Arab world represented by unprecedented four teams

The FIFA World Cup this summer for the first time will feature four teams from the Arab world. Egypt, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and Tunisia all qualified for the 32-team tournament, set for June 14-July 15 in Russia. The qualification of four Arab teams means the eyes of the world will be on Arab men as empowered athletes and not as negative stereotypes. It is hoped that images of Arab stars such as Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Juventus’s Medhi Benatia will be an inspiration for Arab youth in search for role models. Saudi Arabia is marking its return to the World Cup after a 12-year absence. The Saudis have sought to bolster their chances at success in Russia by striking a deal with Spain’s top flight La Liga, sending nine Saudi players on loan to clubs in Spain.