Saudi Arabia, hosts of the 2022 and 2034 World Cups, the right to play their group’s games. This led to dissatisfaction among the competition. Oman, for example, called for more “transparency and fairness,” while Iraq was concerned about “competitive balance.”
Even more trouble arose after the game schedule was published. Because Qatar and Saudi Arabia not only have home advantage, but also the longest break between their two games. Both Gulf states had their first game last Wednesday and their second next Tuesday. The other teams had to play Wednesday and Saturday or Saturday and Tuesday. Oman’s national coach Carlos Quieroz criticized the English “Guardian”: “It’s strange that those responsible don’t feel uncomfortable with it.”
In addition to the hassle about entry, ticket prices, the heat and some controversial qualification processes, there is also the Trump factor. The US President explained in a media round in the Oval Office at the end of September that there could still be changes to the venues. Trump said he assumed that the World Cup could take place under safe conditions. However, in terms of venues, he added, “but if I feel it is not safe, we will move the games to another city.”