Doha, Qatar: Qatar are set to clash with Uzbekistan today, fully aware that any slip-up in the crucial home fixture could severely damage their FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying ambitions. The side, coached by Marquez Lopez, has minimal room for error after managing only four points from as many matches, placing them six points behind Group A leaders Iran and Uzbekistan. Facing mounting pressure with only two automatic qualification spots available and six games left, Qatar must earn points in each remaining fixture.
This journey begins with a high-stakes game against an in-form Uzbekistan at Doha’s Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. Qatar have never qualified for the World Cup having made their debut as hosts in the 2022 edition. Though confident his team can bounce back, Lopez recognises the challenge presented by Uzbekistan.
“We’ll have to give 200 percent to win and stay on the right track,” he told a press conference yesterday. “Uzbekistan are difficult opponents, and they are very consistent. They have excellent players.
We saw how challenging they can be in the Asian Cup,” Lopez added recalling Qatar’s narrow victory over Uzbekistan in the Asian Cup quarter-final decided by penalties in February. “We know our opponents well and have prepared accordingly. Our goal is to get three points.
We know we have to win this match and we will fight for victory until the last,” the Qatar coach said. Despite their Asian Cup triumph under Lopez, Qatar’s performance has since.