Qatar
FIFA World Cup 2026 · Group B · vs Canada, Switzerland, UEFA Playoff A
FIFA Rank
#45
WC Titles
—
WC Apps
1
Best Result
Group stage (2022)
Star Player
Akram Afif
About Qatar
Qatar, with its capital in Doha and a population of 3 million, is known for futuristic skyline, pearl diving heritage, and hosting the 2022 World Cup. Qatar is roughly the size of Connecticut but has the highest GDP per capita in the world.
In football, the The Maroons are a 1-time World Cup participant with their best result being Group stage (2022). Their World Cup journey began in 2022, and they enter the 2026 tournament with Akram Afif as their talisman under head coach Carlos Queiroz. Qatar won the 2019 Asian Cup as the biggest surprise in the tournament's history, beating Japan 3-1 in the final.
SeatNav's Power Index rates Qatar at 4.5 out of 10, ranking them #28 overall and classifying them as a determined underdog. In Group B, they face Canada, Switzerland in what has been categorized as a highly competitive group (difficulty 7/10).
The current The Maroons squad features 22 players, with the final 26-man World Cup roster to be announced in May 2026. Qatar have 3 confirmed group stage matches scheduled across the tournament.
Qatar supporters traveling to the 2026 World Cup can look forward to matches across multiple host cities in Canada and the United States. Follow SeatNav for ticket availability, venue guides, and match day information as the tournament approaches.
Key Player
Akram Afif
The Maroons · FIFA #45
Head Coach
Carlos Queiroz
Home: Lusail Stadium
Group B Battle Preview
Head-to-head records against each group opponent
1
W
0
D
1
L
Qatar stunned Canada at the 2023 Gold Cup in Houston, a result that still stings. Canada will be hungry for revenge on home soil. Qatar, as the 2022 World Cup hosts, carry recent tournament hosting experience but struggled in their own group stage. This has upset potential written all over it.
View match preview →
0
W
0
D
1
L
Qatar and Switzerland have barely played each other — just one friendly meeting. Switzerland are heavy favorites based on European qualifying pedigree, but Qatar's 2019 Asian Cup triumph proved they can punch above their weight when it matters. A classic David vs Goliath matchup.
View match preview →How Qatar Qualified
Qatar qualified through AFC Asian qualification. The 2022 hosts return with tournament experience but face the challenge of competing away from home.
Qatar Tactical Identity
Under Carlos Queiroz, Qatar bring a distinctive tactical approach to the 2026 World Cup. The Maroons will look to impose their style on group-stage opponents while managing the physical demands of the expanded tournament format.
SeatNav's Power Index rates Qatar at 4.5/10 (ranked #28 overall), classifying them as an outside contender in the Underdog tier. Their strongest factor is group-stage preparation while limited World Cup pedigree represents their biggest challenge.
2026 Tournament Outlook
Qatar face a extremely challenging Group B draw against Canada, Switzerland. With the expanded 48-team format sending the top two from each group plus the best third-placed teams through to the Round of 32, The Maroons will be targeting a minimum of two victories to secure safe passage.
Qatar will face Switzerland for the first time in competitive football, adding an element of unpredictability to the group dynamics.
Match Schedule
3 confirmed matches
Qatar
CanadaGroup B
Top 2 advance. Best 3rd-place teams qualify for Round of 32.
Squad (22)
Current national team squad. Final World Cup roster announced May 2026.
Goalkeepers(3)
Defenders(8)
Midfielders(7)
Forwards(4)
Away Kit Preview
Group Stage Opponents
UEFA Playoff A
UEFA
Playoff — TBD March 2026
Share this team
Qatar
Squad data via API-Football. Team colors are approximate. Final World Cup rosters announced May 2026. SeatNav is not affiliated with FIFA. Profile: 379 words.