Qatar not expecting gifts as they chase World Cup dream, says Lopetegui
Coach Julen Lopetegui said Qatar want to compete from the first match after losing all three games at the 2022 World Cup.
- On Saturday, Qatar kicks off their FIFA World Cup campaign against Switzerland in SANTA CLARA, California, with Coach Julen Lopetegui aiming to be as competitive as possible in the opener.
- Four years after their home World Cup, Qatar lost all matches in 2022, marking an unprecedented low for a host, yet the team earned credibility by qualifying for this FIFA World Cup under their own steam.
- Captain Hassan, coaxed out of retirement for another FIFA World Cup, stated players learned from 2022, adding "I can promise that we are going to do our best."
- The team's buildup faced disruptions from conflict in Iran, forcing cancellation of friendlies against Serbia and Argentina; they enter the tournament after a 1-0 loss to Ireland and 0-0 draw against Salvador.
- Lopetegui remains focused on the present rather than past near misses, stating "because you are building your future" while emphasizing the team's determination to follow their dream in North America.
20 Articles
20 Articles
FIFA World Cup 2026 Live score, updates: Asian champions Qatar face tough test against Switzerland
Qatar (QAT) vs Switzerland (SUI) FIFA World Cup 2026 Live score: Qatar begin their World Cup campaign against Switzerland in San Francisco, looking to improve on their disappointing 2022 showing. The Swiss arrive as Group B favourites after an unbeaten qualifying campaign.
Qatar debuts at the World Cup this Saturday against Switzerland at 4pm (Brasília time), with Julen Lopetegui in charge. This could be considered his third Cup — or almost that. For him, however, it is the first real one" and the main reason to have accepted the challenge of leading the country. Third goalkeeper in a World Cup and fired on the eve of another, the Spanish considers that he will finally have the chance to compete a Cup playing a re…
Qatar not expecting gifts as they chase World Cup dream, says Lopetegui
Four years after their home World Cup went sour, Qatar are not expecting any gifts in North America as they look for a performance to make their fans proud, coach Julen Lopetegui said ahead of their opener against Switzerland.
The footballers from the small desert state crashed four years ago at their home tournament. Now they want to make amends. But the signs are bad.
War and legionaries make it difficult for Qatar. Nevertheless, successful coach Julen Lopetegui wants a successful performance. On Saturday it starts against Switzerland.
Qatar not expecting gifts as it chases FIFA World Cup dream, says Lopetegui
Four years after its home FIFA World Cup went sour, Qatar is not expecting any gifts in North America as it looks for a performance to make its fans proud, coach Julen Lopetegui said ahead of its opener against Switzerland.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
