Qatar

Overview

Qatar's national football team represents the country in international association football and is governed by the Qatar Football Association, founded in 1960. The team competes within the Asian Football Confederation. Qatar's most significant honours are the AFC Asian Cup titles won in 2019 and 2023, making the country one of the few Asian nations to win the continental championship in consecutive tournaments. The 2019 triumph, achieved on home soil in the United Arab Emirates, marked a turning point in the team's international standing.

The squad draws on a relatively compact player pool. Goalkeepers Meshaal Barsham and Mahmud Abunada provide experienced options in that position, while outfield players including Sultan Al Braik, Homam Ahmed and Akram Afif have featured regularly in recent campaigns. Almoez Ali is among the team's most recognised forwards.

Qatar hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first Middle Eastern nation to do so. The team was eliminated in the group stage but the tournament significantly raised the profile of football across the country.