Qatar

World Cup 2026 Analysis

Qatar's national football team, known as "The Maroons," has successfully secured direct qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking their second consecutive appearance in the tournament. This achievement came after a 2-1 victory over the United Arab Emirates at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha, sealing their spot in the World Cup to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Team News and Squad Updates:

Under the guidance of head coach Julen Lopetegui, Qatar has demonstrated consistency and resilience, particularly with one of the strongest defenses in Asian qualifying. The team's roster includes established international stars and emerging talent from their successful youth development system. Key players such as Akram Afif, Almoez Ali, and Boualem Khoukhi are central to the squad's performance. Akram Afif is notably considered a significant difference-maker for the team. The average age of the current squad is around 29.1 years.

Recent news highlights Qatar's commitment to development, with the Qatar Football Association (QFA) investing in local talent and infrastructure. The team's achievements also include winning consecutive AFC Asian Cup titles and regular participation in major international tournaments.

2026 World Cup Predictions:

Having qualified purely on sporting merit this time, following their debut as hosts in 2022, Qatar aims to surpass its previous performance and demonstrate its continued evolution in football. While considered a rising powerhouse in the region, their odds to win the 2026 World Cup are listed at +50000, positioning them as significant underdogs for the overall title.

Predictions regarding Qatar's performance often highlight their reliance on key offensive players like Akram Afif. There are discussions around the team's defensive solidity, with some analyses suggesting that strong defensive play will be crucial for them to progress beyond the group stage. Playing qualifying matches at home was identified as a significant advantage, potentially boosting their confidence and allowing coach Lopetegui to implement effective defensive tactics. The tournament will feature 48 teams for the first time, divided into 12 groups of four, with the top two from each group and the eight best third-placed teams advancing to the knockout round of 32. This expanded format could potentially offer more opportunities for teams like Qatar to advance further than in previous tournaments.