Qatar
Key Players
Squad
Goalkeepers
Defenders
Midfielders
Forwards
About
Qatar return to the World Cup stage four years after hosting the 2022 tournament, where they became the first host nation eliminated in the group stage without a single point. Under Spanish coach Julen Lopetegui, who was appointed in 2025 after managing West Ham and Real Madrid, Qatar have rebuilt around their Asian Cup-winning core. Star winger Akram Afif, the 2023 Asian Player of the Year, leads the attack alongside prolific striker Almoez Ali, the all-time top scorer in Asian Cup history. Captain Hassan Al-Haydos, at 35, provides veteran leadership in what is likely his final major tournament. Drawn into Group B with co-hosts Canada, Switzerland, and Bosnia & Herzegovina, Qatar face an uphill battle to advance. They open against Switzerland on June 13 at Levi's Stadium in San Francisco, face Canada on June 18 at BC Place in Vancouver, and close against Bosnia on June 24 at Lumen Field in Seattle. Switzerland are the clear group favorites, and both Canada's home advantage and Bosnia's playoff momentum make them tough opponents. Qatar's squad is almost entirely domestically based — 25 of 26 players compete in the Qatar Stars League — which could limit their ability to match the physical intensity of European and North American opposition. Expected performance: Group stage exit. Qatar's 2022 World Cup was a painful experience, and while the squad has matured under Lopetegui, the lack of players competing at the highest European level remains a significant handicap. A first-ever World Cup point would be considered progress; advancing from the group would be a sensation.
Group Stage Schedule
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the coach of Qatar at World Cup 2026?
Julen Lopetegui is the head coach of Qatar at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Spanish manager, who previously coached Real Madrid, Spain, and West Ham United, was appointed in 2025.
What group is Qatar in at World Cup 2026?
Qatar is in Group B alongside co-hosts Canada, Switzerland, and Bosnia & Herzegovina. Qatar are the lowest-ranked team in the group at 55th in the FIFA rankings.
When does Qatar play at World Cup 2026?
Qatar opens their campaign on June 13 against Switzerland at Levi's Stadium in San Francisco. They face Canada on June 18 at BC Place in Vancouver, and close the group stage against Bosnia & Herzegovina on June 24 at Lumen Field in Seattle.
Has Qatar ever won a World Cup match?
No, Qatar have never won a World Cup match. In their debut at the 2022 World Cup as hosts, they lost all three group games: 0-2 to Ecuador, 1-3 to Senegal, and 0-2 to the Netherlands, finishing with zero points.
Who is the captain of Qatar at World Cup 2026?
Hassan Al-Haydos is the captain of Qatar at the 2026 World Cup. The 35-year-old Al-Sadd forward is one of the most capped players in Qatar's history and is appearing in his second World Cup.