In 2019, Qatar embarked on a historic journey at the AFC Asian Cup that eventually reshaped the country’s footballing legacy.
Despite competing in a never-seen-before challenging atmosphere, Al Annabi dominated the group stage and progressed through the knockout rounds before overcoming the hosts in the semis and defeating mighty Japan in the final to claim their first-ever Asian Cup title.
As the whole country burst into cheers, the Asian Cup win sparked a new era in Qatar football.
The triumph also provided a glimpse of what was to come for Qatar, as they prepared to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup and laid the foundation for a promising future as they continued to make strides on the global football stage.
Al Annabi then made strides not only in Asia, but also in the USA – reaching the semi-finals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup on their debut being an invitee. Following the Gold Cup, the FIFA World Cup 2022 hosts rose to their highest World Ranking – 42 - that year.
The time has come for them to rewrite the success story. The AFC on Thursday revealed the draw for the Preliminary Joint Qualification Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027.
A total of 36 Asian sides were drawn into nine groups of four, and they will compete against each team in a home-and-away round-robin format, between November 2023 and June 2024.
Qatar will begin their qualification journey in Group A, along with India, Kuwait, and the winners of the Round 1 tie between Afghanistan and Mongolia to advance to the third round. All nine group winners and the respective runners-up will advance to the third round of World Cup qualifying, and at the same time seal their places at the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027.
As there will be 48 teams – a first – at the FIFA World Cup 2026, eight and a half slots are on offer for the Continent’s national teams, Qatar will seek direct qualification to the global football fiesta which will be hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico.
The draw for the third round of the global showpiece in 2026 will be conducted in 2024, where the 18 teams will be divided into three groups of six; the top two from each group will qualify directly for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The other two direct AFC entrants will be determined in the fourth round of World Cup qualifying, with one more possible berth available via an Intercontinental Play-off. Qatar’s qualifying journey will start on November 16.
