FIFA World Cup
Appearing on the global stage on merit for the first time, the 2022 hosts will be aiming to maximise on their experience to advance past the group stage.
Factfile
FIFA Ranking: 55
Previous appearances: 1
First appearance: 2022
2022 record: Group Stage
How they qualified: AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 Playoffs Group A winners
Group B fixtures - June 13: v Switzerland; June 18: v Canada; June 24: v Bosnia and Herzegovina
Fun fact: Mohammed Muntari etched his name into Qatari football history when he scored the country's first-ever FIFA World Cup goal - doing so in the 78th minute against Senegal in their 2022 group stage match.
FIFA Ranking: 55
Previous appearances: 1
First appearance: 2022
2022 record: Group Stage
How they qualified: AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 Playoffs Group A winners
Group B fixtures - June 13: v Switzerland; June 18: v Canada; June 24: v Bosnia and Herzegovina
Fun fact: Mohammed Muntari etched his name into Qatari football history when he scored the country's first-ever FIFA World Cup goal - doing so in the 78th minute against Senegal in their 2022 group stage match.
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Leading Qatar into what he will be determined is a historic campaign is Julen Lopetegui, who took charge of the Maroons in May 2025.
The Spanish tactician steadied the ship and Qatar booked their ticket to the Finals after topping Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 Playoffs.
Former goalkeeper Lopetegui boasts an impressive resume, having led Spain from 2016 to 2018 as they waged an unbeaten qualifying campaign for the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018. He followed that with spells at Real Madrid and Sevilla, winning the 2020 UEFA Europa League with the latter, then managed Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United in the Premier League.
The Spanish tactician steadied the ship and Qatar booked their ticket to the Finals after topping Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26 Playoffs.
Former goalkeeper Lopetegui boasts an impressive resume, having led Spain from 2016 to 2018 as they waged an unbeaten qualifying campaign for the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018. He followed that with spells at Real Madrid and Sevilla, winning the 2020 UEFA Europa League with the latter, then managed Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United in the Premier League.
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Qatar's debut four years ago was a difficult one, exiting at the group stage following three defeats but with a blend of experienced and young players at his disposal, Lopetegui will be confident of better results in North America.
The disappointment of their FIFA World Cup 2022 outing was erased by successfully defending the AFC Asian Cup™ and Qatar can be optimistic of their chances against Switzerland, Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The disappointment of their FIFA World Cup 2022 outing was erased by successfully defending the AFC Asian Cup™ and Qatar can be optimistic of their chances against Switzerland, Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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Key to their campaign will be Akram Afif, who has been at the forefront of all of Qatar's successes.
Almoez Ali is another player who Qatar will expect performances from while defender Boualem Khoukhi will provide experience and resilience.
Qatar open their campaign against group favourites Switzerland and if they are able to get a result, they will fancy their chances against Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Sources: FIFA, AFC
Almoez Ali is another player who Qatar will expect performances from while defender Boualem Khoukhi will provide experience and resilience.
Qatar open their campaign against group favourites Switzerland and if they are able to get a result, they will fancy their chances against Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Sources: FIFA, AFC
