A group-stage exit in 2022 had been a sobering lesson. Qatar returned in 2026 with renewed purpose. Under Julen Lopetegui, they were ready to write the next chapter.
| Team | MP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 3 | 4 | 7 |
| 2 |
|
3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 3 | 5 | 4 |
| 3 |
|
3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 6 | -1 | 4 |
| 4 |
|
3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 10 | -8 | 1 |
Qatar qualify for their first non-host World Cup after making their debut as hosts in 2022. Julen Lopetegui was appointed in May 2025 and secured Qatar's qualification in the AFC Fourth Round. The squad remains heavily domestic (Al-Sadd and Al-Duhail-dominated) with technical leaders Akram Afif, Almoez Ali, and Hassan Al-Haydos.
Qatar endured a difficult group stage, unable to advance despite moments of resistance. Their campaign featured a 1-1 draw with Switzerland, a heavy 0-6 defeat to Canada, and a 1-3 defeat against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Bosnia and Herzegovina proved to be a step too far, and Qatar's campaign came to a decisive end in the the group phase.
1drawn2lost
2scored10conceded
Winless throughout conceded 10 goals in 3 matches.
Akram Afif, 28, won the 2023 AFC Asian Cup Player of the Tournament with 8 goals 6 from the penalty spot. His technical creativity is the on-pitch fulcrum of Qatar's 4-3-3 system.
4yellow2red
2.0per match
2 red cards across the tournament Fathy booked twice.
Hassan Al-Haydos led Qatar's attack with 1 goal at the 2026 World Cup.
Lopetegui, 59, is a Spanish manager who took over Qatar in May 2025. A former Spain, Real Madrid, Wolves, and West Ham head coach, his structured possession game fits Qatar's Aspire Academy-trained squad. Winless under Lopetegui leading Qatar at his first World Cup.
