Qatar will feature at the 2026 World Cup having previously hosted the tournament in 2022. And this is the first time they actually qualified through their on-pitch performances.
So there will be a lot of eyes watching Qatar to see what they can do, and if they can make it out of the group stage.
Get all the latest Qatar stats as the tournament unfolds plus the latest squad, manager and fixture information for the Asian side here.
Qatar route to the World Cup
It was not a fun qualifying campaign for Qatar. The AFC World Cup qualification is split into several rounds, with different opportunities to qualify. Qatar did excellently in the second round, winning five and drawing one of their six games to seal a spot in the next stage. Asian Cup qualification was also secured. But Qatar only took 13 points from their 10 games in the third round, finishing fourth in their group. It meant they had to go through the fourth round. A three-team round-robin format, Qatar took four points from their two games to finish one point clear of the United Arab Emirates. World Cup qualification secured, but only just.
Qatar World Cup 2026 fixtures
Qatar open their World Cup campaign on 13th June against Switzerland. They then face co-hosts Canada in their second game on 18th June. Qatar close the group on 24th June against Edin Dzeko’s Bosnia-Herzegovina.
READ MORE: Get the latest Qatar World Cup 2026 outright odds here
Qatar key players for World Cup 2026
Qatar top World Cup Golden Boot contender: Almoez Ali
- Key stat: Almoez Ali scored 12 goals in World Cup qualifying for Qatar, more than any other player.
Almoez Ali is Qatar’s all-time top goalscorer. And there’s no doubt that he will be their main goalscoring threat at the World Cup. The 29-year-old has averaged just under a goal a cap for Qatar, a fantastic return at international level. He was integral to Qatar’s World Cup qualifying campaign too. Ali scored 12 goals across the various rounds, more than any other player in AFC World Cup qualifying.
Qatar primary playmaker: Akram Afif
- Key stat: Akram Afif provided 11 assists in World Cup qualifying, the most of any player.
Akram Afif is the creative star of this Qatar team. And he’ll be hoping to take his qualifying form into the actual World Cup. The 29-year-old provided an incredible 11 assists in 16 World Cup qualifying matches, more than any player across the AFC. He has been thriving at club level too. Afif has provided 12 league assists for Al-Sadd so far this season, adding another four in the AFC Champions League.
Qatar card magnets & top tacklers: Ahmed Fathi
- Key stat: Ahmed Fathi won 15 tackles in 2026 World Cup qualifying.
Ahmed Fathi is expected to be at the base of Qatar’s midfield and he’s a tough tackler. The 33-year-old won more tackles than any other Qatar player during World Cup qualifying. He was also booked three times and committed 14 fouls.
Qatar rising star: Mohamed Manai
While Qatar’s established stars remain Akram Afif and Almoez Ali, Manai has attracted attention as an exciting young midfielder with creativity, energy, and the potential to become a key player for the national team. The World Cup provides him with a major opportunity to showcase his talent on the global stage and emerge as one of Qatar’s next-generation stars.
STAND-OUT STAT: Qatar became the first host nation to lose their opening World Cup match when they were beaten by Ecuador in the opening game of the 2022 tournament.
Qatar set-piece specialists
- Penalties: Almoez Ali
- Free kicks: Akram Afif
- Corners: Akram Afif, Mustafa Meshaal
Qatar tactical analysis and formation
Team stats (average per game from last four matches):
- Corners: 7.25
- Shots on target: 4.25
- Shots on target conceded: 3.25
- Offsides: 2.0
If the past 10 games are anything to go by, Qatar could line up in any formation and with any starting XI. Julen Lopetegui has tested a lot of systems and players so far, trying to find who and what works ahead of the World Cup. There have been some regular features, including Akram Afif and Almoez Ali. At the moment, a 4-2-3-1 feels the most likely, with Lopetegui utilising it four times so far.
Get the latest Qatar World Cup goals, assists, shots, passes and tackle stats here
Qatar manager analysis
Lopetegui took charge of the Qatari national team in the summer of 2025, but he hasn’t had a good time so far. The Spaniard has overseen just two wins, with one of those coming in his first game. Both wins did come in World Cup qualifying, as Qatar did just about did enough. Qatar also bowed out at the group stage of the Arab Cup under his guidance.
| Coach | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Julen Lopetegui | Qatar | 10 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 8 | 17 | 20% |
Qatar World Cup FAQs
Have Qatar ever won the World Cup?
Qatar have not won the World Cup before, with this being just their second tournament appearance.
Where did Qatar finish in the last World Cup?
Qatar were knocked out of the group stage at the 2022 World Cup.
Who will be Qatar captain at the World Cup?
Hassan Al-Haydos may hope to captain Qatar at the World Cup, having come out of retirement in July 2025.
Who is Qatar’s all-time top goalscorer at World Cups?
Mohammed Muntari scored Qatar’s only goal at the 2022 World Cup, and so is their top scorer.
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