Qatar World Cup: Five players from the Middle East to watch out for

Players, coaches, and supporters from every corner of the world are descending on Qatar as the minutes tick down to the 2022 World Cup.

This year, there will be 32 nations looking to chase down global glory, with five countries representing the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

Every team has 26 players in their squad to choose from and here we have picked out five players - one from each MENA nation taking part - that we think you should be keeping an eye on.

Some are already household names thanks to their prolific talent. But we've also dug a bit deeper to highlight some perhaps lesser-known players who are really worth checking out as the tournament progresses.

Alireza Jahanbakhsh - Iran

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Iran's Alireza Jahanbakhsh (C) celebrates after scoring an equaliser during the 2022 Qatar World Cup Asian Qualifiers against South Korea on 12 October, 2021 (AFP) — Iran's Alireza Jahanbakhsh (C) celebrates after scoring an equaliser during the 2022 Qatar World Cup Asian Qualifiers against South Korea on 12 October 2021 (AFP)

Alireza Jahanbakhsh is no stranger to carrying the high hopes of a nation.

When he captained Iran during the 2018 World Cup, Team Melli was one of the surprise packages in Russia when they picked up four points in a group that included Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.

This time around, Jahanbakhsh will be looking to do one better and get on the score sheet. He'd also like to replicate one of his nation's most historic sporting moments - defeating the United States at a World Cup - when they play each other again on 29 November.

The former Brighton striker is one of a few Iranian players to have faced formidable opposition both within the Premier League and European club competition, alongside 2021 Puskas award contender Mehdi Taremi.

Achraf Hakimi - Morocco

Morocco's Achraf Hakimi controls the ball during an international friendly with Chile at the Cornella-El Prat stadium in Cornella de Llobregat, Spain, on 23 September, 2022 (AFP) — Morocco's Achraf Hakimi during an international friendly with Chile at the Cornella-El Prat stadium in Cornella de Llobregat, Spain, on 23 September 2022 (AFP)

A pivotal member of the Moroccan national team, 24-year-old Achraf Hakimi has set Ligue 1 alight with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

After being the fifth youngest player at the 2018 World Cup, the full-back arrives in Qatar with more experience and more star quality, having excelled at Dortmund, Inter Milan, and now PSG.

Primarily a defender, Hakimi is also a strong attacking threat, bagging four goals against DR Congo in the third round of qualifying in March that sealed a place for the Atlas Lions in the World Cup finals.

Off the pitch, his big focus is social justice. During the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020 he wore a "Justice for George Floyd" T-shirt.

"Public figures like us must tell the world that there are no differences between us and we must all work together to ensure racism no longer exists," he said at the time.

Akram Afif - Qatar

Qatar's Akram Afif celebrates his goal during the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup Group A football match against the United Arab Emirates at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha on 2 December, 2019 (AFP) — Qatar's Akram Afif celebrates his goal during the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup Group A football match against the United Arab Emirates at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha on 2 December 2019 (AFP)

Left-winger Akram Afif guided Al-Sadd to victory in both the Qatar Stars Cup and Emir Cup last season and is the host nation's best hope of securing points in their first World Cup appearance.

Having played for the youth teams of both Sevilla and Villarreal, the 26-year-old went on to shine for both Al-Sadd and Qatar since returning home, scoring 26 goals in 89 appearances for the Maroons.

Described by his former coach Xavi as an unbelievable talent, the 2019 Asian Footballer of the Year is Qatar's standout player and will be desperate to shine on home soil.

Salem al-Dawsari - Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia's Salem Al-Dawsari reacts during the 2022 Qatar World Cup Asian Qualifiers football match against China at the Sharjah Football Stadium in the Emirati city, on 24 March, 2022 (AFP) — Saudi Arabia's Salem Al-Dawsari during the 2022 Qatar World Cup Asian Qualifiers match against China at the Sharjah Football Stadium in the Emirati city, on 24 March 2022 (AFP)

The best player in the Middle East?

Salem al-Dawsari, also known as "the Tornado", has regularly scored for the Falcons at global and continental tournaments and could well add to his tally in Qatar.

Last season, he bagged 18 goals across all competitions for Al-Hilal as they won the Saudi Pro League, the Saudi Super Cup, and the 2021 AFC Champions League.

The Jeddah native has also scored at a World Cup with a 95th-minute clincher against Egypt four years ago that granted the Saudis their first win at a World Cup since USA '94.

Hannibal Mejbri - Tunisia

Tunisian midfielder Hannibal Mejbri controls the ball during the FIFA Arab Cup 2021 group B football match against Syria on 3 December, 2021 (AFP) — Tunisian midfielder Hannibal Mejbri during the FIFA Arab Cup 2021 group B football match against Syria on 3 December 2021 (AFP)

Hannibal Mejbri could be Tunisia's wild card at the Qatar World Cup.

Named after the great Carthaginian general, 19-year-old Mejbri is seen by Tunisians as their brightest hope at the tournament.

Currently on loan to Birmingham City from Manchester United where manager John Eustace has labelled him "phenomenal," with the youngster recording several standout performances in their quest for promotion from the Championship.

Mejbri has also earned praise from Tunisian head coach Jalel Kadri - but poor discipline has also been a problem for the youngster.

He made headlines last season during his second appearance for the Red Devils. During a 4-0 drubbing to Liverpool, the Tunisian came on and was instantly throwing himself into the thick of it with challenges on Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita, and Andy Robertson - earning himself a yellow card in the process.

After the match, sports pundit Gary Neville said he was "proud" of the performance and hoped others in the dressing room would take note of his sprinting, tackling, and tenacity.

This article is available in French on Middle East Eye French edition.

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