In a stunning turn of events, Qatar, the reigning champions of Asia, find themselves in a precarious position in the third round of Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Despite their recent successes, including back-to-back AFC Asian Cup titles in 2019 and 2023, the Qataris have stumbled out of the gate, collecting just 7 points from their first 6 matches.
A Shocking Slump for Asian Champions
Qatar’s struggles have come as a surprise to many, given their dominant performances in continental competitions in recent years. The team, coached by Spaniard Tintín Márquez, was expected to breeze through Group A, which features the likes of Uzbekistan and United Arab Emirates.
However, the numbers paint a grim picture for the Qataris. With just two wins from six matches, they sit fourth in the six-team group, three points behind third-placed UAE and a daunting six points adrift of Uzbekistan, who occupy the second automatic qualifying spot.
Defensive Woes Plague Qatar
Perhaps most alarming for Qatar has been their porous defense. The team has conceded a staggering 17 goals, the worst defensive record among all 18 teams in the third round of Asian qualifying. This includes a humiliating 5-0 loss to UAE on Tuesday, in which Fábio Lima scored four times, and a shocking 2-2 draw with minnows North Korea earlier in the campaign.
Qatar were completely ripped apart on Tuesday in a 5-0 rout at the hands of United Arab Emirates — their third defeat in just six games in the third round of Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to a close source
Searching for Answers
So, what’s behind Qatar’s sudden decline? Some have pointed to an aging squad, with key players like Boualem Khoukhi and Abdulaziz Hatem on the wrong side of 30. However, the team still boasts plenty of young talent, including 28-year-old stars Akram Afif and Almoez Ali, who were instrumental in their Asian Cup triumphs.
Others have suggested that coach Márquez’s tinkering with tactics and formations has unsettled the team. The Spaniard has experimented with various systems, from a 5-3-2 to a 4-3-3, in an attempt to find the right balance. This has led to players like Afif being deployed in unfamiliar roles, potentially impacting their effectiveness.
Leadership Void After Al-Haydos Retirement
Another factor could be the leadership void left by the retirement of long-time captain Hassan Al-Haydos. While Afif has taken over the armband, he is a different type of leader, known more for his on-field brilliance than his vocal presence in the dressing room. The gradual phasing out of other experienced players like goalkeeper Saad Al-Sheeb and left-back Abdelkarim Hassan has also likely contributed to Qatar’s struggles.
Time Running Out for Qatar
Whatever the reasons, Qatar find themselves in a race against time to salvage their World Cup qualifying campaign. With just four matches remaining, they will need to find a way to gather momentum and secure, at the very least, a top-four finish to earn a second chance in the next round of qualification.
The pressure is on for the Asian champions to rediscover their winning formula and prove that their recent successes were no fluke. Failure to do so could see them watching the 2026 World Cup from home, a devastating blow for a nation that took center stage as hosts just two years ago.
