Doha, October 16 (QNA) - Director of the Development Department at the Qatar Football Association (QFA), Fahad Thani Al Zarraa praised the Qatari national team's achievement after qualifying for the 2026 World Cup finals, following its victory over the UAE in the third round of Group A of the Asian qualifiers.

In remarks today, he said that reaching the finals of the upcoming World Cup confirms that Qatari football is on the right track, and that what was achieved was not a coincidence.

He added that this achievement was the result of maticulaous work and planning by the system as a whole, adding that it culminates the tireless efforts of those responsible for Qatari football, ensuring its continued advancement and brilliance.

Al Zarraa pointed out that participating in the World Cup finals for the second consecutive time confirms that we have a comprehensive sports project, led efficiently by the Qatar Football Association, with the support of our wise leadership, which has provided all means of success for all members of the sports system in Qatar.

He explained that the QFA's Development Department is committed to achieving its desired goals, providing an environment conducive to achieving them. The most important of these is the graduation of successive batches of high-caliber players, who will be important contributors to the national teams and the club first teams, through ongoing coordination with the various departments of the Association and the Aspire Academy for Sports Excellence.

He added that the Qatar Football Association provides the necessary financial support to implement the development strategy developed and implemented by the Development Department, noting that what was achieved against the UAE national team is not just a sporting victory, but rather a new historic moment added to the record of achievements of Qatari football.

The Director of the Development Department concluded by emphasizing the importance of continuing to provide opportunities for talent and studying the path to player development to reach professional levels. He also emphasized the need to focus on honing coaches through various training courses, noting that the Qatar Football Association is one of the most advanced Asian federations in the field of coach development. (QNA)