Qatar National Team: Disastrous Performance and Humiliating Arab Cup Exit Ahead of 2026 World Cup

The Qatar national team delivered one of its weakest performances in regional tournaments, exiting the Arab Cup early with modest results that neither reflect the significant investment in Qatari football nor its status as a qualified team for the 2026 World Cup.

Al-Annabi began their tournament campaign with a surprising goalless defeat against Palestine, a match where the team lacked attacking effectiveness and midfield solidity. In the second round, they settled for a disappointing 1-1 draw against Syria, failing to impose their rhythm or display the character expected of a team tipped to go far in the competition.

Qatar's crisis deepened in the third round, as they suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat to Tunisia, both in performance and result. This left them at the bottom of their group with just one point, exiting the competition quietly amidst a wave of criticism.

This meager tally exposed a lack of tactical identity, weak defensive discipline, and modest attacking solutions. These are alarming indicators ahead of their anticipated participation in the 2026 World Cup, where the Qatari team is expected to deliver a significantly higher level of performance than what was shown in this tournament.

The Qatari technical staff must now re-evaluate their selections and preparatory programs, especially since fans viewed the Arab Cup as an ideal opportunity to gauge the team's readiness. Instead, it ultimately revealed weaknesses that require radical treatment before embarking on the World Cup journey.

This participation confirms that the team is suffering from a deep crisis related to identity and character, rather than merely results. There was no defensive organization, no attacking solutions, and no cohesion between the lines, at a time when the team is supposed to be in a stage of maturity before participating in the World Cup.

Perhaps what the Qatari national team displayed in the Arab Cup does not even meet the minimum expectations of its fans, nor does it resemble a team representing a nation preparing for the World Cup in just a few months.