Qatar are preparing for their second FIFA World Cup appearance after successfully qualifying for FIFA World Cup 2026™.
After making their debut as hosts in 2022, the Maroons have now earned their place through the regular qualification process for the first time.
With experience from their home World Cup and a squad mixing maturity with ambition, Qatar will look to prove that their journey on the global stage is only beginning.
Julen Lopetegui took charge of Qatar in May 2025 and quickly guided the team to FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification.
The Spanish coach brings major experience from both club and international football, having previously managed Spain, Real Madrid, Sevilla, Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United.
He also led Spain through an unbeaten qualifying campaign for the 2018 FIFA World Cup and won the 2020 UEFA Europa League with Sevilla.
Known for his calm leadership and detailed tactical approach, Lopetegui now leads Qatar into a new era.
Qatar secured direct qualification in the fourth round of Asian preliminaries with a 2-1 home win over United Arab Emirates on 14 October.
Boualem Khoukhi and Pedro Miguel both scored second-half headers to seal the victory and send the Maroons to the World Cup.
Qatar had earlier topped their second-round group with 16 points from five wins, one draw and one defeat.
After finishing fourth in the third round behind Iran and Uzbekistan, Qatar continued into the fourth round, where they showed balance, resilience and strong mentality under Lopetegui.
Qatar made their FIFA World Cup debut on home soil in 2022, opening the tournament at Al Bayt Stadium.
Their first match ended in a 2-0 defeat against Ecuador, with the pressure of a historic debut clear to see.
Qatar showed more attacking intent in their second match against Senegal, but fell 3-1 to the African champions.
Their final group match ended in defeat against the Netherlands, but the tournament gave Qatar valuable experience against elite international opposition.
Mohammed Muntari made history by scoring Qatar’s first-ever FIFA World Cup goal.
The goal came against Senegal at Qatar 2022, when Muntari headed in Ismaeel Mohammad’s cross in the 78th minute.
Although Qatar lost the match, the goal remains a major milestone in the country’s football history.
Abdelkarim Hassan, Boualem Khoukhi and Akram Afif share Qatar’s World Cup appearance record.
All three played every minute of Qatar’s three matches at the 2022 tournament against Ecuador, Senegal and the Netherlands.
After gaining experience as hosts in 2022, Qatar now arrive at FIFA World Cup 2026 with a different kind of confidence.
This time, their place was earned through qualification, making the achievement even more meaningful for the Maroons.
With Lopetegui leading the team and a more experienced squad ready for the challenge, Qatar will aim to show real progress on football’s biggest stage.
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