Qatar

Qatar will make their second World Cup appearance in 2026, four years after hosting the tournament in 2022. The 2022 edition was a challenging debut for the Maroons, who became the first host nation to lose all three group-stage matches, falling to Ecuador, Senegal, and the Netherlands. Despite the disappointing results on the pitch, the experience of hosting the World Cup transformed Qatar's football infrastructure and provided an entire generation of Qatari players with the pressure and exposure of competing at the highest level. Qatar's football pedigree had already been established at the continental level, with their crowning achievement coming at the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, where they defeated Japan in the final to claim their first continental title. That triumph, built on the goals of Almoez Ali and the creativity of Akram Afif, demonstrated that Qatar could compete with — and beat — Asia's traditional powers. The 2026 tournament offers Qatar a chance to show the world that their football project extends beyond hosting a World Cup; it is about building a sustainable, competitive football nation.

Akram Afif of Al-Sadd is Qatar's most recognizable footballer and the creative heartbeat of the national team. The left-footed forward was named Asian Footballer of the Year in 2019 and has been the architect of Qatar's most memorable victories — his vision, passing range, and ability to deliver in clutch moments make him the player Qatar looks to when games hang in the balance. Almoez Ali, also of Al-Sadd, is Qatar's record goalscorer and the man who broke the Asian Cup scoring record with nine goals in the 2019 tournament. His movement off the ball and predatory instincts in the penalty area remain Qatar's primary goal threat. Abdelkarim Hassan provides experience and attacking thrust from left-back, having spent time in European football with Belgian side KAS Eupen. Boualem Khoukhi offers leadership and composure at center-back, organizing the defense and contributing to Qatar's build-up play. Goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham has established himself as the first-choice keeper, bringing shot-stopping reliability and distribution skills honed through the Aspire Academy system.

Qatar enter 2026 eager to prove that their football story is about more than just hosting a World Cup. The 2022 experience, while painful in terms of results, provided the squad with tournament exposure that no amount of friendlies could replicate. The Maroons will approach their second World Cup with a clearer understanding of the level required to compete and a determination to secure their first-ever points — and potentially their first-ever victory — at the tournament. Much depends on Qatar's ability to translate their dominant continental form onto the global stage. The 2019 Asian Cup triumph and subsequent strong performances in Asian qualifying demonstrate a team capable of beating mid-tier opposition. Avoiding a group with multiple elite nations is crucial. A favorable draw, combined with the experience gained in 2022, could position Qatar to spring a surprise or two. Realistically, securing a first World Cup point or victory would represent progress, but do not discount this squad's ability to exceed expectations given the right circumstances.