World Cup History
Qatar has one World Cup appearance: the historic 2022 tournament they organized. They were the first Arab country to host a World Cup and made their tournament debut on home soil. However, they were eliminated in the group stage, becoming the second host team to fall at that stage (after Italy in 1966, with South Africa in 2010 being the first host not to advance from the groups).
Despite the elimination, Qatar showed moments of individual quality, with Akram Afif and Almoez Ali as their standout players. The 2022 World Cup was held in autumn (November-December) instead of summer, a historic change to avoid the extreme Persian Gulf heat. For 2026, Qatar wants to prove they can compete at the highest level without the advantage of playing at home.
Key Players
Akram Afif
Winger / Attacking Midfielder 路 Al-Sadd
Qatar's most creative and talented player. Afif was the top scorer for the local team in the inaugural Qatar 2022 tournament and has won multiple QSL Player of the Year awards. His creativity and technique are his main assets.
Almoez Ali
Centre Forward 路 Al-Duhail
Qatar's all-time top scorer and one of their most representative players. Ali was a hero at the 2019 Asian Cup with his tournament goals. He is known for his spectacular volley goals and his goalscoring instinct in the box.
Bassam Al-Rawi
Centre-back 路 Al-Sadd
Qatar's defensive cornerstone, born in Iraq but naturalized Qatari. Al-Rawi brings experience and solidity to the national team's defence, being one of the most respected players in Gulf football.
Ismaeel Mohammad
Midfielder 路 Al-Sadd
A versatile midfielder who provides balance between defence and attack. Mohammad is known for his ball distribution ability and tactical game reading, being a key piece in Qatar's national team system.
Meshaal Barsham
Goalkeeper 路 Al-Sadd
Qatar's starting goalkeeper since 2022, with strong performances in the Qatar Stars League. Barsham is known for his quick reflexes and leadership in goal, being fundamental to Qatar's World Cup aspirations.
Path to Qualification
Qatar qualifies for the 2026 World Cup through AFC qualifying, without the privilege of automatic qualification as host (which they had in 2022). This is a significant challenge for the Qatari national team, who must compete against Japan, South Korea, Australia, Iran, and Saudi Arabia, among others, in Asian qualifying.
Qatar qualifying for the 2026 World Cup without being the host would be a great achievement and would demonstrate the solidity of the country's football project. Check out our host cities guide to plan your World Cup trip: /es/ciudades/
Match Schedule
Qatar's matches at the 2026 World Cup will be confirmed by FIFA after the official draw. Check back soon for the complete schedule with dates, venues, and times. Meanwhile, check out our host cities guide to plan your World Cup trip: /es/ciudades/
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Qatar organize the World Cup being a weak national team?
The organization of the 2022 World Cup was independent of the national team's level. Qatar won the hosting rights in 2010 after a voting process among FIFA executive committee members. The country invested over $200 billion in infrastructure including stadiums, metro, hotels, and new cities.
Was Qatar the first host eliminated in the group stage?
Qatar was the first host team eliminated in the group stage in the modern tournament era. Italy in 1966 was eliminated in groups but the format was different. South Africa 2010 also did not advance from the group stage, being the first modern host in that situation. Qatar 2022 replicated that result.
Does Qatar have a chance to qualify for the 2026 World Cup?
Qatar has real chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup through AFC Asian qualifying. They are Asian champions (2019 Asian Cup) and with 8 direct AFC spots for 2026, the qualification chances are greater than in previous editions. The team has been working intensely to improve their competitive level.