Qatar are making their first World Cup appearance this summer as qualifiers, having hosted the 2022 tournament. The Maroons didn’t put up much of a fight in the previous edition, as they lost all three group matches, and they have now been drawn against Canada, Bosnia and Switzerland in Group B.

📔 What are the key stats and facts I need to know before betting on Qatar at the World Cup 2026?

🔥 What free bets are available for Qatar's World Cup games?

✅ What is the best bet for Qatar at the World Cup 2026?

🌍 How did Qatar qualify for the 2026 World Cup?

Prior to the Arab Cup, Qatar scraped through the qualifiers, and it wasn’t the most convincing run. The Maroons got through the first and second qualifying rounds without any issues, but the third round brought more problems. Qatar had a record of four wins, one draw and five losses, and they suffered heavy defeats against the UAE and Iran. However, they were able to finish 4th to secure the final play-off spot, giving them a chance to play in the next round of qualifiers. Qatar managed to get past the UAE and Oman, marking the first time in their history that they have qualified for the World Cup via the play-offs.

👔 Who is the Qatar manager at the World Cup 2026?

Julen Lopetegui is one of the most experienced managers at this World Cup, and he has taken charge of the Qatar national team after previously being the head coach of West Ham, Sevilla, Real Madrid and Spain.

Lopetegui has been in charge of Qatar since May 2025, he led them through the qualifying rounds, and will hope to continue that success.

🔎 Who are Qatar's key players to watch at World Cup 2026?

Akram Afif

Akram Afif is talisman for his national side, and so much of Qatar’s play in the final third comes through him. The 29-year-old plays for Al-Sadd in the Qatar Stars League, and he recorded 15 goals and 12 assists in 22 league appearances this season. Afif was the standout performer for Qatar in their qualifying matches as well, as he managed 11 assists from 16 appearances, which was more than any other player across the Asian qualifying teams. 

Almoez Ali

Almoez Ali is usually the man who Afif is looking to pick out, and the striker finished as the top scorer for Qatar with 12 goals in his 14 appearances during the qualifiers. After suffering a serious injury in October, Ali has been on the comeback trail, and he returned to first team action for Al-Duhail in April. He has been building his fitness back up, and Lopetegui will hope he will be able to produce his best performance this summer. 

Lucas Mendes

Lucas Mendes is the centre back for this Qatar side, and the 35-year-old is expected to play another key role. He started 11 matches during the qualifiers, during which he scored one goal, and it was a big one. Mendes scored in stoppage time to beat Uzbekistan and help his side qualify for the World Cup. His main task will be marshalling Qatar’s backline, but Mendes has also shown an ability to pop up in key moments. 

🔮 What is Andy's Bet Club and how does it work for World Cup 2026 tips?

Keep up with Andy's Tips, including World Cup Predictions and World Cup 2026 Free Bet Offers, on Andy's Bet Club.

For World Cup outright betting, check out our World Cup Group B Outrights, World Cup Players to Watch Tips, World Cup Golden Boot Tips, and World Cup Outright Winner Tips.

Best Free Bets, Offers & Betting Sites for World Cup 2026

The World Cup is the best time to create a new bookmaker account because the Bookmaker Offers are much better. Andy and the Andy's Bet Club experts have tried and tested the Free Bets, and here are their favourites:

• bet365 World Cup Sign Up Offer

• Betfair World Cup Sign Up Offer

• Betfred World Cup Sign Up Offer

• Betway World Cup Sign Up Offer

• Boyle Sports World Cup Sign Up Offer

• Midnite World Cup Sign Up Offer

• Sky Bet World Cup Sign Up Offer

• Spreadex World Cup Sign Up Offer

• William Hill World Cup Sign Up Offer

* I recommend waiting for confirmed team line-ups before placing any bets.

* All odds displayed correct at the time of publishing.