Iran in Relaxed Mode against Qatar in 2026 World Cup Qualifier
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran will head into the tie against Qatar in Doha’s Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in relaxed mode after securing a fourth consecutive appearance at the FIFA World Cup.
In what has been a sterling qualifying campaign, the only points Team Melli dropped were in two stalemates with Uzbekistan and it isn’t likely to hold back despite having already secured its FIFA World Cup slot.
The corresponding fixture last November ended 5-0 in Iran's favor and it will be aiming for another statement win.
On the other side, Julen Lopetegui will be aiming to get his tenure off to a winning start when Qatar host Iran in Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to 26 on Thursday.
While Iran has already confirmed its FIFA World Cup 2026 appearance, Qatar's hopes depend on them advancing from the playoffs, with automatic qualification no longer an option.
Two-time AFC Asian Cup winner Qatar's troubles have been such that Lopetegui will be the third head coach in charge of its qualifying campaign.
With an automatic spot out of reach, former Spain and Real Madrid manager Lopetegui has to ensure the West Asian side finish a minimum fourth to book a spot in the playoffs, where an additional two FIFA World Cup tickets will be at stake.
On a positive note, it sits four points ahead of Kyrgyzstan but with Iran and then Uzbekistan to follow, Qatar must tread with caution.
