Doha, Qatar: Qatar are just one fine run away from qualifying for the World Cup for the first time in history after making their debut in the FIFA showpiece as hosts two years ago. The Marquez Lopez’s men, who lifted the Asian Cup trophy for the second consecutive time earlier this year, were phenomenal in the second round of Asian Cup 2027 and FIFA World Cup 2026 joint qualifiers topping Group A after five wins and a draw. They had already advanced to the qualifiers after four straight wins in the group, also confirming their place in the next Asian Cup.
Al Annabi wrapped up the second round with 2-1 comeback victory over India at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Tuesday getting praise from Lopez, who was delighted over team’s unbeaten run in the stage. “I am proud of team’s performance and I thank my players for their all-out efforts,” the Qatar coach had said after the win. “We have cleared the first hurdle and now we will wait for the draw and see what it has in the store for us.
But, first we will have a break and rest, and I am looking forward to it,” Lopez added. The Spanish coach tested many youngsters for Qatar’s last two games in the qualifiers, and he was satisfied with their performance in the two matches. He rested the senior players including the attacking duo of Akram Afif and Almoez Ali.
“Every player is important to us but at this time I am not thinking about it,” he responded when asked about his team selection for the third round. The cas.
