Qatar experienced a year of highs and lows in its sporting landscape, culminating in a historic, first-ever qualification for the FIFA World Cup on merit. While 2025 saw triumphs in athletics, motorsport, and beach volleyball, the national football team, despite qualifying, faced inconsistency and an early exit from the FIFA Arab Cup. This mixed performance paints a picture of a nation striving to elevate its sporting presence on the global stage.
Doha served as a central location for many of these events, showcasing Qatar’s continued investment in sports infrastructure and hosting capabilities. The year presented both opportunities and challenges for Qatari athletes as they competed regionally and internationally, building momentum towards major championships like the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Football: Historic World Cup Qualification Amidst Challenges
Qatar began 2025 buoyed by their victory at the AFC Asian Cup in 2024, defeating North Korea 5-1 in the early stages of the 2026 Asian World Cup qualifiers. However, subsequent defeats against Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan created a more difficult path to qualification, forcing them into the fourth round.
A change in leadership saw Julen Lopetegui appointed as the new head coach in May, tasked with guiding the team through the qualifiers. Lopetegui integrated younger players into the squad while retaining key senior figures, aiming to build a competitive team for both qualification and the eventual tournament.
Following a draw against Oman, Qatar delivered a crucial 2-1 victory over the United Arab Emirates, securing their place in the expanded 48-team World Cup. Goals from Boualem Khoukhi and Pedro Miguel triggered celebrations at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, marking a watershed moment for Qatari football.
Despite the qualification success, Qatar’s performance at the FIFA Arab Cup was disappointing. The team failed to advance from the group stage, losing to Palestine and Tunisia, alongside a draw with Syria. This setback highlighted areas needing improvement as the nation prepared for its first World Cup appearance earned through qualifying.
Qatar has been drawn into Group B for the 2026 tournament, where they will face Switzerland, Canada, and the winner of a European play-off featuring Italy, Northern Ireland, Wales and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Lopetegui acknowledged the need for significant enhancements, particularly after key players, including Almoez Ali, sustained injuries.
Beyond Football: Multi-Sport Success
Qatar’s sporting achievements extended far beyond football. Track and field athletes achieved notable success at the Asian Athletics Championships, securing six medals – three gold, one silver, and two bronze. Ammar Ibrahim won the men’s 400m, while Abderrahman Samba continued his dominance in the 400m hurdles, also anchoring the winning 4x400m relay team.
At the Islamic Solidarity Games in Saudi Arabia, Qatar’s delegation returned with 11 medals, encompassing three gold, three silver, and five bronze. This broad success underscored the country’s growing competitiveness across various disciplines.
Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah maintained his exceptional form in motorsport, adding a record-extending 20th FIA Middle East Rally Championship title to his impressive collection. He also secured his fifth Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge title and led the World Rally-Raid Championship standings for a period.
Weightlifting proved to be another strong suit, with Fares Ahmed Jaber amassing an impressive 15 medals across multiple championships. Similarly, Ouissal Ikhlef excelled in the women’s over-86kg division, showcasing her strength and dedication.
Qatar’s beach volleyball duo, Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan, further enhanced the nation’s sporting reputation by being named the FIVB world’s best men’s team for 2025, winning four international gold medals throughout the year. The excellence in shooting and golf added further to Qatar’s growing sporting portfolio.
Looking ahead, Qatar will focus on refining its team and strategies in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The performance at the tournament, starting June 11th, 2026, will be a crucial indicator of the success of Lopetegui’s rebuild and Qatar’s potential to become a consistent force in international football. The nation will also continue to nurture talent and invest in infrastructure across all sports, aiming to build a sustainable legacy of athletic achievement.
