Forecasts for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 for Arab countries

With only a few days left before the start of the 2023 Asian Cup in Qatar, we decided to analyze the likelihood of success for Arab countries at the upcoming tournament. Despite the fact that Arab teams are not traditionally favorites to win the tournament, the quality of football in these countries has increased significantly in recent years, so the battle between 24 teams at the 2023 Asian Cup promises to be interesting.

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Qatar (2019 champions, FIFA rating - 58)

A full five years have passed since the 2019 triumph, but most of the players who competed at the UAE tournament are still with Qatar, including star strikers Almoez Ali and Akram Afif. Although the 2022 World Cup disaster on home soil still lingers, the coaching change from Felix Sanchez to Carlos Queiroz and finally Tintin Marquez has been made. The chances of another title seem slim, but the experience and success coming from 2019 could make a difference.

Prediction: 1/8 finals.

Lebanon (2019 group stage, FIFA rating - 107)

Lebanon faced difficult preparations for their third appearance in the final, where the team hopes to make it past the group stage for the first time. Recently there has been a change of coach: Miodrag Radulovic will take his post at the helm of the national team, replacing Nikola Jurcevic, who spent only two months in the position. Radulovic has little time to solve the team's goalscoring problems, but their organization and fighting ability always cause problems for their opponents.

Prediction: reaching the playoffs.

Syria (2019 group stage, FIFA rating - 91)

The Syrian national team has attracted the attention of former Inter and Valencia coach Hector Cooper. However, the Argentine coach has previously caused frustration among fans in Egypt and Uzbekistan due to his defensive tactics. His decision to drop Omar Al-Soma, one of the region's most talented strikers, has sent shockwaves through fans and it is currently unclear where the team's goals might come from. Despite mixed results recently, including a 5-0 defeat to Japan and a difficult group with Australia and Uzbekistan, Syria do not deserve to be underestimated.

Prediction: reaching the playoffs.

UAE (2019 semi-final, FIFA rating - 64)

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) national team had lost its luster after the so-called “golden generation” of the previous decade. Star striker Ali Mabkhout remains one of the few old-timers who continues to lead the team in attack. But the emergence of Paulo Bento, the Portuguese coach who led South Korea to the second round of the 2022 World Cup, has injected new energy. The UAE national team's form is excellent, and there is a noticeable increase in enthusiasm and optimism in the team. Under Bento's leadership, they could become the dark horse of the tournament.

Prediction: 1/4 finals.

Palestine (2019 group stage, FIFA rating - 99)

The Palestine team will be taking part in their third and their journey will not be easy. With the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip, any victory will be a symbol of triumph, welcomed not only by the team, but by everyone who strives for peace. However, the Palestinian team is feeling the pressure drop. The team, led by experienced striker Oday Dabbagh and supported by neutral players, has every chance of reaching the playoffs.

Prediction: 1/8 finals.

Iraq (1/8 finals 2019, FIFA rating - 63)

The Iraqi national team once again faces the question of whether they can repeat the heroics of 2007 when they won the title or not. They are a very experienced team with only eight players playing in their home country, including young striker Ali Jassim. Much depends on whether Spanish coach Jesus Casas can bring the team together. He has been in office since 2022, focusing on more thorough preparation than usual. Casas believes in the team and hopes for second place in the group behind Japan. And as history showed in 2007, everything can work out successfully for Iraq.

Prediction: 1/4 finals.

Bahrain (1/8 finals 2019, FIFA rating - 86)

The Bahrain national team has been in trouble for two decades since the semi-finals of the 2004 tournament. However, qualifying for the playoffs can now be seen as a success, especially given the presence of Juan Antonio Pizzi, who led Chile to victory at the Copa America in 2016, as coach. Pizzi has led the team from the volley and has been actively working to implement his attacking, ball-control style of play. While facing South Korea in the first match may be tough, the real tests lie in Bahrain against Malaysia and Jordan.

Prediction: 1/8 finals.

Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Oman

Jordan, despite poor results in preparation, usually ramps up during the tournament. Coach Hussein Ammut will have to manage expectations and apply his tactical expertise to achieve success, starting with the match against Malaysia. Forecast - reaching the 1/8 finals.

Roberto Mancini's Saudi Arabia is aiming for greater success, but clashes with strong rivals such as Japan and South Korea are significantly reducing those chances. Forecast - last place in the group.

Oman, despite some problems and criticism recently, is looking to prove its mettle in advancing through the tournament. Branko Ivankovic's team is showing good football and has every chance of getting out of the group. Forecast – 1/8 finals.

Cover Credit - AFC Official