Iran

For the first time in decades, Iranian women were allowed to attend a soccer match at the Azadi Stadium in August 2022, a pivotal foreshadowing of the events at the FIFA World Cup that same year. While their presence has been barred in the past, Iran will have countless sets of female voices doing more cheering as they participate in Qatar 2022.

Interestingly, Iran has never advanced from the group stage throughout its history of participation in the World Cup. In 2014, it finished fourth before finishing third behind Spain and Portugal in 2018. Qatar 2022 may be the time to challenge that record.