John Duerden has covered Asian sport for over 20 years for The Guardian, Associated Press, ESPN, BBC, New York Times, as well as various Asian media. He is also the author of four books.
Ever since Egypt appeared at the 1934 World Cup, the second-ever edition of football’s biggest event, Arab teams have been trying to make their mark. Here are some of the biggest moments the region has enjoyed on the global stage.
In-depth: From Morocco to Saudi Arabia, 2022 has been a year of success for women's football in the region, with hopes for more breakthroughs ahead of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.
In-depth: The Iranian team's symbolic show of solidarity with anti-government demonstrators by not singing the national anthem comes amid a frenetic build-up to the World Cup overshadowed by ongoing national protests.
The Saudi Arabian 'Eagles' have beaten tournament-favourites Argentina in truly miraculous fashion. The heavy underdogs overcame the odds to record one of the World Cup's most memorable upsets, sending the Arab World and football fans into rapture.
In a tournament first, the 2022 Qatar World Cup will field four teams from the Arab world. Who are they, what are their chances of reaching the second round and which players are the ones to watch?
Days before Qatar 2022 World Cup kicks off, tens of thousands of supporters from across the Arab world have landed in Qatar with feverish expectations. From preparations to pitches, how important will the '12th man' turn out to be?
It is now only 100 days till the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. With a record-equalling number of Arab teams participating, The New Arab profiles their squads and gives a tentative prediction of their chances to progress beyond the group stages.
The Moroccan women's football team have achieved the unthinkable by beating 11-time champions Nigeria to reach this year's final. In doing so, the Atlas lionesses have galvanised public conversation in Morocco, with their success a watershed moment.
The UK Government's sweeping sanctions of Russian oligarchs in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine has prompted the infamous owner of Chelsea F.C Roman Abramovich to place the club up for sale, with the club now facing a period of uncertainty.
With the 2022 African Cup of Nations kicking off in Cameroon this Sunday, how will the Arab teams stack up against this year's competition? Who are the star players and who are this year's dark horses? Find out in our preview below.
