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Money can't buy World Cup success for gulf nations like Saudi Arabia and Qatar
By James Robson | The Associated Press at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC)
· June 28, 2026
· 5 min read
Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar that poured a fortune into soccer and infrastructure experienced unceremonious exits from the World Cup, proving that big money doesn’t guarantee success on the sport’s biggest stage.
Saudi Arabia is out at the earliest point. Again. Bottom of a group...
Key takeaway But on the international stage it still has a long way to go eight years out from hosting the World Cup in 2034.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
The struggles of Gulf nations like Saudi Arabia and Qatar to make a lasting impact on the World Cup stage have implications for Los Angeles , which has a significant population of soccer fans from diverse backgrounds. As the city looks to host major international soccer events in the future, the example of these Gulf nations serves as a reminder that investment in infrastructure and talent alone is not enough to guarantee success. The contrast between the performances of African teams and Gulf nations is particularly notable, and may influence how local soccer organizations and promoters approach the development of the sport in Los Angeles. With the city's own diverse population and growing interest in soccer, the World Cup's outcomes may inform strategies for cultivating homegrown talent and building a competitive soccer culture in the region.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 28, 2026 ·
Source: NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar that poured a fortune into soccer and infrastructure experienced unceremonious exits from the World Cup, proving that big money doesn’t guarantee success on the sport’s biggest stage.
Saudi Arabia is out at the earliest point. Again. Bottom of a group...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 28, 2026 by NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by James Robson | The Associated Press at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC). To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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