Qatar fighting to keep World Cup dreams alive, says Lopetegui

 

Qatar is battling to keep their 2026 World Cup aspirations alive, with new head coach Julen Lopetegui leading the charge. Appointed in May 2025, Lopetegui has instilled a renewed sense of purpose in the squad as they approach their final third round matches in the Asian Football Confederation qualifiers. Currently sitting fourth in Group A with 10 points, Qatar can no longer secure a top two position for automatic qualification to the tournament hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. However, a strong opportunity remains to advance through the playoffs, reserved for teams finishing third or fourth in their groups.

Lopetegui, a former Spain and Real Madrid manager, is focused on harnessing the team’s potential for the upcoming fixtures. Qatar faces group leaders Iran on June 5 in Doha, followed by a challenging away match against second placed Uzbekistan in Tashkent on June 10. These games are pivotal for Qatar to secure their playoff berth and maintain momentum. The coach emphasized the historical significance of the campaign, noting that Qatar has never qualified for a World Cup through the AFC qualification process. Their 2022 appearance as hosts remains their only World Cup experience, making this journey a landmark goal for the nation.

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Lopetegui’s immediate priority is to build consistency and resilience in the squad. He expressed confidence in the players’ determination, stating that the dream of World Cup qualification is one the team is fully committed to pursuing. With passionate home support in Doha and a strategic approach to the away clash, Qatar aims to overcome their formidable opponents. The nation’s football fans are rallying behind Al Annabi, hopeful that Lopetegui’s leadership will guide them closer to a historic achievement on the global stage.