Qatar’s Quiet Countdown: Behind Closed Doors as World Cup Playoffs Loom

Behind Closed Doors, Qatar’s World Cup Playoff Push

Total secrecy surrounds the final squad as Qatar trains behind locked gates for the AFC Asian World Cup playoff, hosting Group 1 fixtures in a bid to reach the finals for the first time under the current qualification format.

The Al-Annabi took part in the last World Cup (2022) for the first time in their history, as hosts, and now aim to secure another finals berth on merit rather than hosting duties.

Qatar’s group games against Oman and the United Arab Emirates are scheduled for October 8 and October 14. A second group, featuring Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Indonesia, will contest its matches in Saudi Arabia during the same window.

Six teams advanced to the Asian playoff after finishing third or fourth in the third-round groups of the World Cup qualifiers. Korea Republic, Jordan, Iran, Uzbekistan, Japan and Australia earned direct progression to the next World Cup, leaving a grueling playoff route for the remaining nations.

Under Julen Lopetegui, Qatar began the final stage of preparations as clubs Al-Sadd, Al-Duhail and Al-Gharafa wrapped up their ACL campaigns for the season, allowing the national team to assemble and train with a full pool of players available.

Lopetegui has stressed that the preparations are on track and that the two playoff games will be faced with the utmost focus, to turn a dream of reaching the 2026 World Cup into reality.

He warned that the challenge against Oman and the UAE will require peak concentration and collective effort from every squad member to secure a place in the finals.

In remarks carried by Qatari News Agency (QNA), Lopetegui said, “We’re proud to be two-time champions of Asia, but history doesn’t win matches in the present. What helps us now is optimal performance and strong competition to overcome Oman and the UAE.”

He added: “Our objective is performance at the highest level, and to compete with purpose to defeat both opponents.”

Unsettling results and a pressurized build-up

He acknowledged that recent friendly results have not met expectations, but insisted those matches were valuable for testing players and refining squad roles under pressure.

“The ability to learn from each game is crucial as we prepare for the playoffs,” he said, noting that the September friendlies against Russia (a 1-4 loss) and Bahrain (a 2-2 draw) provided useful insights into squad capabilities and cohesion.

Qatar’s coach urged the home crowd to back the team in the two decisive fixtures, arguing that strong fan support could provide the required energy to push the players beyond the limit in the quest for a world finals spot.

The defense has been a concern for the reigning domestic champions and the national setup, with performance dips at club level prompting Lopetegui to explore safer, more conservative options as the campaign nears its climax. The federation brought Lopetegui in a couple of weeks before the group phase concluded, after securing a crucial win over Iran (1-0) and a setback to Uzbekistan (0-3) to cement a playoff berth.

The coaching staff kept the list of extended squad members under wraps as preparations intensified, with final selections set to be announced just ahead of facing Oman, in line with the secrecy that has characterized the training camp. This approach is designed to ensure players demonstrate their best form in training before the final cut.

Key players, injuries and strategic hurdles

Qatar is counting on a core of established stars, including Akram Afif, who was named among three finalists for Asia’s best player in the 2024-25 season, and leaders like captain Hassan Al-Haydos and defender Boualem Khoki. Almoez Ali, Qatar’s all-time top scorer, returns from injury but is not yet at peak match sharpness after a lengthy lay-off, having appeared as a substitute in recent friendlies.

The squad also features new faces and a few personnel concerns; the arrival of Brazilian-born forward Jeremias Torres generated interest as he linked up with the team briefly, while Mohamed Montari and Karim Bodiaf have been sidelined by injuries. These injuries and rotations mean Lopetegui’s staff must adapt quickly and pick a balanced squad for the two must-win games.

Aside from personnel, the challenge lies in translating training-ground ideas into competitive performance under playoff pressure. The national team is focusing on mental readiness and a disciplined approach to guard against the threats posed by Oman and the UAE.

In his comments to media, Lopetegui stressed the importance of unity and focus—the kind of focus that can turn a seclusion-filled camp into a springboard for qualification. The imam of secrecy around the squad should give way to clear demonstrations on the pitch when the whistle blows in October.

Fans will be hoping that the combination of tactical discipline, elite individual quality and renewed energy can produce the breakthrough necessary to extend Qatar’s run in the World Cup cycle beyond the playoff stage.

As preparations continue, Lopetegui remains optimistic about the team’s ability to perform when it matters most, provided the players translate their hard work into a positive result against Oman and the UAE.

Two punchlines to finish: “Qatar’s defense is so porous it’s rolling out the red carpet—for the opposing attackers.”
“If focus were a sniper, Lopetegui would be carrying a pocket-sized rifle—aiming for precision, even when the targets move fast.”