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LoginWorld Cup 2026: Qatar Kicks Off Campaign Against Switzerland
Doha, June 12 (QNA) – The Qatar national football team will begin its journey in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, held across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, by facing Switzerland at 10:00 PM Doha time on Saturday at San Francisco Bay Arena in the US.
This match is part of Group B, which also includes Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The game is of great importance for Qatar, aiming for a strong start to enhance its ambition of advancing beyond the group stage for the first time in history.
This marks Qatar's second World Cup appearance and its first through qualification, after hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Qatar seeks a positive result in its opener before continuing its campaign against Canada in Vancouver on June 18 and concluding the group stage against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Seattle on June 24.
"Al Annabi" team will enjoy significant fan support, with nearly 1,000 Qatari supporters flown to the US over June 9–11 under an initiative by the Qatar Football Association in coordination with the Social and Sport Contribution Fund (Daam).
Spanish coach Julen Lopetegui relies on the team's accumulated experience, with 14 players from the 2026 squad having participated in the 2022 World Cup, including eight to nine who were key contributors.
Qatar prepared meticulously for the tournament, starting with a May training camp following domestic and continental commitments, followed by camps in Dublin (a 1-0 friendly loss to Ireland) and Los Angeles (0-0 draw with El Salvador), before settling at the official World Cup residence at Westmont College, Santa Barbara, California.
Lopetegui praised the team's recent preparations, highlighting organizational discipline and tactical awareness.
He explained that rotations during friendly matches were natural to prepare as many players as possible for the official competition.
Looking ahead to the opener against Switzerland, Lopetegui described it as a “true test” given the opponent's extensive international experience.
He said they face a strong and technically skilled Swiss team. This match is crucial, requiring focus on tactical and technical details and full readiness to start the tournament at their best.
The coach emphasized that as Asian champions, Qatar carries a great responsibility.
They aim to deliver a performance worthy of Qatari football, he continued, reflecting the hard work they have invested, while competing strongly to achieve their goal of advancing from the group stage.
The presence of Spanish coach Julen Lopetegui at the helm of the Qatar national team is a key factor in the country's quest to make its 2026 FIFA World Cup participation exceptional. Lopetegui, 59, brings extensive experience in global and European football, having managed Spain from 2016 to 2018 and clubs including Real Madrid, Sevilla, Porto, and Wolverhampton.
Since taking charge of Qatar during a challenging period marked by declining results, Lopetegui has demonstrated remarkable ability in tactical management, restoring discipline and confidence, and leading the team to qualify through the Asian playoffs.
Stars Akram Afif and Almoez Ali form the core of the squad, having played pivotal roles in Qatar's victories in the 2019 and 2023 AFC Asian Cups, sharing awards for Best Player and Top Scorer.
Their presence boosts optimism for achieving the historic goal of advancing beyond the group stage for the first time.
Qatar's preparation has emphasized defensive balance and tactical organization, reflecting Lopetegui's strategy to maintain stability while countering a strong European opponent.
Mahmoud Abonady is likely to start in goal, with Homam Ahmed, Pedro Miguel, Boualem Khoukhi, and Ayoub Al Oui forming the defensive line.
In midfield, Jassim Jaber, Issa Lai, and Ahmed Fathi are expected to feature, while the attacking trio will likely include Akram Afif, Edmilson Junior, and Almoez Ali, with tactical adjustments possible to strengthen key areas.
A positive result against a European team like Switzerland would provide a significant morale boost ahead of matches against Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina, increasing Qatar's chances of advancing from the group stage.
Switzerland, led by captain Granit Xhaka of Sunderland and featuring striker Breel Embolo (Stade Rennais) and defender Manuel Akanji (Manchester City), relies on tactical discipline, defensive organization, and rapid transitions in attack. The Swiss team recently prepared with two friendlies, defeating Jordan 4-1 and drawing 1-1 with Australia, showcasing readiness for the tournament.
Having competed in the last five World Cups and 13 overall, Switzerland has consistently reached the Round of 16 (2010, 2014, 2018, 2022) and previously achieved quarterfinals in 1934, 1938, and 1954.
With European experience on one side and a talented, ambitious Qatari squad led by an internationally seasoned coach on the other, the opening match represents a pivotal test.
A positive result would significantly boost Qatar's confidence and enhance its chances of qualifying for the knockout stage for the first time in history. (QNA)
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