Qatar World Cup Preview & Analysis: Schedule, Roster & Projections

Action Network's staff of soccer experts are here to take you through each and every team that will be participating in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Qatar are the host of the World Cup. They didn't have to qualify for the tournament, but they did play in the Asian World cup qualifying. Qatar created 22.4 xG and allowed 6.5 xGA in their eight matches. None of their opponents were ranked in Action Network's Top 80 teams. The team has a lot of players who play for Qatar Stars League. Their first match is against Ecuador on November 20th. They are underdogs against Senegal and the Netherlands. Qatari Stars league went on pause on September 14th, so the players have two months of rest and training together.

Akram Afif has been the player of the year in the Qatari Stars League three out of last four seasons with Al-Saad. He plays up top as a striker with Almoez Ali and they have scored 63 goals since 2015. Afi has provided 17 assists in only 18 matches for Al Saad during the 2021-22 season.

Qatar will play out of a 3-5-2 formation. They have had two months to prepare for their first match against Ecuador. The team has been playing together for a long time and has a disciplined defensive shape. They will be able to play without the ball and sit in and defend in a low block.

Qatar are playing in the World Cup.

This will be Qatar's first appearance in the World Cup Finals. Qatar qualified via being the host nation.