Tribune News Network
Doha
Qatar players went through gruelling indoor training on Tuesday as they prepare to take on Kyrgyzstan in the the third match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers at the Al Thumama Stadium on Thursday.
The twice Asian champions are still looking for opening win in their Group A qualifying campaign, having lost to the UAE 3-1 in a home clash on September 5 at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium before putting together a 2-2 draw five days later under heavy rain at the New Laos Stadium in Vientiane.
There are seven more games to go and Qatar coach Marquez Lopez is confident of Al Annabi hitting the ground and running.
The hosts will see the return of experienced defender Abdelkarim Hassan who won a surprise recall into the squad by coach Lopez last week.
Qatar are currently 5th in the six-team Group A with Kyrgyzstan at bottom of the points table.
Uzbekistan lead the Group A with six points, ahead of Iran on goal difference, followed by UAE in third place with three points.
Lopez has also recalled veteran Boualem Khoukhi to mix more experience and youth in the 27-member squad.
Unlike what the scoreline of Qatar’s last two matches in the qualifiers would suggest, the Al Annabi have been quite a force. They would have well snatched a win against North Korea but for the heavy rain resulting in a thrilling 2-2 draw.
Kyrgyzstan meanwhile have been quietly making strides in recent years.
They would however will need to be at their best to tackle Qatar on their home turf and in front of large number of fans.
After playing against Kyrgyzstan at Al Thumama Stadium on October 10, Qatar will travel to Iran for their toughest match of the group in Mashhad on October 15.
Al Buenian calls on
fans to back Al Annabi
President of the Qatar Football Association (QFA) HE Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain has called on fans to support the Qatari national team in their crucial upcoming match against Kyrgyzstan.
Al Buenain expressed confidence in the team’s ability to recover from a difficult start in the qualifiers and emphasized the importance of fan support in achieving victory.
“Reaching the 2026 World Cup requires everyone working together, especially the fans, who are our most important supporters,” he said.
Al Buenain reiterated the need for Qatar to capitalize on home advantage and has urged fans to play their part in the team’s journey in their bid to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
