FIFA World Cup 2026 :Canada/Mexico/United States: Discussion Thread

[sana54210]

I was trying to be fair and not claim to know that they are not enthusiastic because I think they are, but I added culture to the mix because I have got the impression that there is a higher level of joy and enthusiasm from youngest to old age in the big football nations. Football is indeed the most popular sport in Saudi Arabia. I read that a long time ago and was surprised about it because as you said, it is nowhere near the level of enthusiasm in the biggest football countries. But it doesn't mean they are not enthusiastic at all.

In your last sentence that is where I agree, it is a different culture and it is not as entangled across all social classes and people of all ages. Saudi Arabians can correct us if we are wrong about this, but that is what I believe to understand from the distance.

Countries and regions are had different level of culture and likes and dislikes here in Gulf region things have never been sporting lover but in last few decades they are investing huge funds with bringing world's best and biggest sporting events for having change even it's not easy, but movement is happening.

Dubai then Qatar and now Saudi Arab are having enough sources for having things well under control currently soccer is surely the most popular game in this region but still it had no enthusiasm like Africa, Europe and South America because they have rich history and involvement in this game. Recent development in Saudi League and having hosting rights of FIFA World Cup surely huge breakthrough after Qatar World Cup this is turning point but still domestic youngsters needed to give their best which is never been easy due to their culture and lifestyle.

[Sithara007]

they are just forced measures that do nothing but bring discontent to the stadium and the thing is not seen well, I see certain behaviors on the part of these Arabs who believe themselves to be the masters of the world and do not transmit anything to their fans, because they do not exist, then when they go to clash with real teams they are unable to bring home the result even with purchases costing millions of dollars

Is there a need to be so negative? Bringing in world-class players to the Saudi Professional League had its own benefits. SPL is now one of the most popular leagues in the world. Also, I believe that at least part of the criticism was due to inherent racism and xenophobia. When European leagues did the same thing, no one criticized them. And don't forget the fact that some of the rich Arabs gained ownership for some of the best clubs in Europe and they spent a lot of money to being good players. Back then they were welcome. But when these same Arabs try to build a world class league back home, all of a sudden there is a lot of criticism.

[armanda90]

Mmm I wouldn't say that Saudi Arabians are enthusiastic about football, I just did a quick research in order to get some real number and, based on ESPN data, the average attendance is a little over 8k people per match. The lowest attendance is 89 people, which is just ridiculous, even when I was a kid and used to play football there were more people watching us play, and here we're talking about a professional league match. Saudi Arabians just see football like a kid sees a toy: it's fun today, tomorrow is less interesting, the day after tomorrow you already forgot about it. I don't want to criticize them, they just have a different culture and interests, that's it.

Considering Saudi Pro League attendance the arabic football seems less enthusiastic for club match, but difference for national teams match behind how last World Cup edition at Qatar most successful behind every match attendance by many fans. No doubt with lower attendance of fans every match at Saudi Pro League team although any club have signed top European players but still difficulty how to make every fans watching at stadium. Less respect with some former European football players have bad viewed when talking about Saudi Pro League and most of them disagree when Qatar appointing as host for World Cup 2022.

During Saudi Arabian have completed facilities its not matter how many attendance every match they will be host for two next time edition of World Cup, no doubt how Qatar have been success host for World Cup 2022 and every one must respect for Saudi Arabian would be host for next edition.

[Sithara007]

Considering Saudi Pro League attendance the arabic football seems less enthusiastic for club match, but difference for national teams match behind how last World Cup edition at Qatar most successful behind every match attendance by many fans. No doubt with lower attendance of fans every match at Saudi Pro League team although any club have signed top European players but still difficulty how to make every fans watching at stadium. Less respect with some former European football players have bad viewed when talking about Saudi Pro League and most of them disagree when Qatar appointing as host for World Cup 2022.

During Saudi Arabian have completed facilities its not matter how many attendance every match they will be host for two next time edition of World Cup, no doubt how Qatar have been success host for World Cup 2022 and every one must respect for Saudi Arabian would be host for next edition.

Saudi Arabia is a small country (in terms of population) when you compare it with other countries such as England or Germany. The population comprises of only around 18 million citizens, while Germany and England have populations of 83 million and 58 million respectively. And given the small population, Saudi Arabia has too many clubs in the first tier competition. There are a total of 18 teams taking part in the Saudi Professional League. I would say that 10-12 would have been a more suitable number.

[tiCeR]

...

Countries and regions are had different level of culture and likes and dislikes here in Gulf region things have never been sporting lover but in last few decades they are investing huge funds with bringing world's best and biggest sporting events for having change even it's not easy, but movement is happening.

Dubai then Qatar and now Saudi Arab are having enough sources for having things well under control currently soccer is surely the most popular game in this region but still it had no enthusiasm like Africa, Europe and South America because they have rich history and involvement in this game. Recent development in Saudi League and having hosting rights of FIFA World Cup surely huge breakthrough after Qatar World Cup this is turning point but still domestic youngsters needed to give their best which is never been easy due to their culture and lifestyle.

The effects that the Gulf region was hoping for were not as strong as I think they thought they would be. There is a limit as to what they can buy and import with money and what not.

How much of an effect did the Qatar World Cup really have? This is important to consider because the question is whether it is really about football and entertaining the people or whether it is about improving their political image. When a small state in the desert like Qatar hosts a World Cup in football, I think most people are aware that this is not to make Qatar the next big football nation.

Saudi Arabia has more potential of course, but they won't become a contender for the World Cup trophy because of that. It will always be about top personell deciding for the money against the football culture they get in the other countries you mentioned. A great coach or player would prefer to be in Europe most of the time unless there is so much money involved that they give a damn about Europe. But not everyone will do that and in order to sustainably build a football nation, they will constantly need great players, great coaches and all the professional staff that belongs to it.

[Slow death]

they are just forced measures that do nothing but bring discontent to the stadium and the thing is not seen well, I see certain behaviors on the part of these Arabs who believe themselves to be the masters of the world and do not transmit anything to their fans, because they do not exist, then when they go to clash with real teams they are unable to bring home the result even with purchases costing millions of dollars

Is there a need to be so negative? Brining in world-class players to the Saudi Professional League had its own benefits. SPL is now one of the most popular leagues in the world. Also, I believe that at least part of the criticism was due to inherent racism and xenophobia. When European leagues did the same thing, no one criticized them. And don't forget the fact that some of the rich Arabs gained ownership for some of the best clubs in Europe and they spent a lot of money to being good players. Back then they were welcome. But when these same Arabs try to build a world class league back home, all of a sudden there is a lot of criticism.

In my opinion, the big difference between Europeans and Saudis is that Europeans hire foreigners to improve teams and force their players to improve their skills and the clubs to make money, while Saudis hire foreigners just because they want attention and to make money

they are not worried about improving the skills of their internal players, just look at how their salaries are much lower compared to foreign players, I also didn't see any internal players getting attention this season and last season, only foreigners get attention

[Sithara007]

In my opinion, the big difference between Europeans and Saudis is that Europeans hire foreigners to improve teams and force their players to improve their skills and the clubs to make money, while Saudis hire foreigners just because they want attention and to make money

they are not worried about improving the skills of their internal players, just look at how their salaries are much lower compared to foreign players, I also didn't see any internal players getting attention this season and last season, only foreigners get attention

I can't agree with this statement. Are you sure that the Europeans don't want any attention due to some well known player joining the club? That claim is laughable. Let's do away with this generalizations. Both the Saudis and Europeans hire star players for the same purpose. And lately the Europeans are unable to compete with the Arabs in terms of money power, and this is when all sort of allegations against the Saudis surface. Why Europe should be the global hub of football? Let other regions have their turn.

[Slow death]

In my opinion, the big difference between Europeans and Saudis is that Europeans hire foreigners to improve teams and force their players to improve their skills and the clubs to make money, while Saudis hire foreigners just because they want attention and to make money

they are not worried about improving the skills of their internal players, just look at how their salaries are much lower compared to foreign players, I also didn't see any internal players getting attention this season and last season, only foreigners get attention

I can't agree with this statement. Are you sure that the Europeans don't want any attention due to some well known player joining the club? That claim is laughable. Let's do away with this generalizations. Both the Saudis and Europeans hire star players for the same purpose. And lately the Europeans are unable to compete with the Arabs in terms of money power, and this is when all sort of allegations against the Saudis surface. Why Europe should be the global hub of football? Let other regions have their turn.

You don't understand, the Europeans have great famous players, Cristiano Ronaldo and many others, they can call African, American, Asian players, but the Europeans keep developing their players. What I'm trying to say is that the Arabs should give much more value to their domestic players and not think only about the damn money. Look at the Saudi League.

The best scorers are all foreigners and are not from Asia



So how will Saudi Arabia have a strong national team? when you look at the salaries of all Al Nassr players

https://www.aiscore.com/salary/team-al-nassr-fc-ezk96ino4ocwkn5

All foreign players earn more money than Saudi players, I ask you:

Is this really a good thing?

[retreat]

In my opinion, the big difference between Europeans and Saudis is that Europeans hire foreigners to improve teams and force their players to improve their skills and the clubs to make money, while Saudis hire foreigners just because they want attention and to make money

-snip-

I also see that Saudi Arabia recruits big players just for entertainment and to gain international attention. They spend a lot of money to recruit these big players to increase their club's visibility and popularity. For example, recently Bruno Fernandes was offered a lucrative deal by Al Hilal. Even more than that, Al Hilal wants two more world-class players after the Bruno Fernandes deal. That just shows that their motive is not necessarily to build a competitive, but just for entertainment and to capture global attention fast.

[Volgastallion]

In my opinion, the big difference between Europeans and Saudis is that Europeans hire foreigners to improve teams and force their players to improve their skills and the clubs to make money, while Saudis hire foreigners just because they want attention and to make money

they are not worried about improving the skills of their internal players, just look at how their salaries are much lower compared to foreign players, I also didn't see any internal players getting attention this season and last season, only foreigners get attention

I can't agree with this statement. Are you sure that the Europeans don't want any attention due to some well known player joining the club? That claim is laughable. Let's do away with this generalizations. Both the Saudis and Europeans hire star players for the same purpose. And lately the Europeans are unable to compete with the Arabs in terms of money power, and this is when all sort of allegations against the Saudis surface. Why Europe should be the global hub of football? Let other regions have their turn.

I think you are missunderstand the statement made by slwodeath. Its pretty easy to catch.

In european teams is like the first one thing to hire a player is his performance and after that how much attention he can bring on, but the main thing are the teams not the players and only a few players across the world can weight their influential thing over the team, like Messi Cristiano etc.

In Asia they bring players FIRST for the attetion and after that for the performance, and is ok, they need to bring attention right now.

I dont know why to stay into a defensive mode. The reality is only one.

[tiCeR]

...

In my opinion, the big difference between Europeans and Saudis is that Europeans hire foreigners to improve teams and force their players to improve their skills and the clubs to make money, while Saudis hire foreigners just because they want attention and to make money

they are not worried about improving the skills of their internal players, just look at how their salaries are much lower compared to foreign players, I also didn't see any internal players getting attention this season and last season, only foreigners get attention

I am sure they are not making money with this strategy when you only look at football as a business. But their idea is to improve their reputation due to hiring these influential players. If someone like Ronaldo goes to Saudi Arabia, the impression that people get is that some of the bad reporting about Saudi Arabia must be wrong or otherwise someone like Ronaldo wouldn't go there. So from football and transfers they are not making any money, but if there other brands in the world gain positive reputation and are perceived as fair and responsible, then hiring players like Ronaldo can still pay off. Especially in his case since I think almost every 10th person in the world is following Ronaldo on Instagram.

[dezoel]

I am sure they are not making money with this strategy when you only look at football as a business. But their idea is to improve their reputation due to hiring these influential players. If someone like Ronaldo goes to Saudi Arabia, the impression that people get is that some of the bad reporting about Saudi Arabia must be wrong or otherwise someone like Ronaldo wouldn't go there. So from football and transfers they are not making any money, but if there other brands in the world gain positive reputation and are perceived as fair and responsible, then hiring players like Ronaldo can still pay off. Especially in his case since I think almost every 10th person in the world is following Ronaldo on Instagram.

With the current strategy they are making no money just using their funds and influence for having their league at good level and also improve the structure of their country which will give them good chance of having good results in long run. Ronaldo is making Millions of $ because he is ambassador of FIFA World Cup 2036 as well which is going to hold here, and they are doing this just for having this event and also bringing their reputation on good level.

Just because of Ronaldo Saudi League is having good increase in fan base which is good success even still they are having no results which they needed, but their moves are giving them good popularity and chance of having more influential players which are important for them and their vision to change this country into best sporting country of world with their billions of dollars.

[Ale88]

In my opinion, the big difference between Europeans and Saudis is that Europeans hire foreigners to improve teams and force their players to improve their skills and the clubs to make money, while Saudis hire foreigners just because they want attention and to make money

they are not worried about improving the skills of their internal players, just look at how their salaries are much lower compared to foreign players, I also didn't see any internal players getting attention this season and last season, only foreigners get attention

I can't agree with this statement. Are you sure that the Europeans don't want any attention due to some well known player joining the club? That claim is laughable. Let's do away with this generalizations. Both the Saudis and Europeans hire star players for the same purpose. And lately the Europeans are unable to compete with the Arabs in terms of money power, and this is when all sort of allegations against the Saudis surface. Why Europe should be the global hub of football? Let other regions have their turn.

I would say that the main difference is that European clubs don't need to bring any attention, everybody already knows them: even a club like Manchester United that, let's be honest, have been hugely underperforming for 10+ years now, it's still one of the most famous clubs in the world despite the fact that they have no real star players. Arabic teams rely on famous players to get attention, people start to know the teams because of the players and not the other way around.

[Slow death]

...

In my opinion, the big difference between Europeans and Saudis is that Europeans hire foreigners to improve teams and force their players to improve their skills and the clubs to make money, while Saudis hire foreigners just because they want attention and to make money

they are not worried about improving the skills of their internal players, just look at how their salaries are much lower compared to foreign players, I also didn't see any internal players getting attention this season and last season, only foreigners get attention

I am sure they are not making money with this strategy when you only look at football as a business. But their idea is to improve their reputation due to hiring these influential players. If someone like Ronaldo goes to Saudi Arabia, the impression that people get is that some of the bad reporting about Saudi Arabia must be wrong or otherwise someone like Ronaldo wouldn't go there. So from football and transfers they are not making any money, but if there other brands in the world gain positive reputation and are perceived as fair and responsible, then hiring players like Ronaldo can still pay off. Especially in his case since I think almost every 10th person in the world is following Ronaldo on Instagram.

Considering your point of view, you are right. But the problem with these Arabs is that they are despising their native players and when it comes time to play for their national team, those who will be representing the country will be these same native players who do not receive attention and earn little salary compared to foreigners, also as long as they continue with the same political system, in the long run all this spending they are doing will be useless, just the day Ronaldo retires and leaves this league will return to being anonymous.

[imamusma]

In my opinion, the big difference between Europeans and Saudis is that Europeans hire foreigners to improve teams and force their players to improve their skills and the clubs to make money, while Saudis hire foreigners just because they want attention and to make money

they are not worried about improving the skills of their internal players, just look at how their salaries are much lower compared to foreign players, I also didn't see any internal players getting attention this season and last season, only foreigners get attention

I can't agree with this statement. Are you sure that the Europeans don't want any attention due to some well known player joining the club? That claim is laughable. Let's do away with this generalizations. Both the Saudis and Europeans hire star players for the same purpose. And lately the Europeans are unable to compete with the Arabs in terms of money power, and this is when all sort of allegations against the Saudis surface. Why Europe should be the global hub of football? Let other regions have their turn.

I would say that the main difference is that European clubs don't need to bring any attention, everybody already knows them: even a club like Manchester United that, let's be honest, have been hugely underperforming for 10+ years now, it's still one of the most famous clubs in the world despite the fact that they have no real star players. Arabic teams rely on famous players to get attention, people start to know the teams because of the players and not the other way around.

It must be admitted that football was much more advanced in Europe, and that is also what makes clubs from the European League much more famous until now. However, in terms of financial strength, clubs from the Saudi Pro League are currently probably stronger than European clubs. However, I think we don't have to compare these leagues, because each of them has a different history even though the goal is the same, we just need to enjoy it.

[Fiatless]

It must be admitted that football was much more advanced in Europe, and that is also what makes clubs from the European League much more famous until now. However, in terms of financial strength, clubs from the Saudi Pro League are currently probably stronger than European clubs. However, I think we don't have to compare these leagues, because each of them has a different history even though the goal is the same, we just need to enjoy it.

Financially, Saudi Arabia clubs are not richer than European clubs. The difference is that few of the Saudi-based clubs enjoy massive financial backing from the government. 75% ownership of clubs like Al-Ahli, Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal, and Al-Nassr are under the ownership of the government backed Public Investment Fund. If the government relinquishes its stake in these clubs, it might go bankrupt. However, most European clubs are owned by private owners, which makes them free from the influence of the government.

[Ale88]

In my opinion, the big difference between Europeans and Saudis is that Europeans hire foreigners to improve teams and force their players to improve their skills and the clubs to make money, while Saudis hire foreigners just because they want attention and to make money

they are not worried about improving the skills of their internal players, just look at how their salaries are much lower compared to foreign players, I also didn't see any internal players getting attention this season and last season, only foreigners get attention

I can't agree with this statement. Are you sure that the Europeans don't want any attention due to some well known player joining the club? That claim is laughable. Let's do away with this generalizations. Both the Saudis and Europeans hire star players for the same purpose. And lately the Europeans are unable to compete with the Arabs in terms of money power, and this is when all sort of allegations against the Saudis surface. Why Europe should be the global hub of football? Let other regions have their turn.

I would say that the main difference is that European clubs don't need to bring any attention, everybody already knows them: even a club like Manchester United that, let's be honest, have been hugely underperforming for 10+ years now, it's still one of the most famous clubs in the world despite the fact that they have no real star players. Arabic teams rely on famous players to get attention, people start to know the teams because of the players and not the other way around.

It must be admitted that football was much more advanced in Europe, and that is also what makes clubs from the European League much more famous until now. However, in terms of financial strength, clubs from the Saudi Pro League are currently probably stronger than European clubs. However, I think we don't have to compare these leagues, because each of them has a different history even though the goal is the same, we just need to enjoy it.

Of course there is no way to compare the Saudi league with the European ones, and one of the many reasons is the continent they play is, Asia: when you play the Asian Champions League you're going to face Saudi teams, Japanese teams, Korean teams, that's it. When you play in Europe no matter what team you play for sooner or later you're going to play in England, Spain, Italy, France, against the best teams in the world. That alone is enough for many players to choose Europe over Saudi Arabia.

[NotATether]

because of Ronaldo Saudi League is having good increase in fan base which is good success even still they are having no results which they needed, but their moves are giving them good popularity and chance of having more influential players which are important for them and their vision to change this country into best sporting country of world with their billions of dollars.

They are going to have a big crisis when Ronaldo eventually retires and TV viewing figures drop.

[stompix]

It must be admitted that football was much more advanced in Europe, and that is also what makes clubs from the European League much more famous until now. However, in terms of financial strength, clubs from the Saudi Pro League are currently probably stronger than European clubs. However, I think we don't have to compare these leagues, because each of them has a different history even though the goal is the same, we just need to enjoy it.

Lol, what?
There are teams from the USA with more money than the Saudi League, the Cl winner is getting more than the entire budget of Al Hilal for example.
Not to mention, you have the champion team playing at home and you only manage to get 13000 people in the stadium?
There are teams in the second division in the European league packing more spectators.

All this and oil at $50 and the Saudi League might start competing with Vanatu.

[LUCKMCFLY]

The best scorers are all foreigners and are not from Asia



So how will Saudi Arabia have a strong national team? when you look at the salaries of all Al Nassr players

https://www.aiscore.com/salary/team-al-nassr-fc-ezk96ino4ocwkn5

All foreign players earn more money than Saudi players, I ask you:

Is this really a good thing?

What you say is not wrong and the logic is not Wrong , Foreign players are the Scorers , and I think that is very accurate, but how can it help the Arab Team to be better ? Easy, their players Chant with these players, they somehow learn to play with those Styles of play and despite the fact that they are not scorers or so outstanding, in their leagues they learn things from them, they know who they Face and look for ways not to succumb to them, there is already growth there and the less they play in a World Cup they will know much more how to play against them, that is the bet that the Arabs make , and by the way, that strategy is very intelligent.