Qatar News

View all →
Official: Xavi Hernández Named Netherlands Head Coach Through the 2030 World CupFootball

Official: Xavi Hernández Named Netherlands Head Coach Through the 2030 World Cup

The Dutch football federation has confirmed Spaniard Xavi Hernández as the new Netherlands head coach, replacing Ronald Koeman, on a four-year contract running through the 2030 World Cup.

August 14, 2026
Ahmed Kantari Appointed Morocco U17 Head CoachNational Teams

Ahmed Kantari Appointed Morocco U17 Head Coach

The Moroccan federation has appointed Ahmed Kantari as U17 national team coach, replacing Portugal's Tiago Lima Pereira, ahead of Morocco hosting the 2027 U17 AFCON.

August 12, 2026
Wydad Seals Nizar Al Rashdan Deal to Reinforce Defensive MidfieldTransfers

Wydad Seals Nizar Al Rashdan Deal to Reinforce Defensive Midfield

Wydad AC have reached an agreement with Jordan international Nizar Al Rashdan, a defensive midfielder, on a two-season contract.

August 12, 2026
Aguerd takes part in his first group training session with Al Sadd after completing medical testsTransfers

Aguerd takes part in his first group training session with Al Sadd after completing medical tests

Moroccan defender Nayef Aguerd took part in his first group training session with Al Sadd, after successfully passing his medical tests following his transfer from Olympique de Marseille.

August 4, 2026
Medical question: Could Aguerd miss his Al Sadd debut due to a late transfer?Transfers

Medical question: Could Aguerd miss his Al Sadd debut due to a late transfer?

The imminent transfer of Nayef Aguerd to Al Sadd is raising questions about his fitness for his debut, given the tight timeline between the deal's completion and the start of official competition.

August 3, 2026
Another Moroccan leaves Europe: Aguerd close to Al Sadd moveTransfers

Another Moroccan leaves Europe: Aguerd close to Al Sadd move

Qatari club Al Sadd is closing in on a final agreement with Olympique de Marseille to sign Moroccan international defender Nayef Aguerd, in a deal that could be finalized in the coming days.

August 3, 2026

Matches

Standings

PDIFFPTS
Qualification
1Switzerland3+47
2Canada3+54
3Qatar3-81
4Bosnia & Herzegovina3-14
Rules and legend
  • Qualification
  • Relegation

Trophies

Total titles
2 titles
🏆
AFC Asian Cup
2023 | 2019
2

History of the Qatar national team

Founding and Early Years

The Qatar national team, nicknamed "the Maroon," is governed by the Qatar Football Association (QFA), founded in 1960. Driven by massive investment in the development of the national game, it established itself as the great rising power of Asian football.

Team Evolution

The high point of this rise came in 2022, when Qatar became the first Middle Eastern country to host a World Cup, an event that left a lasting mark on the development of the country's football infrastructure.

Great Managers

Qatar built its continental dominance with back-to-back Asian Cup titles. Julen Lopetegui, the Spanish head coach, now leads the Maroon.

Iconic Players

Akram Afif, current captain, Qatar's all-time top scorer and hero of the 2023 continental triumph, single-handedly embodies the rise of the national game.

Major Achievements

Qatar have won back-to-back Asian Cup titles (2019, 2023) and hosted the 2022 World Cup, where they became the first host nation in history to be eliminated in the first round. At the 2026 World Cup, they were again eliminated in the group stage, with a draw against Switzerland (1-1), a heavy defeat to Canada (0-6), and a loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina (1-3).

The Team Today

Under Julen Lopetegui, Qatar rank among the respected nations of the Asian continent in the FIFA World Ranking.

Frequently asked questions

When is Qatar's next match?+

Qatar face Australia on 13 November 2026.

What is Qatar's current standing?+

Qatar are currently 4 in World Cup 2026 with 1 points.

How many Asian Cup titles has Qatar won?+

Two consecutive: 2019 and 2023.

Who is Qatar's captain?+

Akram Afif, Qatar's all-time top scorer.

Has Qatar ever hosted the World Cup?+

Yes, in 2022, their first-ever appearance, as hosts.

How did Qatar's 2026 World Cup end?+

They were eliminated in the group stage.

Who is Qatar's current head coach?+

Julen Lopetegui, the Spanish head coach.