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For decades, football was dominated by Europe and South America. Countries like Brazil, Germany, and Italy set the global standard, while others were often considered secondary.
However, recent years have witnessed a dramatic shift where football thrives in nations previously deemed non-traditional, all thanks to more investment, youth development, and growing fan engagement.
With global broadcasts and fast-moving betting opportunities on sites like LiveScore Bet adding to the sport’s excitement, football has become a truly worldwide phenomenon, uniting fans from every corner of the planet.
The Middle East
Qatar has made remarkable strides in football over the past decade, a journey that reached its pinnacle with hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Beyond the spectacle of the tournament, the country’s domestic clubs, such as Al-Sadd and Al-Duhail, have played a crucial role in raising the standard of football locally.
By signing international stars and experienced coaches, these clubs have not only improved the level of competition but also inspired a new generation.
Similarly, Saudi Arabia is fast emerging as a football powerhouse. The Saudi Pro League has grabbed global attention by attracting first-class names like Cristiano Ronaldo, while significant investment in youth academies and local leagues under the “Vision 2030” initiative is helping to pave the way for a new generation of home-grown talent to rise.
Africa
Morocco’s national team became the first African side to reach the FIFA World Cup semi-finals in 2022, historically defeating giants like Spain and Portugal along the way.
This is a significant achievement, considering they only qualified for the World Cup for the first time four years prior, in 2018, when they failed to progress past the group stage.
Senegal, meanwhile, continues to cement its status as a footballing force. The nation has consistently produced world-class talents such as Sadio Mane and Kalidou Koulibaly, both products of a system that now places greater emphasis on youth academies and local training infrastructure.
The Senegalese domestic league, while not overly globally prominent, has been quietly improving, with many Senegalese clubs beginning to make deeper runs in continental competitions like the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation in recent years.
Asia
India, long considered a cricket country, is experiencing a strong football revival. The Launch of the Indian Super League in 2013 transformed the domestic scene, bringing international players and coaches while improving the game’s visibility.
While India still faces challenges, particularly in grassroots development and infrastructure, the country has invested in hosting major tournaments, including the 2018 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Further south of the continent, Vietnam has become one of Southeast Asia’s most exciting football stories. The national team’s thrilling run to the 2018 AFC U-23 Championship final sparked a surge of national pride and a new wave of investment into the sport.
Clubs like Hanoi FC and Hoang Anh Gia Lai are becoming more competitive, while youth academies, some of which are supported by European clubs, are producing technically skilled young players ready to compete on a larger stage.
Japan and South Korea remain the benchmarks for football development in Asia. Japan’s thriving J.League has produced stars like Kaoru Mitoma and Takefusa Kubo, while their 2022 World Cup wins over Germany and Spain proved their global potential.
South Korea, led by ex-Spurs star Son Heung-min, continues to build on its proud 2002 World Cup legacy, with a strong K League and a steady stream of talent competing in Europe’s top teams.
