Qatar's World Cup 2026 Preview: A Rocky Road to the Tournament
Qatar's journey to the 2026 World Cup has been far from smooth. The 2022 hosts faced significant disruptions in their preparations, including the cancellation of valuable friendlies against Serbia and Argentina due to the US-Iran war. Coach Julen Lopetegui, appointed in May 2025, had limited time to work with his squad, and results have been concerning. Under Lopetegui, Qatar managed only one win in 11 games before the World Cup warm-up matches.
Despite these challenges, Lopetegui secured Qatar's place in the finals, though it was a close call. The Maroons finished fourth in their six-team qualifying group, then drew 0-0 with Oman and beat the UAE 2-1 to qualify. The team's defensive frailties were exposed throughout qualifying, conceding 24 goals in 10 games and finishing with a goal difference of minus seven. Lopetegui has focused on addressing these issues, and the tournament will reveal how successful he has been.
Tactical Approach and Key Lessons from 2022
Lopetegui, the latest in a line of Iberian coaches for Qatar, has experimented with various formations but is likely to deploy a 4-2-3-1 system. The lessons from the 2022 World Cup, where Qatar lost their opening game to Ecuador after going 2-0 down within 31 minutes, have been thoroughly analyzed. The team is expected to adopt a more solid setup this time, prioritizing defensive stability and counter-attacking opportunities against Group B opponents Canada, Switzerland, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Set pieces are seen as a key area where Qatar can hurt their opponents. Lopetegui has emphasized the importance of these situations. "We are aware of the magnitude of the responsibility placed upon us," he said. "We will spare no effort and will give everything we have to make the fans who stand behind us and support us happy and proud."
Coach: Julen Lopetegui
Lopetegui brings a wealth of experience from his stints with Spain, Real Madrid, Wolves, and West Ham. His reputation may have diminished slightly, but he sees the Qatar job as an opportunity. "Life owed me a World Cup," he said upon qualifying. "We've been working for this moment for months and everything has turned out well. It's a historic moment for the country, something that's never been achieved before." He will hope for a smoother tournament than his 2018 experience with Spain, when he was dismissed on the eve of the World Cup after news of his move to Real Madrid emerged.
Star Player: Akram Afif
Akram Afif has been a standout in Asian football since the 2019 Asian Cup, where he recorded 10 assists. In the 2023 Asian Cup, he scored eight goals, including a hat-trick in the final, celebrating each with a playing card from his socks. After unsuccessful spells in Europe with KAS Eupen, Villarreal, and Sporting Gijón, he returned to Qatar in 2020. Afif failed to make an impact at the 2022 World Cup, but this tournament offers a chance for redemption.
One to Watch: Mohamed Al-Mannai
The 22-year-old Tunisian-born midfielder adds physical presence and versatility, capable of playing in holding or advanced roles. After debuting for Al-Sadd as a teenager, a loan to Al-Shamal proved fruitful, earning him the Under-23 Player of the Season award with five goals. Lopetegui appears to be a fan, and Al-Mannai could be a key figure.
Unsung Hero: Boualem Khoukhi
At 36, this is likely the last World Cup for the Algerian-born defender. With over 100 caps and 21 goals, Khoukhi has played in various positions, including further forward earlier in his career. His confidence, reliability, and experience have made him a valued professional for multiple coaches.
Probable Starting XI
The expected lineup is a 4-2-3-1 formation, though specific player names are not detailed here.
Fan Expectations
With one of the smallest populations of any World Cup nation, Qatari fans are unlikely to travel in large numbers. There is no significant diaspora in North America to support the team. The folk song Shoomilah, which became an unofficial anthem during the 2022 World Cup, is likely to be heard in San Francisco, Vancouver, and Seattle.
Relationship with the US and Trump
Qatar is a key US ally with strong diplomatic, economic, and military ties, including an American airbase. The country has maintained close ties with Trump, reportedly gifting him a $400 million plane last year. However, the US-Iran war has caused tensions, with Iranian retaliation damaging Qatari infrastructure and its international image.
