Qatar's The Maroons are set to compete at the WC 2026 in North America. Drawn in Group B alongside Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Switzerland, the Qatari national team will look to make their mark at the expanded 48-team tournament. Qatar qualified through the AFC the tournament Qualifiers Group A and now return to football's biggest stage. The tournament kicks off on 11 June and runs through 19 July across stadiums in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Napoleon Sports offers comprehensive coverage of all WC 2026 matches with pre-match and live betting markets.
The WC 2026 will be the largest ever, with 48 nations competing across 12 groups. Among the tournament favourites are Brazil, Argentina, Spain, France and several other world-class teams. For Qatar, the goal is to navigate Group B and earn a place in the Round of 32. Follow all fixtures at WC 2026 schedule page.
On this page
The Road to WC 2026: How Qatar Qualified
Qatar qualified for the WC 2026 through AFC the tournament Qualifiers Group A , finishing in 4th .
"Qualifying for the tournament was our primary objective. Now we must prepare to compete against the best teams in the world on the biggest stage."
- Julen Lopetegui
Coach Julen Lopetegui guided the team through qualifying, with the Qatar Football Association overseeing Qatar's successful campaign to reach football's biggest stage.
This marks Qatar's 1th appearance at the tournament. Their the tournament history includes memorable moments that have shaped the nation's footballing identity. For the latest news and squad updates, BBC Sport Qatar provides comprehensive coverage of The Maroons throughout the tournament.
Bet on Qatar at the WC 2026
Qatar's Outright Odds to Win WC 2026
Qatar enter the tournament ranked 55th in the world. Group B presents a mixed challenge with Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Switzerland as opponents. Napoleon Sports offers markets on Qatar to qualify from the group, exact group finish, and outright tournament odds.
Outright winner market
Qatar to Win WC 2026
Check latest odds →Odds subject to change. 21+. T&Cs apply.
Best Betting Markets and Predictions for Qatar
Beyond the outright winner market, there are several interesting betting options for Qatar. The to qualify from group market is competitive given that two teams plus the best third-placed sides advance from each group. Player-specific markets such as anytime goalscorer bets offer value, particularly on the squad's key attacking players. Use the BetBuilder to combine selections for Qatar's group matches.
Profit Boost on the tournament bets
Boost your returns on Qatar's group matches
How Far Can Qatar Go? Realistic Expectations
While Qatar has shown significant improvement, including back-to-back Asian Cup wins, winning the WC 2026 is highly unlikely. They are not considered. Napoleon Sports offers markets on Qatar to reach specific tournament rounds. The expanded format with a Round of 32 means that finishing in the top two of Group B, or as one of the eight best third-placed teams, is enough to advance.
Follow Qatar at WC 2026 on the Napoleon Sports App
Stay on top of every Qatari match, live odds shift and squad update directly from your phone. The Napoleon Sports app gives you real-time access to all the tournament action.
How to Follow the WC 2026 on the Napoleon Sports App
Download & register
Get the Napoleon Sports app from the App Store or Google Play. Create your account in minutes.
Find WC 2026
Navigate to the dedicated tournament section with all group matches, knockout fixtures and live odds.
Follow Qatar
Set Qatar as your favourite team for push notifications, lineup news and live score updates via SuperSocial.
Qatar's Squad for WC 2026
Qatar's final 26-man squad was announced by coach Julen Lopetegui ahead of the tournament. Below is the full squad plus selected profiles on key players.
Goalkeepers
Defenders
Midfielders
Forwards
Goalkeepers
Meshaal Barsham
28 - Al Sadd SC
Reliable goalkeeper in his prime, expected to start every WC 2026 match. Currently at Al Sadd SC, age 28.
Salah Zakaria
27 - Al Duhail SC
Reliable goalkeeper in his prime, expected to start every WC 2026 match. Currently at Al Duhail SC, age 27.
Mahmoud Abunada
26 - Al Rayyan SC
Reliable goalkeeper in his prime, expected to start every WC 2026 match. Currently at Al Rayyan SC, age 26.
Defenders
Pedro Miguel
35 - Al Sadd SC
Defensive leader who has seen it all at international level, expected to organise the back line. Currently at Al Sadd SC, age 35.
Issa Laye
28 - Al Arabi SC
Solid defender in his peak years, a regular starter for club and country. Currently at Al Arabi SC, age 28.
Ayoub Aloui
21 - Al Gharafa SC
Emerging defender pushing into the senior set-up, athletic and reading the game well. Currently at Al Gharafa SC, age 21.
Midfielders
Abdulaziz Hatem
36 - Al Rayyan SC
Senior midfielder bringing tempo and game-management to the squad. Currently at Al Rayyan SC, age 36.
Ahmed Fathy
33 - Al Arabi SC
Box-to-box player in prime years, key to linking defence and attack. Currently at Al Arabi SC, age 33.
Ahmed Alganehi
25 - Al Gharafa SC
Box-to-box player in prime years, key to linking defence and attack. Currently at Al Gharafa SC, age 25.
Forwards
Hassan Alhaydos
35 - Al Sadd SC
Experienced forward whose finishing instinct remains the squad's main goal threat. Currently at Al Sadd SC, age 35.
Akram Afif
29 - Al Sadd SC
Sharp forward in his best years, with the pace and movement to trouble any defence. Currently at Al Sadd SC, age 29.
Tahsin Jamshid
19 - Al Duhail SC
Rising star up front, blending speed with the confidence to take on the world's best. Currently at Al Duhail SC, age 19.
Last 5 Matches: Qatar's Recent Form
| Date | Match | Result | Type | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 10, 2026 | Qatar vs. Spain | 2-5 L | Friendly | Friendly |
| Jan 8, 2026 | Qatar vs. Brazil | 6-7 L | Friendly | Friendly |
Qatar's recent form shows 0 wins, 0 draws and 2 losses from the last 2 matches heading into the tournament. Coach Julen Lopetegui has used these fixtures to fine-tune his squad selection and tactical approach ahead of the tournament.
Qatar in Group B: Schedule, Opponents and Stadiums
Qatar have been drawn in Group B alongside Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Switzerland. The group stage presents both challenges and opportunities for The Maroons as they aim to secure one of the qualification spots for the Round of 32.
| Match | Date | Stadium | CEST | EEST | BRT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qatar vs. Switzerland | Sat 13 Jun | Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara | 21:00 | 22:00 | 16:00 |
| Qatar vs. Canada | Thu 18 Jun | BC Place, Vancouver | 00:00+1 | 01:00+1 | 19:00 |
| Qatar vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina | Wed 24 Jun | Seattle Stadium, Seattle | 21:00 | 22:00 | 16:00 |
Head-to-Head: Qatar vs. Group B Opponents
Qatar vs. Canada: This Group B encounter will be a key fixture for both teams as they aim to secure progress to the Round of 32. The result could prove decisive in determining the final group standings and which teams advance to the knockout rounds of the tournament.
Qatar vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina: This Group B encounter will be a key fixture for both teams as they aim to secure progress to the Round of 32. The result could prove decisive in determining the final group standings and which teams advance to the knockout rounds of the tournament.
Qatar vs. Switzerland: This Group B encounter will be a key fixture for both teams as they aim to secure progress to the Round of 32. The result could prove decisive in determining the final group standings and which teams advance to the knockout rounds of the tournament.
Qatar's Head Coach for WC 2026
Julen Lopetegui (Spanish, born 1966) leads Qatar into the WC 2026. Managed Spain national team (unbeaten in 20 matches). managed Real Madrid, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and West Ham.
His record with Qatar stands at 12-4-0 (with Spain), reflecting the progress made under his leadership.
Qatar's Official Kits for WC 2026
Qatar's WC History and Records
Qatar have appeared at 1 World Cups in total, with their first appearance at the tournament coming in 2022. Their best finish was Group stage 2022.
1
WC appearances
GS
Best finish
2022
First appearance
0
Titles
Qatar at the 2022 World Cup
Qatar lost all three group stage matches, becoming the first host nation to be eliminated in the group stage.
Memorable WC Moments for Qatar
Historic moment: Mohammed Muntari scored Qatar's first-ever the tournament goal against Senegal.
Iconic achievement:
All-time top scorer: Almoez Ali; 60 goals. Most capped player: Hassan Al-Haydos; 184 caps. Top WC scorer: Mohammed Muntari; 1 goal. For the latest squad values and statistics, check the detailed breakdown.
Frequently Asked Questions about Qatar at the tournament
Ready to bet on Qatar?
Join Napoleon Sports for the best WC 2026 odds, live betting and exclusive promotions.
Register now →21+. Play responsibly.
Play responsibly. Napoleon Sports is licensed by the Belgian Gaming Commission. 21+. For support, visit stopoptijd.be.