Qatar

Qatar's first World Cup, as hosts in 2022, did not go to plan. Three matches, three defeats, and an early exit made them the first host nation ever to lose all their group games. But to judge Qatari football solely on that chastening experience would be a mistake. This is a side that has twice been crowned champions of Asia, and in 2026 they return with a point to prove.

Genuine Asian Pedigree

Qatar's back-to-back AFC Asian Cup triumphs were no accident. They are the product of years of patient investment in player development, and they possess genuine quality — most notably in Akram Afif, a creative, dynamic forward who has twice been named Asia's best player. His dribbling, vision, and finishing make him a threat against any defence.

He is supported by the reliable goalscoring of Almoez Ali, the tournament's record-breaking striker at the 2019 Asian Cup, and the experienced Hassan Al-Haydos. It is a technically proficient, well-coached side that knows how to win tournaments — even if doing so on the world stage is a different challenge entirely.

A Chance to Rewrite the Story

Drawn into a competitive group, Qatar arrive with far less pressure than they carried as hosts in 2022. Free from the weight of expectation, and with their core of Asian Cup-winning players a little older and wiser, they have a genuine opportunity to record the World Cup victories that eluded them on home soil.

Proving a Point

Qatar will not be among the favourites, but they are a far better side than their 2022 results suggested. Determined, technically gifted, and motivated to silence the doubters, the Asian champions return in 2026 with redemption firmly in mind. Follow every Qatar match live on KickD.