World Cup 2022 team preview: Expect hosts Qatar to struggle

Qatar will play their World Cup debut on November 20th against Ecuador. Qatar have invested a lot of resources into shaping their national team since being awarded host nation status in 2010. They have won the Asian Cup in 2019 and were semi-finalists at CONCACAF Gold Cup 2021.

Qatar qualified automatically as host nation for the World Cup 2022.

Felix Sanchez is the longest serving manager in Qatar's history. He has been in charge since 2017. Sanchez spent 10 years at Barcelona's La Masia academy. His coaching experience has helped develop young Qatari talent.

Qatar have been in a six-month training camp together to focus on World Cup preparations. Many of the players have come through the youth ranks together. Qatar have worked their way into the Top 50 FIFA's rankings. They have also competed as guests in several major competitions and in Europe's World Cups qualifiers.

Almoez Ali is the key player for Qatar at the 2022 World Cup. He is currently the highest goalscorer for his country. In 2019, he was key to their Asian Cup success scoring nine times.

Akram Afif has been a standout for Qatar at all age levels. He came to prominence in Europe in 2016 when he signed for Villarreal. Afi can play wide left or centrally and will be an outlet for any attacking threat Qatar carry.

Qatar are the host nation of the World Cup. They are well prepared and have home advantage. The World cup disrupts domestic leagues. Qatar are expected to win their group.

Qatar are underdogs in their group. They play Ecuador in the opener. Senegal and the Netherlands are the other teams in this group and Senegal are reigning AFCON champions. Qatar has a chance to win the group if they get at least a point.

Qatar World Cup 2022 fixtures are: November 20, 4pm: Qatar v Ecuador, November 25, 1pm Qatar vs Senegal, Nov 29, 3pm Netherlands v Qatar. Brazil, France and England are the favourites to win the tournament.

World Cup 2022 dates, fixtures, groups, kick-off times and schedule for Qatar competition are available at Paddy Power News. Brazil, France and England are the favourites to win the tournament.