Qatar is preparing to make a significant impact in the upcoming World Cup, aiming to move past the disappointment of their 2022 performance where they lost all group matches despite high expectations. This time, they have secured their place on merit, following their success in retaining the Asian Cup in 2023.

Challenges and Preparations

In preparation for the World Cup, Qatar has faced a mixed set of challenges. They experienced an unexpected exit at the Arab Cup held on their home soil in December. Additionally, planned friendlies against Serbia and Argentina were canceled due to the ongoing conflict in Iran, limiting their opportunities to test against top-tier teams.

The team, however, remains optimistic, with a squad largely developed through the Aspire Academy. This system has been crucial in nurturing local talent, providing continuity and cohesion within the team. Yet, there are concerns about whether players from the domestic league can consistently compete with international elites.

Key Players and Leadership

Veteran player Hassan Al Haydos, Qatar’s most-capped player, has returned from international retirement to bring leadership and experience to the squad. The team will also rely heavily on the partnership of Akram Afif and Almoez Ali. Afif, recognized as the Asian Player of the Year in 2024, continues to be a creative force, while Ali remains the country’s top scorer, known for his performance in major tournaments.

With a favorable group draw and their recent continental successes, Qatar is hopeful that they can translate their achievements on the Asian stage to the global arena, without the intense scrutiny they faced as hosts in 2022.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.