FIFA World Cup
The two-time AFC Asian Cup™ champions endured a difficult debut in 2022, becoming the first host nation to lose their opening match and exiting the tournament without a point.
Four years on, Qatar return determined to make a stronger impression with head coach Julen Lopetegui having reshuffled their defensive structure.
A 1-0 defeat to the Republic of Ireland was followed with a goalless draw against El Salvador, wrapping up their FIFA World Cup preparations with the Spanish tactician stressing Qatar are aiming to create more history.
"When we arrived here one year ago more or less, our goal was (qualification). Our dream was that," Lopetegui said. "Now we don't want to stop. We know the kind of opponents we face. We know that we are at the World Cup but we want to follow our dream.
"In the same way, (we're) thinking that no-one gives us presents here. Now we want to be able to be as competitive as possible, starting with the first match tomorrow."
A 1-0 defeat to the Republic of Ireland was followed with a goalless draw against El Salvador, wrapping up their FIFA World Cup preparations with the Spanish tactician stressing Qatar are aiming to create more history.
"When we arrived here one year ago more or less, our goal was (qualification). Our dream was that," Lopetegui said. "Now we don't want to stop. We know the kind of opponents we face. We know that we are at the World Cup but we want to follow our dream.
"In the same way, (we're) thinking that no-one gives us presents here. Now we want to be able to be as competitive as possible, starting with the first match tomorrow."
Among the players retained from the 2022 squad, Akram Afif remains at the forefront of Qatar's attacking threat, with the two-time AFC Player of the Year eager to prove his quality on the global stage.
On paper, Qatar are not an overwhelming attacking force in open play but a deep defensive block, a set-piece threat and Afif's ability to punish teams on the counter could prove a potent formula against higher-ranked opposition.
On paper, Qatar are not an overwhelming attacking force in open play but a deep defensive block, a set-piece threat and Afif's ability to punish teams on the counter could prove a potent formula against higher-ranked opposition.
Switzerland’s consistency, notably reaching the Round of 16 at both the FIFA World Cup 2022 and UEFA Euro 2024, gives them a more stable platform heading into the opener.
With experienced campaigners Xherdan Shaqiri and Granit Xhaka leading the way, Murat Yakin’s side will be confident of getting past Qatar.
With experienced campaigners Xherdan Shaqiri and Granit Xhaka leading the way, Murat Yakin’s side will be confident of getting past Qatar.
Fun Facts
● This will be Qatar’s second appearance at the FIFA World Cup, but it’s the first time they have qualified for the tournament — their previous participation in 2022 came as hosts.
● Qatar finished bottom of their group at the 2022 FIFA World Cup – losing all three of their matches, conceding seven goals and scoring only one.
● Among sides that played at least 10 games in the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 26, Qatar’s games produced more goals per game than any other side (3.61). Of the AFC sides to reach the FIFA World Cup, Qatar lost more games than any other nation (5).
● Almoez Ali scored more goals than any other player in AFC Asian Qualifiers (12), while Afif led the way for assists (11, 6 of which came from set-pieces). Overall, only Islamic Republic of Iran’s Mehdi Taremi (17) had more goal involvements than Afif (15 - 4 goals, 11 assists).
● Lopetegui will become the second Spanish coach to lead Qatar at a FIFA World Cup after Felix Sanchez in 2022. In fact, the last six Qatar coaches have been from the Iberian peninsula (4 from Spain, 2 from Portugal).
Qatar v Switzerland
Venue: San Francisco Bay Area Stadium (Santa Clara, California)
Kick-off: Saturday, 12:00 (UTC-7)
Venue: San Francisco Bay Area Stadium (Santa Clara, California)
Kick-off: Saturday, 12:00 (UTC-7)
