Qatar national football team facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Qatar

Nicknames	العنابي (The Maroon One)
Association	Qatar Football Association (QFA)
Confederation	AFC (Asia)
Sub-confederation	WAFF (West Asia)
Head coach	Julen Lopetegui
Captain	Hassan Al-Haydos
Most caps	Hassan Al-Haydos (188)
Top scorer	Almoez Ali (60)
Home stadium	Various
FIFA code	QAT
First colours Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current	55 38 (7 February 2019)
Highest	34 (April and July 2024)
Lowest	113 (November 2010)
First international
Bahrain 2–1 Qatar  (Isa Town, Bahrain; 27 March 1970)
Biggest win
Qatar 15–0 Bhutan  (Doha, Qatar; 3 September 2015)
Biggest defeat
Kuwait 9–0 Qatar  (Kuwait; 8 January 1973)
World Cup
Appearances	2 (first in 2022)
Best result	Group stage (2022, 2026)
Asian Cup
Appearances	12 (first in 1980)
Best result	Champions (2019, 2023)
Arab Cup / FIFA Arab Cup
Appearances	3 (first in 1985)
Best result	Runners-up (1998)

The Qatar national football team, nicknamed "The Maroons," represents Qatar in international football. The team is controlled by the Qatar Football Association (QFA). The QFA is part of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and FIFA, the world's football governing body. They play their home games at various stadiums in Qatar.

The team has won the Arabian Gulf Cup three times: in 1992, 2004, and 2014. They have also appeared in twelve Asian Cup tournaments. They won the Asian Cup twice, in 2019 and 2023. In 2019, they beat strong teams like Japan, Saudi Arabia, and South Korea. They only let in one goal during that entire tournament!

Qatar hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which was their first time playing in the event. It was also the first time an Arab nation hosted the competition. On October 14, 2025, Qatar qualified directly for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This was after a 2–1 victory over the United Arab Emirates. This marked their first qualification through the standard process.

Qatar has football rivalries with Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.

History of Qatar Football

Early Years and First Steps (1940s–1950s)

Football arrived in Qatar around 1940. This was when oil was first discovered in Dukhan. By 1948, oil workers from countries like India and other Arabian nations formed teams. The first tournament in Qatar was the "Ezz Eddin Tournament" in 1951. Later, it was renamed the "Pukett Cup."

The Qatar Football Association (QFA) was created in 1960. The QFA joined FIFA in 1963. Around this time, officials from Qatar helped plan a regional football competition. This competition, the Arabian Gulf Cup, started in March 1970.

Growing Stronger (1970s–1980s)

The Qatar national team played its first official match on March 27, 1970. They played against Bahrain in the 1970 Gulf Cup and lost 1–2. Mubarak Faraj scored Qatar's first goal. In the 1974 tournament, Qatar won its first international match. They beat Oman 4–0. They finished third in that tournament.

Qatar also finished third in the 1976 Gulf Cup as the host nation. This showed they were becoming one of the best teams in the Arab region. They played in their first AFC Asian Cup in 1980. In 1984, Qatar nearly won the Gulf Cup, finishing as runners-up to Iraq.

A Golden Era (1990s–2000s)

The 1990s were a very successful time for Qatar football. They almost qualified for the 1990 FIFA World Cup. In the 1990 Gulf Cup, they finished as runners-up.

In 1992, Qatar won the Gulf Cup for the first time on their home ground. This was a big achievement for the team. They also finished as runners-up in the 1996 Gulf Cup. Qatar nearly made it to the 1998 FIFA World Cup. They won against China and Iran but lost to Saudi Arabia in their final qualifying match. As hosts of the 1998 Arab Cup, they finished second to Saudi Arabia.

New Challenges and Victories (2000–2010)

Qatar reached the quarter-finals of the 2000 AFC Asian Cup. They continued to try and qualify for the FIFA World Cup in 2002 and 2006 but were unsuccessful. In 2004, the team won the Gulf Cup again. Their under-23 team also won a gold medal at the 2006 Asian Games.

They tried to qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup but finished fourth in their group.

Hosting and Winning Big (2010–Present)

Qatar national team in 2011 during the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying rounds.

In December 2010, Qatar was chosen to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. As hosts of the 2011 AFC Asian Cup in 2011, they reached the quarter-finals. They lost a close match to eventual champions Japan.

Qatar won the 2013 WAFF Championship in 2013. They also won the 2014 Gulf Cup, beating Oman and Saudi Arabia. Despite these wins, they had a tough time in the 2015 AFC Asian Cup, losing all their group games. They also did not qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Qatar's players celebrating the country's first-ever Asian Cup title in 2019.

A major highlight was their amazing performance at the 2019 AFC Asian Cup. They won all their group matches, including a 2–0 win against Saudi Arabia. They then beat Iraq and South Korea in the knockout stages. In the semi-finals, they defeated the hosts, United Arab Emirates, 4–0. Qatar then won the final 3–1 against four-time champions Japan. This was their first-ever major tournament title! They only conceded one goal in the entire tournament.

Qatar was invited to the 2019 Copa América where they drew one game and lost two.

World Cup Hosting and Asian Cup Glory

Qatar opening match starting line-up against Ecuador at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

As hosts, Qatar automatically qualified for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. They also played in the AFC qualifiers for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, winning most of their games. They were invited to the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup for the first time. There, they reached the semi-finals, winning against Grenada and Honduras. In the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup, Qatar finished in third place.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup at home was a challenging experience. Qatar lost all three of their group matches. They became the first host country to lose their opening game. However, Mohammed Muntari scored Qatar's first-ever World Cup goal in their match against Senegal.

Just 14 months later, Qatar redeemed themselves at the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, which they also hosted. They started strong, beating Lebanon 3–0. They won all their group matches without letting in a single goal. After tough wins against Palestine and Uzbekistan, they faced Iran in a dramatic semi-final, winning 3–2. In the final, Akram Afif scored a hat-trick of penalties, helping Qatar defeat Jordan 3–1. This victory secured their second consecutive Asian Cup title!

On October 14, 2025, Qatar made history again. They secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by defeating the United Arab Emirates 2–1. This was their first time qualifying for a World Cup through the standard AFC qualification process.

Team Image and Uniforms

Kits and Crest

Qatar v Ecuador at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The Qatar national team wears all-maroon for their home games. Their away kit is all-white. Their first uniform maker was Umbro from 1980 to 1984. Currently, all Qatar kits are made by Adidas.

Kit suppliers	Period
Umbro	1980–1984
Adidas	1984–1992
Venecia	1993–1995
Grand Sport	1996–2002
Adidas	2002–2008
Burrda	2009–2011
Nike	2012–2024
Adidas	2024–present

Rivalries

Qatar has strong football rivalries with several neighboring countries. These matches are always exciting!

Bahrain

Qatar has a major rivalry against Bahrain. They have played 39 matches against each other. Bahrain has won 11 times, Qatar has won 8 times, and they have tied 19 times. Qatar ended a long winless streak against Bahrain in the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup.

United Arab Emirates

The rivalry with the United Arab Emirates is very competitive. They have met many times in the Arabian Gulf Cup. In the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, Qatar beat the UAE 4–0.

Saudi Arabia

Qatar also has a big rivalry against Saudi Arabia. They have played 40 matches. Saudi Arabia has won 18 times, Qatar has won 7 times, and they have tied 15 times.

Recent Matches and Upcoming Games

Here are some of Qatar's recent match results and upcoming games.

2025 Matches

• August 24: Qatar lost 0–1 to Lebanon (Unofficial friendly).
• September 3: Qatar drew 2–2 with Bahrain (Unofficial friendly).
• September 7: Qatar lost 1–4 to Russia (Friendly).
• October 8: Qatar drew 0–0 with Oman (World Cup qualification).
• October 14: Qatar won 2–1 against United Arab Emirates (World Cup qualification).
• November 17: Qatar lost 1–2 to Zimbabwe (Unofficial Friendly).
• December 1: Qatar lost 0–1 to Palestine (2025 FIFA Arab Cup).
• December 4: Qatar drew 1–1 with Syria (2025 FIFA Arab Cup).
• December 7: Qatar lost 0–3 to Tunisia (2025 FIFA Arab Cup).

2026 Matches

• March 26: Qatar vs. Serbia (Friendly) - Cancelled.
• March 31: Qatar vs. Argentina (Friendly) - Cancelled.
• May 21: Qatar vs. Sudan (Friendly) - Cancelled.
• May 28: Qatar lost 0–1 to Republic of Ireland (Friendly).
• June 6: Qatar drew 0–0 with El Salvador (Friendly).
• June 13: Qatar drew 1–1 with Switzerland (2026 FIFA World Cup Group Stage).
• June 18: Qatar lost 0–6 to Canada (2026 FIFA World Cup Group Stage).
• June 24: Qatar lost 1–3 to Bosnia and Herzegovina (2026 FIFA World Cup Group Stage).
• September 24: Qatar vs. Bahrain (2026 Gulf Cup Group Stage).
• September 27: Qatar vs. Yemen (2026 Gulf Cup Group Stage).
• September 30: Qatar vs. United Arab Emirates (2026 Gulf Cup Group Stage).
• November: Qatar will play matches in the 2026 WAFF Championship.

2027 Matches

• January 11: Qatar vs. Thailand (2027 Asian Cup Group Stage).
• January 16: Qatar vs. Indonesia (2027 Asian Cup Group Stage).
• January 20: Qatar vs. Japan (2027 Asian Cup Group Stage).

Coaching Staff

Julen Lopetegui, the current head coach of the Qatar national football team

The current head coach of the Qatar national football team is Julen Lopetegui from Spain. He leads a team of coaches and support staff.

Technical staff
Head coach	Julen Lopetegui
Assistant coach	Óscar Caro Pablo Sanz
Official	Saad Al-Alawi
Fitness coach	Borja De Alba Sébastien Braillard Dominik Milewski
Technical coach	Juan Ochoa
Match analyst	Alejandro Caro
Physiotherapist	Maqbool Al-Khelaifi Richie Partridge
Doctor	Frank van Hellemondt Alejandro Álvarez
Rehabilitation	Sébastien Braillard
Masseur	Jorge Luiz da Silva Pereira Jefferson Gomes
Administrative staff
Administrator	Mohamed Salem Al Etawi
Media coordinator	Ali Hassan Al-Salat

Players

Current Squad

Here are the players who were part of the squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Caps (games played) and goals are correct as of June 24, 2026, after the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

No.	Pos.	Player	Date of birth (age)	Caps	Goals	Club
1	1GK	Mahmud Abunada	(2000-02-05) 5 February 2000 (age 26)	8	0	Al-Rayyan
21	1GK	Salah Zakaria	(1999-04-24) 24 April 1999 (age 27)	8	0	Al-Duhail
22	1GK	Meshaal Barsham	(1998-02-14) 14 February 1998 (age 28)	52	0	Al-Sadd
2	2DF	Pedro Miguel	(1990-08-06) 6 August 1990 (age 35)	102	3	Al-Sadd
3	2DF	Lucas Mendes	(1990-07-03) 3 July 1990 (age 36)	26	1	Al-Wakrah
4	2DF	Issa Laye	(1997-12-22) 22 December 1997 (age 28)	7	0	Al-Arabi
13	2DF	Ayoub Al-Oui	(2005-03-11) 11 March 2005 (age 21)	8	0	Al-Gharafa
14	2DF	Homam Ahmed	(1999-08-25) 25 August 1999 (age 26)	70	3	Cultural Leonesa
16	2DF	Boualem Khoukhi	(1990-07-09) 9 July 1990 (age 36)	119	21	Al-Sadd
18	2DF	Sultan Al-Brake	(1996-04-07) 7 April 1996 (age 30)	19	0	Al-Duhail
25	2DF	Al-Hashmi Al-Hussain	(2003-08-15) 15 August 2003 (age 22)	9	0	Al-Arabi
5	3MF	Jassem Gaber	(2002-02-20) 20 February 2002 (age 24)	35	1	Al-Rayyan
6	3MF	Abdulaziz Hatem	(1990-10-28) 28 October 1990 (age 35)	118	11	Al-Rayyan
12	3MF	Karim Boudiaf	(1990-09-16) 16 September 1990 (age 35)	120	5	Al-Duhail
20	3MF	Ahmed Fathy	(1993-01-25) 25 January 1993 (age 33)	51	0	Al-Arabi
23	3MF	Assim Madibo	(1996-10-22) 22 October 1996 (age 29)	53	0	Al-Wakrah
26	3MF	Mohamed Manai	(2002-10-25) 25 October 2002 (age 23)	13	0	Al-Shamal
7	4FW	Ahmed Alaaeldin	(1993-01-31) 31 January 1993 (age 33)	70	9	Al-Rayyan
8	4FW	Edmilson Junior	(1994-08-19) 19 August 1994 (age 31)	19	0	Al-Duhail
9	4FW	Mohammed Muntari	(1993-12-20) 20 December 1993 (age 32)	67	16	Al-Gharafa
10	4FW	Hassan Al-Haydos (captain)	(1990-12-11) 11 December 1990 (age 35)	188	42	Al-Sadd
11	4FW	Akram Afif	(1996-11-18) 18 November 1996 (age 29)	128	39	Al-Sadd
15	4FW	Yusuf Abdurisag	(1999-08-06) 6 August 1999 (age 26)	41	3	Al-Wakrah
17	4FW	Ahmed Al-Ganehi	(2000-09-22) 22 September 2000 (age 25)	14	1	Al-Gharafa
19	4FW	Almoez Ali	(1996-08-19) 19 August 1996 (age 29)	129	60	Al-Duhail
24	4FW	Tahsin Jamshid	(2006-06-16) 16 June 2006 (age 20)	3	0	Al-Duhail

Players from Different Backgrounds

Sometimes, players who are born in one country can play for another national team if they meet certain rules. The Qatar national team has included players who were born outside Qatar but became eligible to play for them. For example, in the 1970s, some players from Sudan, Egypt, and Lebanon joined the team. Later, FIFA made stricter rules to make sure players have strong connections to the country they represent. In 2019, there were some questions about whether two players, Almoez Ali and Bassam Al-Rawi, were eligible, but the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) confirmed they could play. For the 2022 FIFA World Cup, 10 players in Qatar's squad were born outside of Qatar.

Player Records

Here are some of the top players in Qatar's history.

Most Appearances

Hassan Al-Haydos is Qatar's most capped player with 188 appearances.

These players have played the most games for Qatar.

Top Goalscorers

Almoez Ali is Qatar's top scorer with 60 goals.

These players have scored the most goals for Qatar.

Competitive Record

Qatar has competed in many international football tournaments. Here's a look at their achievements.

     Champions       Runners-up       Third place  

FIFA World Cup

Qatar has participated in the FIFA World Cup twice.

FIFA World Cup											Qualification
Year	Result	Position	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA	Squad		Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA
1930 to 1958	Not yet a country										Not yet a country
1962	Not a FIFA member										Not a FIFA member
1966 and 1970	Did not enter										Did not enter
1974	Withdrew from qualifiers										Withdrew from qualifiers
1978	Did not qualify										4	1	0	3	3	9
1982											4	2	0	2	5	3
1986											4	2	0	2	6	3
1990											11	4	6	1	12	8
1994											8	5	1	2	22	8
1998											11	6	1	4	21	10
2002											14	7	4	3	24	13
2006											6	3	0	3	16	8
2010											16	6	4	6	16	20
2014											16	5	5	6	19	20
2018											18	9	1	8	37	19
2022	Group stage	32nd	3	0	0	3	1	7	Squad		8	7	1	0	18	1
2026		41st	3	0	1	2	2	10	Squad		18	10	3	5	38	29
2030	To be determined										To be determined
2034
Total:2/16	Group stage	32nd	6	0	1	5	3	17			138	67	26	45	236	150

AFC Asian Cup

Qatar has won the AFC Asian Cup twice!

AFC Asian Cup record											Qualification record
Year	Result	Position	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA	Squad		Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA
1956	Not yet a country										Not yet a country
1960
1964
1968
1972
1976	Did not qualify										6	2	1	3	5	8
1980	Group stage	8th	4	1	1	2	3	8	Squad		4	3	1	0	10	2
1984		5th	4	1	2	1	3	3	Squad		4	3	0	1	11	1
1988		5th	4	2	0	2	7	6	Squad		Qualified as hosts
1992		6th	3	0	2	1	3	4	Squad		2	2	0	0	8	2
1996	Did not qualify										4	2	0	2	5	4
2000	Quarter-finals	8th	4	0	3	1	3	5	Squad		4	3	1	0	11	3
2004	Group stage	14th	3	0	1	2	2	4	Squad		6	3	2	1	10	7
2007		14th	3	0	2	1	3	4	Squad		6	5	0	1	14	4
2011	Quarter-finals	5th	4	2	0	2	7	5	Squad		Qualified as hosts
2015	Group stage	13th	3	0	0	3	2	7	Squad		6	4	1	1	13	2
2019	Champions	1st	7	7	0	0	19	1	Squad		8	7	0	1	29	4
2023	Champions	1st	7	6	1	0	14	5	Squad		8	7	1	0	18	1
2027	Qualified										6	5	1	0	18	3
Total	2 Titles	12/14	46	19	12	15	66	52	—		64	46	8	10	163	40

FIFA Arab Cup

FIFA Arab Cup record
Year	Result	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA
1963	Did not enter
1964
1966
1985	Fourth place	4	1	2	1	3	2
1988	Did not enter
1992
1998	Runners-up	4	3	0	1	7	5
2002	Did not enter
2012
2021	Third place	6	4	1	1	12	3
2025	Group stage	3	0	1	2	1	5
Total	4/11	17	8	4	5	23	15

Copa América

Qatar was invited to play in the Copa América in 2019.

Copa América record
Year	Result	Position	Pld	W	D*	L	GF	GA
2019	Group stage	10th	3	0	1	2	2	5
Total	Group stage	10th	3	0	1	2	2	5

CONCACAF Gold Cup

Qatar has also been invited to the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

CONCACAF Gold Cup record
Year	Result	Position	Pld	W	D*	L	GF	GA
2021	Semi-finals	3rd	5	3	1	1	12	6
2023	Quarter-finals	8th	4	1	1	2	3	7
Total	Semi-finals	2/28	9	4	2	3	15	13

Gulf Cup

The Gulf Cup is a regional tournament where Qatar has had great success.

Gulf Cup record
Year	Result	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA
1970	Fourth place	3	0	1	2	4	7
1972	Fourth place	3	0	0	3	0	10
1974	Semi-finals	3	1	0	2	5	4
1976	Third place	6	4	1	1	11	6
1979	Fifth place	6	2	1	3	4	13
1982	Fifth place	5	2	0	3	5	4
1984	Runners-up	7	4	1	2	10	6
1986	Fourth place	6	2	2	2	7	8
1988	Sixth place	6	1	2	3	4	8
1990	Runners-up	4	1	2	1	4	4
1992	Champions	5	4	0	1	8	1
1994	Fourth place	5	1	1	3	6	8
1996	Runners-up	5	3	1	1	9	5
1998	Sixth place	5	0	3	2	3	8
2002	Runners-up	5	4	0	1	7	4
2003–04	Third place	6	2	3	1	5	3
2004	Champions	5	3	2	0	10	7
2007	Group stage	3	0	1	2	2	4
2009	Semi-finals	4	1	2	1	2	2
2010	Group stage	3	1	1	1	3	3
2013	Group stage	3	1	0	2	3	5
2014	Champions	5	2	3	0	6	3
2017–18	Group stage	3	1	1	1	6	3
2019	Semi-finals	4	2	0	2	11	5
2023	Semi-finals	4	1	1	2	5	5
2024–25	Group stage	3	0	2	1	3	4
2026	To be determined
Total	26/26	114	43	29	42	140	136

WAFF Championship

WAFF Championship record
Year	Result	Pld	W	D*	L	GF	GA
2000	Did not enter
2002
2004
2007
2008	Semi-finals	3	1	0	2	2	9
2010	Did not enter
2012
2013	Champions	4	4	0	0	10	1
2019	Did not enter
2023	Withdrew
Total	2/10	7	5	0	2	12	10

Honours

Qatar has won several important football titles.

Continental Titles

• AFC Asian Cup
  • Champions (2): 2019, 2023

Regional Titles

• Arab Cup / FIFA Arab Cup
  • Runners-up (1): 1998
  • Third place (1): 2021
• Arabian Gulf Cup
  • Champions (3): 1992, 2004, 2014
  • Runners-up (4): 1984, 1990, 1996, 2002
  • Third place (2): 1976, 2003–04
• WAFF Championship
  • Champions (1): 2013

Friendly Tournament Wins

• International Friendship Championship (1): 2018

Awards

• AFC Asian Cup Fair Play Award (1): 2023
• Arabian Gulf Cup Fair Play Award (1): 2019

Summary of Major Wins

Competition				Total
AFC Asian Cup	2	0	0	2
FIFA Arab Cup	0	0	1	1
Total	2	0	1	3

See also

In Spanish: Selección de fútbol de Catar para niños