After hosting the 2022 World Cup, Qatar returns in 2026 with bigger ambitions and a place earned on the field

QATAR 🇶🇦

FIFA World Cup 2026 – Group B

The Big Picture

Qatar is heading to its second consecutive FIFA World Cup — but this time, the qualification was earned on the pitch.

After automatically qualifying as hosts in 2022, the Asian nation secured its place at the 2026 tournament by winning its AFC qualification group under the leadership of Julen Lopetegui.

The Road to Qualification

Qatar finished first in Group A during the fourth round of AFC qualifying, officially booking its ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a decisive 2-1 victory over the United Arab Emirates.

It marked a historic achievement for the national team: the first successful World Cup qualification campaign in the country’s history.

Coach

Former Spain and Real Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui took charge after a difficult start to qualification and quickly transformed the team’s fortunes.

Known for his tactical organization and possession-based football, Lopetegui guided Qatar to consistent performances throughout the qualification campaign and will now coach at his first FIFA World Cup.

Group B Schedule

World Cup History

• Confederation: AFC
• World Cup appearances: 2
• Best result: Group Stage
• Last appearance: Qatar 2022 – Group Stage
• First appearance: Qatar 2022

The First World Cup

Qatar made its World Cup debut as host nation in 2022. Although the team lost all three group-stage matches, the tournament represented a historic milestone for football in the country and across the Middle East.

Qatar scored its first-ever World Cup goal during a 3-1 defeat against Senegal at Al Thumama Stadium in Doha.

Players to Watch

• Akram Afif – Creative attacking star and one of Asia’s most dangerous playmakers.
• Almoez Ali – Proven goalscorer with major international tournament experience.
• Meshaal Barsham – Reliable goalkeeper and defensive leader.
• Hassan Al-Haydos – Veteran captain bringing leadership and composure.

A Growing Football Nation

Qatar’s rapid football development over the past decade has transformed the country into one of Asia’s most competitive national teams.

Winning the AFC Asian Cup and qualifying for the World Cup through the Asian qualifiers are major signs of the country’s continued progress on the international stage.

2026 Expectations

After learning difficult lessons at their home World Cup in 2022, Qatar now arrives in 2026 determined to prove it can compete — and win — on football’s biggest stage.

QATAR

Goalkeepers

• #1 Mahmoud Abunada (Al Rayyan, Qatar)
• #22 Meshaal Barsham (Al Sadd, Qatar)
• #21 Salah Zakaria (Al Duhail, Qatar)

Defenders

• #2 Pedro Miguel (Al Sadd, Qatar)
• #3 Lucas Mendes (Al Wakrah, Qatar)
• #4 Issaam Al-Laye (Al Arabi, Qatar)
• #13 Ayoub Al-Alawi (Al Gharafa, Qatar)
• #14 Homam Ahmed (Cultural Leonesa, Spain)
• #16 Boualem Khoukhi (Al Sadd, Qatar)
• #18 Sultan Al-Brake (Al Duhail, Qatar)
• #25 Alhashmi Al Hussien (Al Arabi, Qatar)

Midfielders

• #5 Jassem Gaber (Al Rayyan, Qatar)
• #6 Abdullah Hatem (Al Rayyan, Qatar)
• #19 Almoez Ali (Al Duhail, Qatar)
• #20 Ahmed Fathy (Al Arabi, Qatar)
• #23 Assim Madibo (Al Wakrah, Qatar)

Forwards

• #7 Ahmed Alaaeldin (Al Rayyan, Qatar)
• #8 Edmilson Junior (Al Duhail, Qatar)
• #9 Mohammed Muntari (Al Gharafa, Qatar)
• #10 Hassan Al-Haydos (Al Sadd, Qatar)
• #11 Akram Afif (Al Sadd, Qatar)
• #12 Karim Boudiaf (Al Duhail, Qatar)
• #15 Yusuf Abdurisag (Al Wakrah, Qatar)
• #17 Ahmed Al-Ganehi (Al Gharafa, Qatar)
• #24 Tahsin Jamshid (Al Duhail, Qatar)
• #26 Mohammed Al Mannai (Al Shamal, Qatar)

Head Coach

• Julen Lopetegui (Spain)