MOSCOW – The FIFA World Cup will run on television screens across the globefrom June 14th till July 15th 2018. People are sure to support their teamswith a frenzy, with several teams being touted as favourites for thetournament. This will be the 21st edition of the World Cup and will betaking place in Russia.
Out of the total 32 teams taking part in the World Cup, 5 hail from Muslimmajority countries. In fact, this is the first time five Muslim nationshave qualified for the same World Cup.
IRAN
Iran was the first Asian Muslim country which qualified for the World Cup.It is ranked 32nd in the world and is also the highest ranked Asian teamaccording to the latest FIFA World Rankings.
Iran has previously qualified for the World Cup four times in 1978, 1998,2006 and 2014, but was knocked out each time in the group stages. Iran isalso one of the most successful Muslim nations since it has won three AsianCup championships.
Iran only boasts one victory in a World Cup match and that too,interestingly, against the United States. You never know though that thisyear’s tournament might just be when the Iranians defy all expectations.
EGYPT
The Egyptian Kings qualified for the World Cup after twenty eight years,with their last appearance on the grand stage occurring in 1990. They arecurrently ranked 46th in the world, according to official FIFA rankings.
Egypt made a brilliant comeback against the Democratic Republic of Congo inthe qualifying rounds to qualify for the World Cup. Mohammad Salah, Egypt’sgolden man, scored the penalty that sent Egypt to the World Cup in thedying minutes of that match.
The Egyptian national team boasts one of the best players in the world atthe moment in Mohammad Salah. Although Salah was injured by Sergio Ramosduring the UEFA Champions League Final between his club Liverpool and RealMadrid, Egyptian authorities are hopeful that he will be fit enough to makethe World Cup squad.
SAUDI ARABIA
Saudia Arabia is currently ranked 67thin the world and they rejoin the frayat this year’s World Cup after a hiatus of twelve years, with their lastappearance coming in 2006. The Kingdom made its first appearance in thetournament in the 1994 edition that was held in the United States.
Saudia Arabia made their way to the World Cup after they defeated Japan atthe King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah.
The Saudi team boasts talented players like Fahad Mosaed Al-Muwallad, whois one of the most promising strikers in the world at the moment.
TUNISIA
This will be Tunisia’s fourth appearance in the World Cup, with its lastappearance coming in 2006. Nicknamed the “Carthage Eagles”, the Tunisianteam is currently ranked 14th in the world.
In fact, expect great things from these dark horses since Tunisia was theonly team which remained unbeaten throughout the qualifying round for theWorld Cup.
MOROCCO
The Morocco national football team has qualified for the World Cup after agap of nearly 20 years. They are currently ranked 42nd in FIFA’s globalrankings.
Morocco’s team carries the title of the “lions of the atlas” and iscurrently managed by former French player Herve Renard. This is the fifthtime that they have qualified for the World Cup.