With just over six months before their 2026 FIFA World Cup opener, Qatar find themselves back at the drawing board. Julen Lopetegui’s side crashed out of the Arab Cup group stage on Sunday after a 0-3 drubbing by ten-man Tunisia at Al Bayt Stadium, completing a winless campaign that also included a shock loss to Palestine and a draw against Syria. The early exit – Qatar finished bottom of Group A with just one point, scoring only once and conceding five – has stalled momentum at a critical stage of the Asian champions’ preparation cycle for next year’s global showpiece, which will be co-hosted by US, Canada and Mexico. The performances were a sharp contrast to the optimism generated two months ago when Qatar secured historic World Cup qualification – their first achieved on merit, having made their debut as hosts in 2022. Instead, the Arab Cup produced one of Al Annabi’s weakest showings in recent regional competitions, raising questions about tactical identity, squad balance and Lopetegui’s decision-making. **media[391519]** Qatar were below par against teams ranked well beneath them. While Al Annabi sit 51st in the world – buoyed by their back-to-back Asian Cup triumphs – they fell 0-1 to a spirited Palestine side ranked 96th, struggling to create chances and showing little midfield control. A 1-1 draw with 87th-ranked Syria did little to ease pressure, and World Cup-bound Tunisia – who were also eliminated – exposed Qatar’s lack of structure and confidence in a dominant 3–0 win. The shortcomings were systemic: defensive lapses, limited attacking ideas and a clear disconnect between the lines. Qatar’s long-standing reliance on Akram Afif, who continues to shoulder creative and scoring responsibility in the absence of the injured Almoez Ali, again left the team predictable. When Afif is contained, the attack often fades, a problem repeatedly highlighted throughout the tournament. If Lopetegui intended to experiment, he might have been better served resting Afif entirely and using the opportunity to blood emerging options such as 24-year-old Al Sailiya winger Khaled Ali. Lopetegui made five further changes for the Tunisia match in another major reshuffle, but the adjustments brought little improvement. Even after Tunisia were reduced to ten men, Qatar conceded a late third, which left the home fans in frustration. Lopetegui under pressureThe Spanish coach cut an increasingly agitated figure on the touchline and in press conferences, particularly after the draw against Syria left Qatar on the brink of elimination. His irritation contrasted sharply with Saudi Arabia’s Herve Renard, who briefly left Qatar to attend the World Cup draw in Washington before returning to guide his side to the quarter-finals. “We did not perform at the required level,” Lopetegui admitted after the Tunisia defeat. “We made many mistakes, both individually and collectively. We were hoping to qualify, especially with the great fan support, but the performance was not enough.” Still, the coach pointed to Qatar’s historic qualification for the 2026 World Cup as evidence of progress. “From the moment I arrived, we achieved something incredible – something that had never happened in the country’s history. We were very proud and very happy,” he said. Lopetegui also defended his decision to introduce several new players due to injuries and long-term planning. “We added many new players to the squad for different reasons – injuries, choices, and to open opportunities for young players. This is important for the future of the national team. But at the same time, we must continue competing well,” he said. But the Arab Cup exposed the risks of those choices. Key veterans – including Boualem Khoukhi, Karim Boudiaf and Pedro Miguel – were left out, while midfield anchor Assim Madibo was ruled out through injury. Without their experience, Qatar looked disjointed. World Cup opponents already targeting Qatar The World Cup draw adds further urgency to Qatar’s situation. Al Annabi will face co-hosts Canada, Switzerland and potentially Italy – the four-time world champions – who must navigate a playoff path involving Northern Ireland, Wales and Bosnia and Herzegovina. With a squad comprised entirely of players from Qatari clubs, Qatar remain something of an unknown quantity for many. Following the draw, Canada’s coach Jesse Marsch described Qatar as “a challenging but winnable opponent,” emphasising the need for detailed analysis. “We’ll spend a heavy amount of preparation on Switzerland and Qatar,” he said. Marsch even took advantage of a rare chance to scout a World Cup opponent live, attending Qatar’s defeat to Tunisia at Al Bayt Stadium on Sunday. “You don’t get too many chances to watch your opponents live before a World Cup,” he said before travelling. “I am flying to Qatar to watch them against Tunisia ... so I’ll be sitting in coach on the flight, and if anyone wants to join me, I’ll be there to watch Qatar.” Switzerland coach Murat Yakin called the group “attractive and manageable” but admitted Qatar are difficult to assess due to their fluctuating performances and Lopetegui’s evolving squad. For Qatar, the Arab Cup was meant to be a timely gauge of readiness before facing higher-ranked opposition on the global stage. Instead, it revealed deep concerns: a lack of identity, cohesion and leadership, all that requires rapid correction. Lopetegui has stressed the need for a thorough internal review. “This Arab Cup revealed aspects that must be corrected,” he said. In 2022, Qatar lost all three matches at their home World Cup, exiting in ignominy. Lopetegui and his squad must ensure they do not repeat the same fate six months from now in North America.
