🇶🇦 Qatar National Football Team: Journey, Players, Achievements & Road to FIFA World Cup 2026
Discover everything about the Qatar National Football Team — from its history, star players, and achievements to its qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Learn how the Amir’s support, talent development, and national pride are shaping Qatar’s football legacy.
Football team players nationalities
| Country | Number of Players |
|---|---|
| Sudan | 8 |
| Brazil | 5 |
| Egypt | 5 |
| Ghana | 5 |
| Iraq | 5 |
| Kuwait | 5 |
| Saudi Arabia | 5 |
| Senegal | 5 |
| France | 3 |
| Algeria | 1 |
| Bahrain | 1 |
| DR Congo | 1 |
| Guinea | 1 |
| Jordan | 1 |
| Mauritania | 1 |
| Portugal | 1 |
| Somalia | 1 |
| Syria | 1 |
| Tanzania | 1 |
| Uruguay | 1 |
| Yemen | 1 |
| Indonesia | 1 |
Qatar’s Rising Football Power
The Qatar National Football Team has rapidly evolved into one of Asia’s most dynamic and successful football teams. From their historic AFC Asian Cup 2019 victory to qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2026, Qatar’s journey reflects the nation’s deep passion for the sport and its commitment to excellence. The team represents not only athletic skill but also Qatar’s growing influence in global sports.
Recently, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani received the national team at Lusail Palace following their qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The event symbolized national pride and unity, celebrating years of investment, discipline, and dedication by players and staff.
The Amir Receives Qatar’s National Football Team
In a moment of great national pride, HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani met the players and coaching staff at Lusail Palace on October 15, 2025. The meeting was attended by Deputy Amir HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Thani and HH Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al-Thani, the Amir’s personal representative.
The Amir congratulated the players for their qualification to the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be held across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. He praised their exceptional performance and urged them to continue striving for excellence as they represent Qatar among the world’s elite.
Also present were key dignitaries such as the Chief of the Amiri Diwan HE Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khulaifi, Minister of Sports and Youth HE Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al-Thani, and President of the Qatar Football Association HE Jassim Rashid Al-Buainain.
This ceremony was more than a formal reception—it was a recognition of how far Qatari football has come.
The Rise of the Qatar National Football Team
The journey of the Qatar National Football Team began in the 1970s, but its real transformation started in the early 2000s. Through world-class academies like Aspire Academy, Qatar focused on nurturing young talent, improving infrastructure, and building a sustainable football culture.
Today, the Qatar National Team (QFA) competes confidently on both Asian and international stages, known for tactical brilliance, discipline, and team spirit. Their success reflects years of structured planning and investment in football development.
Star Players of the Qatar National Team
The team has a balanced mix of young talents and experienced players who have represented Qatar in multiple international competitions. Below are some of the key players shaping Qatar’s football identity:
🔴 Almoez Ali – Striker
One of Qatar’s most celebrated players, Almoez Ali became a national hero during the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, where he won the Golden Boot with 9 goals. His pace, precision, and finishing make him Qatar’s top attacking threat.
🟣 Akram Afif – Forward
Known for his creativity and technical skills, Akram Afif plays a vital role in Qatar’s offensive strategies. He is often the difference-maker in close matches and has earned several Player of the Match awards in international tournaments.
⚪ Hassan Al-Haydos – Captain
As the captain of the Qatar National Football Team, Hassan Al-Haydos brings experience and leadership. With over 150 caps, he remains the backbone of the squad and continues to inspire the next generation.
🟡 Saad Al Sheeb – Goalkeeper
Saad Al Sheeb is Qatar’s reliable last line of defense. His quick reflexes and calm composure have helped Qatar secure key victories in major tournaments.
🟢 Pedro Miguel – Defender
Originally from Portugal, Pedro Miguel (Ró-Ró) brings strength and defensive stability. He is a consistent performer and a crucial part of Qatar’s backline.
The current head coach of the Qatar National Team is Félix Sánchez Bas, who led Qatar to their historic AFC Asian Cup 2019 win and developed a cohesive, tactical style focused on ball possession and counter-attacking play.
The Qatar Football Association (QFA), led by Jassim Rashid Al-Buainain, continues to prioritize grassroots programs, youth academies, and international training opportunities to strengthen the national team.
Qatar’s Qualification for FIFA World Cup 2026
The 2026 World Cup qualification marks another milestone in Qatar’s football journey. The team showed resilience, skill, and teamwork throughout the qualification rounds. With this success, Qatar joins other Arab nations like Saudi Arabia and Morocco in proudly representing the region on the global stage.
The Amir emphasized during the Lusail Palace reception that this qualification “strengthens Qatar’s distinguished record in sports and football.” He encouraged the players to represent the nation with dignity, professionalism, and passion.
Qatar’s Footballing Achievements
Qatar’s football record is full of notable accomplishments that showcase their progress in the global arena:
- AFC Asian Cup Champions 2019
- Gulf Cup of Nations Winners (2014, 2019)
- FIFA Arab Cup 2021 – Semi-finalists
- Hosted FIFA World Cup 2022
- Qualified for FIFA World Cup 2026
These achievements highlight Qatar’s consistent development and commitment to excellence.
Qatar’s World Cup Legacy
Hosting the FIFA World Cup 2022 transformed Qatar into a world-class sports destination. Stadiums like Lusail Stadium, Al Bayt Stadium, and Education City Stadium have become iconic landmarks symbolizing innovation, sustainability, and national pride.
The tournament not only boosted Qatar’s international image but also inspired a new generation of footballers. The success of the World Cup served as a foundation for continued football excellence and national unity.
Qatar’s progress in football is supported by world-class infrastructure:
Aspire Academy
Founded in 2004, Aspire Academy is Qatar’s elite sports training institution, focusing on youth development and athletic excellence. Many of the current national team players graduated from this academy.
Stadiums and Facilities
Qatar’s modern stadiums feature advanced technology, cooling systems, and eco-friendly designs. These facilities not only host international tournaments but also serve as training centers for the national team.
International Exposure
Through participation in tournaments like Copa América and CONCACAF Gold Cup, Qatar has gained valuable experience competing with top teams worldwide.
The Spirit of Sportsmanship and National Pride
Football in Qatar is not just a game—it’s part of the national identity. Every match played by the Qatar National Football Team unites the nation under one flag. Fans proudly wear the Qatar national team jersey, featuring maroon and white colors that symbolize pride and unity.
The team’s slogan, “Qatar Forward,” reflects a national vision to achieve excellence both on and off the field.
Women’s and Youth Football in Qatar
Qatar is also promoting women’s football and youth sports programs:
- The Qatar Women’s National Football Team continues to participate in regional competitions, reflecting the country’s progress toward inclusivity in sports.
- The U23 and U19 teams provide a solid pipeline of young talent ready to step up to the senior level.
- Schools across Qatar have integrated football into their physical education systems to identify and nurture future stars.
Fan Culture and Community Support
Qatar’s fans are among the most passionate in Asia. During home games, stadiums are filled with flags, chants, and traditional songs. Local fan groups organize pre-match events and support drives to motivate the players.
Social media also plays a huge role, with hashtags like #QatarNationalTeam and #MaroonPride trending during major matches. Football has become a shared experience that strengthens national unity.
Qatar’s Upcoming Fixtures and Schedule
The Qatar National Team has an exciting lineup of upcoming fixtures leading up to the FIFA World Cup 2026:
- Qatar vs Jordan – January 2026 (Friendly)
- Qatar vs Japan – March 2026 (Qualifiers)
- Qatar vs Saudi Arabia – June 2026 (Arab Cup Warm-up)
- FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Match – June 2026
Fans can stay updated through the Qatar Football Association (QFA) official website and sports news portals.
Challenges and Future Goals
While Qatar’s football development is remarkable, the journey ahead presents challenges such as:
- Maintaining high performance standards post-World Cup.
- Increasing local player representation.
- Expanding grassroots participation.
- Balancing foreign talent integration with national identity.
The QFA’s long-term vision focuses on building a sustainable football ecosystem where local players, coaches, and fans thrive together.
Quotes from the Amir and Team Leaders
“Your achievement brings pride to every Qatari. Continue to represent Qatar with honor and determination.”
— HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani
“We play for our country, our people, and our flag. Every match is a new chapter of Qatar’s story.”
— Hassan Al-Haydos, Team CaptainQatar National Football Team: FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualification Path
Following the impressive performance during the 2023–2025 qualifiers, Qatar has made consistent progress through all rounds — from the Second to the Fourth Round — earning praise from football fans across Asia and recognition from Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.
Second Round (2023–2024): Group A Results
Rank Team Matches Wins Draws Losses GF GA GD Points 1 🇶🇦 Qatar 6 5 1 0 18 3 +15 16 2 Kuwait 6 2 1 3 6 6 0 7 3 India 6 1 2 3 3 7 -4 5 4 Afghanistan 6 1 2 3 3 14 -11 5 Qatar dominated this stage with an undefeated record, showing solid defense and strong offensive play led by Almoez Ali and Akram Afif.
Third Round (2024–2025): Group A Results
Rank Team MP W D L GF GA GD Points 1 Iran 10 7 2 1 19 8 +11 23 2 Uzbekistan 10 6 3 1 14 7 +7 21 3 UAE 10 4 3 3 15 8 +7 15 4 🇶🇦 Qatar 10 4 1 5 17 24 -7 13 5 Kyrgyzstan 10 2 2 6 12 18 -6 8 6 North Korea 10 0 3 7 9 21 -12 3 Despite tough competition, Qatar secured enough points to advance to the Fourth Round, earning a chance to qualify directly for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Fourth Round (2025–2026): The Final Push to World Cup 2026
The Fourth Round of Asian Qualifiers determines the final automatic slots for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Qatar continues its campaign with renewed focus, facing Asia’s top sides such as Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Australia.Expected Group Structure:
Group Teams Key Fixtures Group A Japan 🇯🇵, Qatar 🇶🇦, UAE 🇦🇪, Iraq 🇮🇶, China 🇨🇳 Japan vs Qatar (Tokyo), Qatar vs Iraq (Doha) Group B South Korea 🇰🇷, Australia 🇦🇺, Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦, Iran 🇮🇷, Uzbekistan 🇺🇿 — Round Duration: 2025–2026
Venues: Doha, Riyadh, Tokyo, SeoulQatar’s main objective in this stage is to finish in the top two to earn a direct qualification to the World Cup 2026.
The coaching staff has focused on possession-based football, quick transitions, and set-piece dominance — key strengths that led to success during Asian Cup 2019 and World Cup 2022.
3. Youth Development
Qatar’s Aspire Academy remains central to nurturing future stars, ensuring a long-term vision for national football sustainability.
Achievements of the Qatar National Football Team
Year Tournament Result 2019 AFC Asian Cup 🏆 Champions 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup Semi-Finals 2022 FIFA World Cup Hosts 2023 Gulf Cup Semi-Finals 2025 Asian Cup (upcoming) Qualified 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualified (via 4th Round) Upcoming Fixtures (2025–2026)
Date Match Venue Feb 2025 Qatar vs Iraq Lusail Stadium Mar 2025 Japan vs Qatar Tokyo Jun 2025 Qatar vs China Al Bayt Stadium Sep 2025 Qatar vs UAE Doha Nov 2025 Saudi Arabia vs Qatar Riyadh Fans can track all fixtures, live results, and player stats through the QFA official website and major sports outlets.
Amir’s Message to the Team
HH The Amir encouraged the players to remain humble and focused:
“Your journey represents Qatar’s spirit — excellence, unity, and perseverance. Carry our flag high in the world.”
🇶🇦 Qatar National Team Players (Qatar national football team players nationalities)
Place of Birth Player Position Caps Goals First Cap Last Cap Notes / Ref Senegal (Dakar) Abdulla Koni DF 59 4 19 Sep 1997 14 Jan 2009 [1] Kuwait (Kuwait City) Saoud Ghanem MF 13 1 22 Sep 1998 24 Aug 2008 [2] Saudi Arabia (Rafha) Saad Al-Shammari DF 77 7 23 Jan 2000 3 Sep 2010 [3] Sudan (Khartoum) Mirghani Al Zain MF 5 0 24 Jul 2001 16 Nov 2007 [4] Mauritania (Nouakchott) Sayed Ali Bechir FW 59 21 13 Oct 2001 26 May 2009 [5] Kuwait (Kuwait City) Wesam Rizik MF 111 7 30 Dec 2001 13 Nov 2014 [6] Senegal (Dakar) Mohamed Saqr GK 59 0 19 Nov 2003 1 Apr 2009 [7] Sudan (Khartoum) Magid Mohamed FW 80 13 21 Dec 2003 24 Mar 2016 [8] Saudi Arabia (Riyadh) Majdi Siddiq MF 59 4 13 Feb 2004 31 May 2015 [9] Iraq (Baghdad) Ali Mejbel Fartoos FW 6 1 31 May 2004 1 Mar 2006 [10] Senegal (Dakar) Qasem Burhan GK 79 0 21 Jul 2004 19 Jan 2015 [11] Kuwait (Sulaibiya) Talal Al-Bloushi MF 78 1 29 Jul 2005 13 Oct 2013 [12] Kuwait (Al Ahmadi) Adel Lami MF 32 5 11 Oct 2005 9 Sep 2013 [13] Saudi Arabia (Medina) Yusef Ahmed FW 54 9 6 Sep 2006 29 Sep 2016 [14] Uruguay (Paysandú) Sebastián Soria FW 123 40 15 Nov 2006 28 Mar 2017 [15] Senegal (Cordina) Baba Malick GK 5 0 24 Mar 2007 11 Jan 2013 [16] Kuwait (Kuwait City) Ibrahim Majid DF 100 6 25 Jun 2007 13 Jun 2017 [17] Tanzania (Zanzibar) Rajab Hamza GK 7 0 28 Oct 2007 7 Nov 2012 [18] Brazil (Londrina) Fábio César Montezine MF 33 11 10 Jan 2008 14 Nov 2012 [19] Brazil (Poções) Marcone Amaral Costa DF 39 1 10 Jan 2008 11 Jan 2013 [20] Brazil (Nova Iguaçu) Emerson Sheik FW 3 0 4 Mar 2008 26 Mar 2008 [21] Yemen (Yafa) Mohammed Al Yazeedi MF 21 0 14 Nov 2008 31 Dec 2010 [22] Senegal (Dakar) Ibrahima Nadiya MF 14 1 28 Mar 2009 17 Nov 2009 [23] Ghana (Accra) Mohammed Kasola DF 67 7 3 Mar 2010 13 Jun 2017 [24] Ghana (Kumasi) George Kwasi Semakor DF 6 0 10 Aug 2010 16 Dec 2010 [25] Guinea (Conakry) Omar Bari GK 6 0 12 Oct 2010 10 Oct 2017 [26] Ghana (Accra) Lawrence Quaye MF 31 0 18 Nov 2010 5 Jan 2013 [27] Iraq (Basra) Hussain Shehab MF 19 1 29 Mar 2011 30 Mar 2015 [28] Ghana (Accra) Mohammed Razak FW 16 3 16 Sep 2011 7 Jan 2014 [29] Bahrain (Manama) Ali Assadalla MF 55 12 23 Jan 2012 10 Dec 2021 [30] Sudan (Al-Fashir) Mosaab Mahmoud DF 19 0 7 Mar 2013 26 Mar 2015 [31] Saudi Arabia (Mecca) Abdulgadir Ilyas Bakur FW 18 4 17 Apr 2013 11 Jun 2015 [32] Egypt (Cairo) Ahmed Alaaeldin FW 45 1 15 Nov 2013 18 Dec 2021 [33] Sudan (Khartoum) Almoez Ali FW 80 39 21 Dec 2013 18 Dec 2021 [34] Algeria (Bou Ismaïl) Boualem Khoukhi DF 97 20 21 Dec 2013 18 Dec 2021 [35] France (Metz) Dame Traoré DF 8 0 21 Dec 2013 28 Aug 2015 [36] France (Rueil-Malmaison) Karim Boudiaf MF 106 5 21 Dec 2013 18 Dec 2021 [37] Brazil (Jaguaruana) Luiz Martin Carlos Júnior DF 27 0 21 Dec 2013 6 Jun 2017 [38] Sudan (Khartoum) Mohamed Salah Elneel FW 2 0 21 Dec 2013 2 Dec 2019 [39] Egypt (Alexandria) Ahmed Abdul Maqsoud MF 41 2 30 May 2014 14 Nov 2017 [40] Syria (Aleppo) Ismail Mardanli FW 2 0 30 May 2014 14 Jul 2014 [41] Saudi Arabia (Mecca) Abdurahman Abubakar DF 3 1 9 Sep 2014 30 Mar 2015 [42] Ghana (Kumasi) Mohammed Muntari FW 45 12 27 Dec 2014 18 Dec 2021 [43] DR Congo (Kinshasa) Tresor Kangambu MF 11 0 27 Dec 2014 25 Aug 2016 [44] France (Reims) Amine Lecomte GK 18 0 26 Mar 2015 1 Sep 2016 [45] Brazil (Araçatuba) Rodrigo Tabata MF 18 4 24 Mar 2016 13 Jun 2017 [46] Portugal (Algueirão–Mem Martins) Pedro Miguel DF 76 1 29 Mar 2016 3 Dec 2021 [47] Jordan (Amman) Rami Fayez DF 1 0 17 Jan 2017 17 Jan 2017 [48] Sudan (Khartoum) Musab Kheder DF 28 0 9 Mar 2017 18 Dec 2021 [49] Sudan (Khartoum) Assim Madibo MF 41 0 23 Aug 2017 18 Dec 2021 [50] Iraq (Baghdad) Bassam Al-Rawi DF 49 2 11 Nov 2017 15 Dec 2021 [51] Egypt (Aswan) Ahmed Fatehi MF 12 0 14 Nov 2017 4 Dec 2020 [52] Egypt (Cairo) Hazem Shehata MF 1 0 14 Dec 2017 14 Dec 2017 [53] Egypt (Cairo) Abdelrahman Moustafa MF 4 0 7 Sep 2018 14 Nov 2019 [54] Somalia (Mogadishu) Yusuf Abdurisag FW 13 1 5 Sep 2019 9 Oct 2021 [55] Sudan (Khartoum) Meshaal Barsham GK 13 0 13 Nov 2020 18 Dec 2021 [56] Iraq (Baghdad) Mohammed Waad MF 16 0 13 Nov 2020 18 Dec 2021 [57] Iraq (Baghdad) Ahmed Suhail DF 1 0 4 Jul 2021 4 Jul 2021 [58]
Conclusion
The Qatar National Football Team embodies the nation’s resilience, ambition, and vision for the future. From humble beginnings to continental glory and now qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026, Qatar’s football story continues to inspire millions.
With the Amir’s support, world-class infrastructure, and passionate players, Qatar is not just participating—it’s competing at the highest level with confidence and pride. The maroon jersey has become a symbol of unity, hope, and progress.
As Qatar prepares for the 2026 World Cup, the nation stands ready once again to make history — “One Team, One Nation, One Dream.”
