Qatar STILL Sucks

Back in the year 2010, FIFA awarded the 2018 World Cup to Russia and the 2022 World Cup to Qatar.

Right from the rip, world denizens howled that bribery was in play for both selections.

I immediately stuck up for Russia. My argument was that even if Russia bribed FIFA officials, (which they did), they had a rich soccer tradition and was one of the Top 32 Soccer Playing Countries in the World. I wouldn't have picked Russia, but I could have made an argument for Russia.

I immediately went with the Qatar Sucks blast. My argument was that Qatar had no soccer tradition, had never qualified for a World Cup, and wasn't even one of the Top 32 Soccer Playing Countries.... IN ASIA!

There is no question Qatar bribed FIFA officials, but FIFA's argument was "too late now" once the allegations were proven. Even though Russia did a nice job with their World Cup, Qatar was plagued with a LITANY of issues.

The biggest one, of course, was that their country was no good at soccer. My prediction of Qatar coming in dead last on the field was fulfilled very easily, which should have been an embarrassment for the hosts. But they continued to tout the tournament's success, despite the showing of their players. Qatar's angle? The 2022 World Cup wasn't about soccer, it was an advertisement showing that the country of Qatar was able to pull off a world class sports tournament.

Why am I beating this dead horse?

Because I also predicted that Qatar wouldn't qualify for another World Cup, on the soccer field, in my lifetime. It would be much harder to bribe their way into the 2026 World Cup.

I almost broke a sweat when the field expanded from 6 AFC teams to 8 (or 9) for the 2026 World Cup, but I took a peek at the qualifying standings this week and.....

Qatar STILL Sucks.

Long story short, last year, Qatar advanced to the second round of World Cup qualifying by beating up on war torn Afghanistan, which had its entire legal system collapse, and tiny Kuwait, (which is actually larger than Qatar).

This year, Qatar has already given up more goals than any other Asian country in the third round of qualifying, as they trail 'mighty' Uzbekistan in Group A.

If current results hold, these will be the 6 teams that qualify from the 2026 World Cup from Asia after the third round:

• Iran

• Uzbekistan

• South Korea

• Iraq

• Japan

• Australia

Leaving the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Jordan, Oman, Indonesia, China, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia to fight for the last 2 spots (or the intercontinental playoff game for the 3rd.)

Qatar better get busy bribing some international refs if they want that ticket to America.