Qatar at the World Cup 2026
Qatar arrive at the 2026 World Cup making their first-ever qualified World Cup appearance — they previously competed at Qatar 2022 as hosts (the famously disastrous 0W/0D/3L group-stage exit). Julen Lopetegui, the Spanish head coach appointed in 2024 after the Tintin Marquez interim era, has inherited the squad that won back-to-back AFC Asian Cup titles (2019 and 2023).
Captain Akram Afif (Al-Sadd) is the squad's most-decorated player — AFC Asian Cup Player of the Tournament 2023 (with 8 goals in one tournament). Almoez Ali is the No. 9, scoring twice against Indonesia in the qualification-clinching match. Hassan Al-Haydos, the 36-year-old veteran, continues to anchor the central midfield.
Group B contains Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Switzerland. Qatar are competing for second/third with Canada and Bosnia behind favourites Switzerland (2.10). The realistic ceiling is one group-stage win, most likely against Bosnia. Outright tournament price 501.0.
Outright odds — Qatar to win World Cup 2026
Group B fixtures
All three group-stage matches for Qatar at World Cup 2026 with current odds from our partner books.
Squad & predicted XI
Barsham · Ahmed Suhail, Bassam, Khoukhi, Pedro Miguel · Afif (c), Boudiaf, Hatem, Al Haydos · Almoez Ali, Muntari
Formation: 4-4-2 · Coach: Julen Lopetegui
| Player | Position | Club | Caps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meshaal Barsham | GK | Al-Sadd | 60 | 0 |
| Ahmed Suhail | DF | Al-Wakrah | 30 | 0 |
| Tarek Salman | DF | Al-Sadd | 70 | 1 |
| Boualem Khoukhi | DF | Al-Sadd | 110 | 11 |
| Pedro Miguel | DF | Al-Sadd | 80 | 5 |
| Hassan Al-Haydos | MF | Al-Sadd | 175 | 38 |
| Karim Boudiaf | MF | Al-Duhail | 110 | 11 |
| Akram Afif (c) | FW | Al-Sadd | 105 | 35 |
| Almoez Ali | FW | Al-Duhail | 95 | 45 |
| Hatem Ismail | FW | Al-Sadd | 30 | 4 |
How Qatar qualified for World Cup 2026
Qatar qualified through AFC Round 4, topping their three-team group with a dramatic 2-1 win over UAE in the final qualifying match (Khoukhi 47', Pedro Miguel 73', goals; UAE pulled one back in stoppage time but couldn't equalize before the final whistle). Qatar finished ahead of UAE and Oman.
The qualification was sealed via the 5W/1D record in Round 4 group play after the Round 3 second-place finish behind Iran in their group. The 2-1 win over UAE in particular was characterised by tactical discipline — Lopetegui's central tactical reference is that Qatar should 'never lose by more than one goal at this World Cup'.
World Cup history
Qatar have appeared at one previous World Cup — Qatar 2022, as hosts. They lost all three group games (0-2 to Ecuador, 1-3 to Senegal, 0-2 to Netherlands) without scoring against Senegal or Netherlands. The 2026 tournament is therefore Qatar's first-ever qualified World Cup appearance — and the first chance to perform without home-tournament expectations.
| Year | Host | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Qatar | Group stage (host) |
| Player | Position | Club | Caps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Almoez Ali | FW | Al-Duhail | 95 | 45 |
| Mansour Muftah | FW | retired | 75 | 41 |
| Mubarak Mustafa | FW | retired | 60 | 39 |
| Hassan Al-Haydos | MF | Al-Sadd | 175 | 38 |
| Khalfan Ibrahim | FW | retired | 80 | 32 |
| Akram Afif | FW | Al-Sadd | 105 | 35 |
FAQ
Is this Qatar's first qualified World Cup?
Yes. Qatar previously appeared at the World Cup as hosts in 2022 (when they lost all three group games), but 2026 marks the first time they have qualified for the tournament on merit.
Who is Qatar's coach at World Cup 2026?
Julen Lopetegui, the Spanish coach appointed in 2024. He previously managed Spain (briefly, before being dismissed two days before the 2018 World Cup), Real Madrid, Sevilla, Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United. The Qatar role is his second national-team appointment.
Has Qatar won the AFC Asian Cup recently?
Yes — back-to-back. Qatar won the 2019 AFC Asian Cup in UAE (beating Japan 3-1 in the final) and the 2023 AFC Asian Cup at home (beating Jordan 3-1 in the final). Akram Afif was named Player of the Tournament at the 2023 edition with 8 goals.
Who is Qatar's all-time top scorer?
Almoez Ali with 45 goals from 95 caps. Ali was top scorer at the 2019 AFC Asian Cup (9 goals). Mansour Muftah sits second on the all-time list with 41.
What group is Qatar in at World Cup 2026?
Group B alongside Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Switzerland. Switzerland favourites at 2.10; Canada second at 3.50; Qatar and Bosnia compete for third and fourth. Qatar open against Switzerland on 13 June, then face Canada on 18 June, and conclude against Bosnia.