Qatar will begin its World Cup 2026 journey on June 13th against Switzerland, following the official draw ceremony held in Washington, D.C. on December 5th, 2025. Al Annabi, the reigning Asian champions, were placed in Group B alongside the Swiss, co-host Canada, and the winner of the UEFA Path A play-off, which includes Italy, Northern Ireland, Wales and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will run from June 11th to July 19th, 2026.
The draw marks a significant milestone for the Qatar national team, having successfully navigated the fourth round of Asian qualifying to secure their place. This will be Qatar’s second consecutive appearance in the FIFA World Cup, but notably the first time they have qualified through traditional play-offs according to FIFA officials.
Qatar’s Road to the 2026 World Cup
Qatar’s participation in the 2026 World Cup is particularly noteworthy as it follows their hosting of the widely acclaimed 2022 tournament. The 2022 event was praised by many fans as one of the best organized and culturally impactful World Cups in history. However, securing a spot in the expanded 48-team tournament required a competitive qualifying process.
The team will first face Switzerland at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, a venue with a capacity of 68,500. Their second match will be against Canada on June 18th at BC Place in Vancouver, before concluding the group stage against the UEFA Path A winner at Lumen Field in Seattle on June 24th. The varied locations present logistical challenges for the team.
Group B Outlook
Group B promises to be a challenging one for Qatar. Switzerland consistently ranks among the top teams in Europe and will be a formidable opponent. Canada, a co-host nation, is expected to benefit from strong home support and a rising profile in international football, boosted by their performance in the previous FIFA tournament. The UEFA Path A winner–potentially Italy, Wales, or another European side–will add further complexity to the group.
The expanded format of the 2026 World Cup introduces new possibilities for teams like Qatar. The increase from 32 to 48 teams is intended to provide greater opportunities for nations from all confederations. This change is seen as a way to make the tournament more globally inclusive and representative of the growth of football worldwide.
The draw ceremony was a star-studded affair. United States President Donald Trump, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum, Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney and FIFA President Gianni Infantino were in attendance. The event was co-hosted by Heidi Klum, Kevin Hart, and Danny Ramirez, with the draw itself conducted by Rio Ferdinand and Samantha Johnson, alongside a lineup of sporting legends that included Tom Brady, Wayne Gretzky, Aaron Judge, and Shaquille O’Neal.
Despite the excitement surrounding the draw, questions remain about the impact of the expanded tournament format on the overall quality of play. Some analysts express concerns that the inclusion of more teams could dilute the competitive level, while others believe it will foster greater development and diversity within the international game. Preparation for the increased travel demands of a North American hosted tournament is also a key focus for many teams.
Looking ahead, Qatar will now concentrate on detailed planning and preparation for their matches. The focus will likely be on scouting their opponents and building team cohesion. The coming months will be crucial as they refine their strategies and aim to progress beyond the group stage. The composition of Group B and the identity of the UEFA Path A playoff winner will significantly shape Qatar’s tactical approach and overall chances of success in the tournament.
