4 days ago
Keen Qatar all geared up to face Iran at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in crucial tie
Tribune News Network
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.'
'Representing the Qatari national team is a great honour. We'll enter the match united, as one team, with one goal. Our ambition mirrors that of our supporters to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Their dream is our dream, and our goal is to secure all three points. We know it won't be an easy match, and we respect the strength of our opponent, but we are ready for the challenge,' he added.
Meanwhile Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei said his team will have some changes due to injuries to players. He also condoled the passing away of former Qatar coach Ahmed Omar.
'We have unforgettable memories and strong friendships in Qatar. I would also like to offer my condolences on the passing of the renowned coach Ahmed Omar,' said Ghalenoei.
He adde: 'Despite having already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, tomorrow's match remains important as we are keen to improve our position in the FIFA rankings. We want to approach the World Cup to secure best FIFA ranking. This is our biggest motivation in our last two matches.
'We are aware that the Qatari national team has a new coach, Julen Lopetegui. He is a very capable coach, and we are familiar with many of the Qatari players.
'We will have some forced changes due to injuries, and some unforced changes to give young players a chance in the match,' the coach said. 'We're not concerned about the injuries, as we have capable players who can step in and fill those roles effectively.'
'We are highly motivated going into the match against Qatar. The players are eager to perform well, not just to maintain our FIFA ranking but also to prove themselves. We want to remain in the spotlight, and every player is determined to earn their place in the squad for the 2026 World Cup.'
Iran's star player Mehdi Taremi said his side was ready. 'Tomorrow's match will not be easy. These are the kinds of games that hinge on the players' focus, and small details can be decisive.'
'We've had a good training camp so far, and we're ready for the match. I know all the Qatari players well, and the competition between our two teams is always intense. I'm very optimistic about tomorrow. It will an exciting match.'
Iran have already securing a fourth consecutive appearance at the FIFA World Cup.
In what has been a sterling qualifying campaign, the only points Team Melli dropped were in two stalemates with Uzbekistan and they aren't likely to hold back.
A cracker is on cards.
