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Qatar Tribune
21 hours ago
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar aim to keep up their winning run against Uzbekistan in Tashkent
AFC/TNN Tashkent Qatar will look to continue their winning run against Uzbekistan at the Bunyodkor Stadium in Tashkent for their concluding AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26 Group A tie on Tuesday. Al Annabi sealed their place in the playoffs - where an additional two spots to the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be at stake - with a 1-0 win over Iran on Thursday. It was Spaniard Julen Lopetegui's first match in charge as head coach and the tactician will expect his side to take full points as they set their eyes on the playoffs. 'We have another match ahead of us, and we must also focus because it will be an important building block for what's to come,' said Lopetegui after The morale boosting win against Iran. Ahead of the clash against Uzbekistan, Lopetegui reiterated, 'This match will be an important and challenging test for us ahead of the fourth round of the Asian qualifiers in October. We need to maintain our standard of high-quality football and control the tempo of the game.' 'We are fully aware of the strength of the Uzbek team, which is one of the best in Asia. That's why we must give our maximum effort and perform at our highest level.' 'I have full confidence in our players' ability to rise to the occasion and reflect the hard work we've put in during preparation. Everyone is committed and determined to give their best performance.' Qatar player Abdulaziz Hatem said, 'Our preparations for this match have gone well, especially following our important victory over Iran in the previous round, which secured our qualification for the fourth round of the qualifiers.' 'Tomorrow's match against Uzbekistan will be an important test as we prepare for the next stage of the qualifiers, so we must approach it with full seriousness.' 'Our matches against Uzbekistan are always intense and exciting, and we expect tomorrow's game to be no different. We will strive to perform at our best and give it everything we've got.' Meanwhile fans will expect a party-like atmosphere when Uzbekistan welcome Qatar. The Central Asian side sealed qualification to an inaugural FIFA World Cup Finals on Thursday and will want to end their campaign with victory in front of their fans. Thursday's qualification was greeted with joy as Uzbekistan ended their long wait to appear on the global stage, with head coach Timur Kapadze applauding his players for getting across the finish line despite the immense pressure. 'We overcame a lot of pressure. Before the game, fans, sports websites and experts expressed their confidence in our team's victory and expected a good result from us. This confidence also became a great responsibility and pressure for us. But we managed to overcome this pressure and complete the task. 'For the next match, we will prepare adequately although several players who have not featured much may be given the chance to play,' said the tactician, with there still being a possibility of Uzbekistan topping the group with a win should Islamic Republic of Iran lose to DPR Korea. Qatar have 13 points with four wins. Iran top the group with 20 points, followed by Uzbekistan (18), the UAE (14), Qatar (13), Kyrgyzstan (7), and North Korea (3). Iran and Uzbekistan have both secured automatic qualification to the World Cup. Eighteen teams have qualified for the current stage that was divided into three groups, each containing six teams competing in a split league system of two home and away stages. The first and second-placed teams from each group qualify directly for the World Cup. The third and fourth-placed teams in each group advance to the fourth round, which will see the teams divided into two groups of three. The top team in each group will qualify for the World Cup, while the second-placed teams will play a continental play-off to qualify for the World Cup.
Qatar Tribune
2 days ago
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
Al Annabi arrive in Tashkent for next Asian Qualifiers clash vs Uzbekistan
The Qatar national football team arrived in Tashkent for their next FIFA World Cup 2026 AFC Asian Qualifiers Group A match against Uzbekistan, to be played on Tuesday. Al Annabi's Spanish coach Luiz Lopetegui has called up Nabil Erfan of Al Wakrah and Mohammed Ayash of Al Duhail to the squad that will face Uzbekistan. Qatar have already qualified for the playoff stage having defeated Iran 1-0 in their last match at home. Qatar have 13 points with four wins. Iran top the group with 20 points, followed by Uzbekistan (18), the UAE (14), Qatar (13), Kyrgyzstan (7), and North Korea (3). Iran and Uzbekistan have both secured automatic qualification to FIFA World Cup 2026. As many as 18 teams have qualified for the current stage that was divided into three groups, each containing six teams competing in a split league system of two home and away stages. The first and second-placed teams from each group qualify directly for the World Cup. The third and fourth-placed teams in each group advance to the fourth round, which will see the teams divided into two groups of three. The top team in each group will qualify for the World Cup, while the second-placed teams will play a continental play-off to qualify for FIFA World Cup 2026 to be stage in the US, Canada and Mexico.
ILoveQatar.net
5 days ago
- Sport
- ILoveQatar.net
Qatar beats Iran at AFC Asian Qualifiers 9th Round match
Qatar and Iran faced off on 5 June 2025 at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium for the AFC Asian Qualifiers 9th Round match. 📢 - Full Time Qatar (1) : (0) Iran Eid joy is doubled with #AlAnnabi 🇶🇦😍✌️ #powered_By_Fans #Our_Journey_To2026 — Qatar Football Association (@QFA_EN) June 5, 2025 Qatar defeated Iran with a score of 1-0. Pedro Miguel scored the winning goal for Qatar in the 41st minute, the only goal of the match. Source & cover image credit: QFA
Qatar Tribune
6 days ago
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
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.
Qatar Tribune
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
Lopetegui names Qatar squad for matches against Iran, Uzbekistan
Tribune news network DOHA New Qatar head coach Julen Lopetegui yesterday announced a 27-player squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Iran and Uzbekistan, set to take place early next month. Qatar will face Iran in Doha on June 5, marking Lopetegui's first match in charge since taking over from Luis Garcia. The reigning Asian champions will then take on Uzbekistan on June 10 in Tashkent in what will be their final fixture of the third round of Asian qualifying for the FIFA World Cup. Qatar have endured a challenging campaign in this stage, missing out on the two automatic qualification spots. Currently sitting fourth in their group with 10 points, Al Annabi are looking to secure their position and advance to the fourth round. Fifth-placed Kyrgyzstan are four points behind them. The fourth round will feature the third- and fourth-placed teams from each of the three third-round groups, while only the group winners will book direct qualification to the 2026 World Cup. Iran lead the group with 20 points followed by Uzbekistan on 17 and the UAE in third with 13 points. Qatar squad: Saad Al-Sheeb, Meshaal Barsham, Salah Zakaria (goalkeepers), Akram Afif, Pedro Miguel, Boualem Khoukhi, Ahmed Suhail, Tarek Salman, Mustafa Tariq, Ismail Mohammed, Edmilson Junior, Almoez Ali, Bassam Al Rawi, Karim Boudiaf, Homam Al Amin, Asim Madibo, Ahmed Al-Janehi, Abdullah Youssef, Amro Siraj, Mohammed Muntari, Hazem Ahmed, Abdulaziz Hatem, Ahmed Al-Rawi, Ahmed Fathi, Jassim Jaber, Abdul Rahman Mustafa and Mohammad Al Mannai.
