Keen Qatar all geared up to face Iran at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in crucial tie

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June 4, 2025
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4-June-2025

Keen Qatar all geared up to face Iran at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in crucial tie

Doha: Qatar will look to reignite their World Cup AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 2026 campaign when they meet Iran at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on Thursday at 9.15 pm.

Though they face a formidable opponent, the Al Annabi will aim for a winning start under their new coach Julen Lopetegui.

While Iran have already confirmed their FIFA World Cup 2026 appearance, Qatar’s hopes depend on them advancing from the playoffs, with automatic qualification no longer an option.

With an automatic spot out of reach, former Spain and Real Madrid manager Lopetegui has to ensure the West Asian side finish a minimum fourth to book a spot in the playoffs, where an additional two FIFA World Cup tickets will be at stake.

On a positive note, they sit four points ahead of Kyrgyz Republic but with Iran and then Uzbekistan to follow, Qatar must tread with caution.

Lopetegui exuded confidence as he addressed the media on eve of the match. “This is my first match with the Qatar, and I understand the importance of facing Iran, regardless of our position in the group. It’s a challenge, and we are ready for it. I am happy with the environment in the team,” he said.

“The training camp was productive and we had the opportunity to closely observe the players, especially those we followed in recent local competitions. Our focus is always on our team, and we are fully prepared for this match,” Lopetegui stressed.

“I trust in our players’ abilities. We know Iran are a tough side. They are only one of the two teams [in Asia] who have qualified for the World Cup. We have studied our opponents thoroughly. We are focusing on our strength and we know it will be a tough match.

It’s my first game as the head coach of the Qatar team, but we’re approaching it with confidence and composure. Our goal is clear: to win tomorrow’s match and continue progressing in the qualifiers. We also look forward to strong support from the fans. It means a lot to the players,” he added.

Qatar mercurial striker Akram Afif said his team needs to focus more on themselves.

“It’s an important match for us. The match against Iran won’t be easy and we have to focus on ourselves. It’s our last qualifier at home, in front of our fans, and our goal is to win,” said Afif.

“We, as players, are fully prepared and understand the difficulty of the match. I can’t stress enough how much we need our fans’ support. On the field, we complement each other, and the entire Qatari fanbase shares the same dream, to see Qatar qualify for the 2026 World Cup. We’re expected to win, and the fans’ ambition is also our ambition.”