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Sports is the Gulf's favorite soft power play. The World Cup is a hard test.

Middle Eastern petrostates have poured billions into the game. Their national teams are struggling to keep up.

Published June 21, 2026, 8:31 PM
Updated June 22, 2026, 12:24 AM2.9K
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Sports is the Gulf's favorite soft power play. The World Cup is a hard test.

Middle Eastern petrostates have poured billions into the game. Their national teams are struggling to keep up.

Share𝕏f
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