Tue Nov 26 13:55:03 UTC 2024: ## Qatar’s World Cup Hopes Dented by Poor Qualifying Run

**DOHA** – Qatar, the reigning Asian Cup champions, find themselves in a precarious position in their bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Despite their recent continental dominance, the team is currently languishing in fourth place in their qualifying group with just four matches remaining.

The reigning Asian champions have struggled defensively, conceding a league-worst 17 goals, including a humiliating 5-0 defeat to the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday. Their overall performance has fallen short of expectations, with only two wins in six matches. A 2-2 draw against North Korea and a last-minute 3-2 victory over Uzbekistan further highlight their inconsistency.

While the team’s aging core players, such as Boualem Khoukhi and Abdulaziz Hatem, have been a factor, the issue isn’t solely attributed to a lack of youth development. The squad boasts a number of promising young players, including Ibrahim Al-Hassan, currently playing in Spain’s fourth tier. The reliance on foreign-born players is also minimal.

Coach Félix Sánchez’s successor, Tintín Márquez, appears to be experimenting with formations and player roles, potentially contributing to the team’s struggles. The departure of veteran captain Hassan Al-Haydos has also created a leadership void, impacting both on and off-field dynamics. Akram Afif has taken over the captaincy but is a different type of leader.

With qualification on the line, Qatar faces a critical challenge in the final four matches. A top-four finish is essential to secure a spot in the next round of qualification, giving them more time to address their current shortcomings and regain their form ahead of the expanded 2026 World Cup.

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