Qatar
Qatar make history as the 2022 World Cup hosts qualifying for the 2026 tournament on merit for the first time. Under Tintín Márquez, they arrive with ambition if not expectation. Akram Afif, winner of the 2023 Asian Cup Golden Ball, is their outstanding talent.
Official FIFA Licensed Gear
Tactical Blueprint
A disciplined defensive 4-3-3 or 5-3-2 that relies on organised defensive shape and transitional threat. Afif's pace and directness on the counter is Qatar's primary weapon; Al-Haydos provides experienced technical quality.
Key Personnel
Akram Afif
Player · Al-Sadd
Almoez Ali
Player · Al-Duhail SC
Hassan Al-Haydos
Player · Al-Sadd
★ Tournament Lore
Qatar hosted the 2022 World Cup, where they became the first host nation to be eliminated in the group stage.
Akram Afif won the Golden Ball at the 2023 AFC Asian Cup — the continent's best player award.
Qatar's national team is built largely through the Aspire Academy, one of the world's most advanced football academies.
