Qatar has been building to this moment for years. Even before FIFA accepted the small Middle Eastern nation’s bid for the 2022 tournament back in 2010, there has been a clear plan in place for both the country and its national team to put on a show when the time comes. But the lead-up to the tournament hasn’t been without drama, scandal, tragedy and controversy. Multiple reports have surfaced over the last decade surrounding the mistreatment and deaths of migrant workers building the tournament infrastructure. Questions have been raised surrounding the politics of the country for visitors—a ban on alcohol was announced, then (partially) repealed, and it’s still not clear how the nation will treat LGBTQ+ fans, as homosexuality is considered a crime in the country. FIFA even wrote a letter to participating national teams effectively telling them to stick to sports.
On the pitch, the Qataris have fielded one of the most interesting teams at the tournament. A number of their key players are naturalized citizens who played at least five years at clubs in the country. But while they hail from around the world, they’re experienced—and experienced together. Manager Félix Sánchez has spent years building a cohesive team—he became senior national team coach five years ago but has been involved with the Aspire Academy and Qatari youth teams since leaving Barcelona in 2006—primarily of players among the top clubs in the Qatar Stars League.
Qatar may have automatically qualified as host, but it’s the reigning Asian Cup champion (2019) and breezed through its Asian qualifying matches, winning seven and drawing one while allowing just one goal (it participated in the second round of World Cup qualifying, as it doubled as 2023 Asian Cup qualifying). That said, it has lost six straight matches against World Cup-bound teams. If it hopes for a shocking run to the knockout stage, then it will have to ride its experience along with any energy from the home crowd cheering on what is the culmination of a truly comprehensive sporting project.
Group A Schedule (all times Eastern)
- Ecuador, Nov. 20, 11 a.m.
- Senegal, Nov. 25, 8 a.m.
- Netherlands, Nov. 29, 10 a.m.
Coach
Félix Sánchez, hired in July 2017
David Bitzan/GEPA Pictures/Imago Images
Players to Watch
Almoez Ali, striker
The best pure goalscorer on this team is the 26-year-old Al-Sadd player. Typically playing in a two-man front line alongside Akram Afif, Ali is at his best when playing off the shoulder of the defender as Qatar tries to strike on the counter.
Abdelkarim Hassan, left back
One of the most experienced players on this side will play a large role both defensively and in the attack for Qatar. Hassan has enough speed to aid on the counter and will look to help provide defensive stability out of possession, particularly up against the tricky wingers of Senegal and the Netherlands.
Hassan Al-Haydos, forward
Al-Haydos is the nation’s most-capped player (167) for a reason. He understands the system, as well as the limitations of this Qatar side. Playing as a No. 10, the technically gifted midfielder will need to run the show in midfield for the hosts to create goalscoring chances.
Mutsu Kawamori/AFLOSPORT/Imago Images
Breakout Candidate
Saad Al Sheeb, goalkeeper
There are no true “breakout” possibilities from this Qatar squad—the team relies heavily on a veteran core that has been cultivated over years of playing together. But while the focus of this team is its attacking stars, Al Sheeb has a chance to make his own headlines. The 32-year-old has held down his spot in goal for Qatar for years. He was key in his side’s Asian Cup title in 2019, Qatar’s first. But he’ll likely be called upon repeatedly in his first World Cup.
Solid appearances against Argentina, Colombia and Paraguay in the 2019 Copa América proved he can hold his own against some of the world’s top attacks. The magnitude of attacking talent held by Senegal, the Netherlands and Ecuador means Al Sheeb’s role will be decisive in his side’s hopes of making a shock knockout stage appearance.
World Cup History
- First appearance
Outlook and Expectations
Only one host nation, South Africa in 2010, has ever failed to reach the knockout stage. Even then, the host played a thrilling tournament-opening draw vs. Mexico and then shockingly upset France. Can Qatar create similar chaos within Group A?
At first glance, the Netherlands and Senegal look to be clear favorites to reach the knockout stage. But both Ecuador and the host nation may be tough outs. And for Qatar, it’s all about whether the team can live up to the years of buildup and anticipation. A group-stage flameout is likely, but anything more would be a massive win for a nation trying to become a consistent presence in the world of soccer.
World Cup Squad
GOALKEEPERS: Saad Al Sheeb (Al Sadd), Meshaal Barshim (Al Sadd), Youssef Hassan (Al-Gharafa)
DEFENDERS: Homam Ahmed (Al-Gharafa), Bassam Al-Rawi (Al-Duhail), Jassem Gaber (Al-Arabi), Abdelkarim Hassan (Al-Sadd), Musab Kheder (Al-Sadd), Boualem Khoukhi (Al-Sadd), Pedro Miguel (Al-Sadd), Ismaeel Mohammad (Al-Duhail), Tarek Salman (Al-Sadd)
MIDFIELDERS: Salem Al-Hajri (Al Sadd), Ali Assadalla (Al Sadd), Karim Boudiaf (Al-Duhail), Abdulaziz Hatem (Al-Rayyan), Assim Madibo (Al-Duhail), Mostafa Tarek (Al Sadd), Mohammed Waad (Al Sadd)
