Has Qatar ever played in a World Cup? History to be made at 2022 FIFA tournament

Qatar will host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. They have never qualified for the competition before. Their first World cup qualification came in 1978 in Argentina. Since then, they have been eliminated in the first round in 1990, fourth round for 2010 and 2014, and bottom of Group A for 2018.

Qatar is the smallest nation by population size to reach the 2022 FIFA World Cup. They are reigning AFC Asian Cup champions after beating Japan in the final in UAE in 2019.

Qatar are the third-lowest ranked team in the 2022 World Cup. They have played 39 international matches since December 2020. Their coach Sanchez has improved their performances since his appointment in 2017. Qatar have won five friendly matches in Spain during a training camp in October and November.

Qatar secured host status for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. They were granted a special place in UEFA's Group A of qualification. Qatar lost to Portugal and Serbia, but they also won against Luxembourg and Azerbaijan.

Qatar are hosting a friendly match against Sanchez's team. Sanchez has a domestic based squad with almost 400 international caps. Outside interest will be on Al Sadd striker Akram Afif. He has played for Villarreal, Sevilla and KAS Eupen in Spain.

Sanchez was appointed as the new coach of Qatar's national team in July 2017. He has already managed at Under-19 and Under 23 level and has won the Gold Cup and Copa America. Qatar are aiming for success in the 2019 Asian Cup.

The Qatar Stars League is the top-flight of domestic football in Qatar. It was formed in 1971-72 and has been dominated by Al Sadd since then. The division changed its name from the Q League to the Qatar Star League in 2009. Qatar's 2022 World Cup squad plays in the league.