Qatar look to right the wrongs of 2022

TDT | Manama

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Qatar begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign tonight at 10pm Bahrain time against Switzerland at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in Santa Clara. The Group B opener is the first-ever competitive meeting between the two sides.

Qatar arrive hoping to rebound from a disappointing 2022 World Cup on home soil, where they became the first host nation to exit at the group stage without a point. They return to the finals through qualification for the first time, ranked 56th in the world but under pressure after a difficult run of form, with no wins in their last six matches and just one goal scored.

Their route to the tournament included 10 wins, five defeats and three draws from 18 Asian qualifiers, scoring 37 and conceding 28. Since taking charge in May 2025, head coach Julen Lopetegui has recorded only four wins, with attacking consistency remaining a concern.

Key responsibility will fall on Akram Afif, who led Asian qualifiers in goal contributions with 10 assists, alongside striker Almoez Ali, Qatar’s top scorer with 12 goals in qualifying.

Switzerland come into the tournament in much stronger form, ranked 19th in the world after an unbeaten European qualifying campaign. Murat Yakin’s side topped their group with four wins and two draws, conceding just two goals and keeping four clean sheets.

Captain Granit Xhaka, with 146 international caps, provides leadership and experience, while defenders Manuel Akanji and Nico Elvedi anchored a disciplined back line throughout qualifying. In attack, Switzerland have strong depth, with Breel Embolo, Dan Ndoye, Ruben Vargas and Noah Okafor competing for places in a flexible frontline.

Switzerland’s defensive record and unbeaten qualification run make them clear favourites heading into the Group B opener, though Qatar will hope their attacking leaders can spark an upset in Santa Clara.