Qatar’s track record against Iran might not be impressive, but there are reasons for hope as Al Annabi gears up for this tough match.
As Qatar faces Iran in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, coach Bartolome Marquez Lopez acknowledges that this will be a challenging matchup. With the game set to take place at Dubai’s Rashid Stadium, the coach is looking to build on the team’s recent 3-1 victory over Kyrgyzstan, hoping to channel that renewed energy into a positive outcome.
Marquez Lopez previously led Qatar to a thrilling 3-2 win against Team Melli in the semi-finals of the 2023 Asian Cup, surprising many by lifting the squad’s spirit after entering the tournament as underdogs.
This qualifying campaign echoes that narrative, with Qatar aiming for more than just one win from their initial three matches. However, the coach emphasizes a steady approach, prioritizing improvement and careful preparation to enhance their chances against Iran.
“Our win over Kyrgyzstan gave us a significant morale boost,” said Marquez Lopez. “We want to continue performing effectively and earn more points.”
In the match against Kyrgyzstan, Qatar created five significant opportunities and registered 30 shots, surpassing their previous performances against UAE and North Korea in the qualifiers. Known for their attacking prowess, Qatar has successfully scored first in every match so far, although defensive failures have cost them dearly in earlier games.
Going up against Iran’s formidable attack, which features stars like Inter Milan’s Mehdi Taremi and Shabab Al Ahli’s Sardar Azmoun, Qatar’s defense will face a steep challenge. Their head-to-head record against Iran does not provide much comfort, with Qatar winning only four of their 17 encounters and securing just one World Cup qualifier victory since 1997. Yet, under Marquez Lopez, the team has shown potential to turn the tide in their favor.
“We understand the strengths of the Iranian team,” Marquez Lopez stated. “We are prepared to counter their attacks and aim for a satisfying win.”
The return of seasoned players Boualem Khoukhi and Abdelkarim Hassan will bolster Qatar’s chances, with both delivering strong performances in the previous game.
Despite the challenges of facing Iran, Tarek Salman, an experienced defender for Qatar, expressed confidence in the team’s preparation. “Neither side will have it easy,” he remarked. “We have to approach the match with a winning mentality to build on our success.”
There are several factors to consider as both teams prepare for this crucial tie. Originally slated to occur at Imam Reza Stadium in Mashhad, the match was moved to the UAE due to regional tensions. A neutral venue could work in Qatar’s favor, though Marquez Lopez remains focused on the game’s fundamentals.
“Ultimately, it’s about the eleven players on the field,” he noted, reflecting on the Kyrgyzstan match. “The better team on the day will secure the win, and the presence of away supporters doesn’t concern us.”
Akram Afif, who earned man of the match honors previously, echoed this sentiment: “As players, we need to focus solely on the match. Our aim is to perform well and come out on top.”
