Seven months after their zero points at the 2022 World Cup they were organizing, Qatar were eliminated in the quarter-finals of the Gold Cup by Panama, with a scathing score of 4-0.
With defeats against Ecuador, Senegal and then the Netherlands (for only one goal scored, against the Lions of Teranga), Qatar achieved the worst performance in history for a host country of the World Cup , last November. Since then, the selection of the small emirate has not shone. At least, it was eliminated in the quarter-finals of the Gold Cup, by Panama, with the score of 4-0, last Saturday in Texas.
To prepare for its World Cup, Qatar has invited itself to two editions of the Copa América (elimination with one point in the group stage in 2019, then withdrawal in 2021) and for the Gold Cup 2021, the American Nations Cup North, Central America and the Caribbean. The Qataris had performed well, finishing first in their group, before beating El Salvador in the quarter-finals and being eliminated in the semi-finals by Team USA.
Invited again for the 2023 edition of the Gold Cup, Qatar did not shine, with a defeat against Haiti then a draw against Honduras. But a victory against Mexico (the second team) allowed Carlos Queiroz’s men to reach the quarter-finals. For this severe defeat against the Panamanians, 58th in the Fifa Ranking.
Qatar, which will defend its Asian championship title next January at home, will have to fight hard to qualify for the next World Cup organized by the three North American countries. The country that owns PSG is the 6th Asian nation and 8 countries will qualify for 2026 (a selection will compete in the intercontinental play-offs).
