World Cup 2026: Qatar national team squad – Maroons chase first World Cup points after historic qualification
Qatar will head to the 2026 FIFA World Cup determined to make history after securing qualification for the tournament on merit for the first time and seeking the first points of their World Cup journey.
The Maroons endured a difficult debut on the global stage when they hosted the 2022 tournament, losing all three group matches. Four years later, they return with greater experience, renewed confidence and the ambition of proving they belong among football’s elite nations.
Qatar national team
Founded: 1960
Most appearances: Hassan Al-Haydos (184 matches)
All-time leading goalscorer: Almoez Ali (60 goals)
Captain: Hassan Al-Haydos
FIFA ranking (April 2026): 55
Qualifying round results
Qatar’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup represents one of the most significant achievements in the nation’s football history.
Unlike their appearance in 2022, which came automatically as tournament hosts, Qatar earned their place in North America by successfully progressing through the Asian qualifying campaign.
The Maroons advanced through the fourth round of qualification to secure a World Cup berth for the first time without the benefit of hosting the competition.
It was a landmark moment for a national team that had previously failed to navigate the demanding qualification process required to reach football’s biggest tournament.
The achievement also served as evidence of the progress made by Qatari football over the past decade, following back-to-back AFC Asian Cup triumphs and continued investment in player development.
For a nation eager to establish itself as a regular participant on the global stage, qualification alone was a major success. The focus now shifts to making a stronger impression at the finals.
Previous World Cup performance
The 2026 tournament will be only Qatar’s second appearance at a FIFA World Cup.
Their first campaign came in 2022 when they became the first Middle Eastern nation to host the competition.
However, the tournament proved disappointing on the pitch.
Qatar lost all three group-stage matches and finished bottom of their group after scoring just one goal and conceding seven. It remains the poorest performance by a host nation in World Cup history.
Those results highlighted the gap between continental success and competing against the world’s strongest teams.
Four years later, Qatar arrive with valuable experience and the opportunity to show how much they have developed since their difficult debut.
Securing a first World Cup point – and potentially a first victory – will be among their primary objectives.
Coach: Julen Lopetegui
A fresh start under an experienced manager
Qatar’s football authorities have repeatedly sought experienced international coaches in an effort to accelerate the team’s development.
Following an unsuccessful spell under Carlos Queiroz, the Qatar Football Association appointed Julen Lopetegui in 2025.
The Spaniard arrived with an impressive coaching résumé that includes spells with the Spanish national team, Real Madrid, Sevilla and clubs in the English Premier League.
Lopetegui is widely respected for his tactical knowledge, attention to detail and ability to organise teams effectively.
After challenging periods in England, the Qatar role has offered him an opportunity to rebuild his reputation while helping guide an ambitious national team through a historic World Cup campaign.
His task will be to transform Qatar from participants into genuine competitors capable of challenging established football nations.
Coach Lopetegui is aiming to lead Qatar to a stronger World Cup showing than in 2022.
Star player: Akram Afif
Qatar’s creative spark
Akram Afif remains the player most capable of influencing Qatar’s fortunes.
The winger has long been regarded as one of the most talented footballers produced by the country and played a central role in Qatar’s continental successes.
Known for his creativity, technical skill and ability to unlock defences, Afif has consistently delivered in major tournaments.
Although attempts to establish himself in European football during spells in Spain and Belgium did not produce the expected breakthrough, his importance to the national team has never diminished.
Afif was instrumental in Qatar’s Asian Cup triumphs and remains the attacking leader around whom much of the team’s play is built.
If Qatar are to secure their first points at a World Cup, their hopes are likely to depend heavily on his ability to create and score goals against elite opposition.
Afif remains the key attacking weapon in Qatar’s bid to make history.
Predicted lineup
Qatar are expected to build their team around the creativity of Akram Afif and the experience of captain Hassan Al-Haydos as they attempt to progress from a competitive group.
World Cup 2026 Group Stage Fixtures
14 June: Qatar vs Switzerland
19 June: Canada vs Qatar
25 June: Bosnia vs Qatar
Head-to-head record against teams in the same group
vs Switzerland: 1 win, 0 draws, 0 defeats
vs Canada: 0 wins, 0 draws, 1 defeat
vs Bosnia: 2 wins, 1 draw, 0 defeats
Expectations in North America
Qatar enter the tournament with realistic ambitions.
Advancing to the knockout rounds would represent a remarkable achievement, but their immediate target is to collect the first World Cup points in the nation’s history.
With a more experienced squad, an accomplished coach and players who have already tasted international success, the Maroons believe they are capable of producing a far stronger campaign than the one witnessed on home soil four years ago.
The challenge will be significant, but so too is the opportunity to continue rewriting Qatar’s football story on the global stage.
