Qatar face tough football challenge at the Asian Games 2026

Qatar’s under-23 team faces a tough challenge in Group D of the football tournament at the 2026 Asian Games, drawn alongside South Korea and Saudi Arabia. The competition will be held in Japan from September 19 to October 4, with football matches starting before the opening ceremony.

What are the details of the tough group?

Qatar will play two matches in Group D, the first against South Korea on September 16 and the second against Saudi Arabia on September 20. The matches will be held in Nagoya, while the final will take place at Toyota Stadium.

How did Qatar perform in the last competition?

At the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, Qatar struggled in football but advanced to the quarter-finals after drawing with Palestine. Qatar lost to China in the quarter-finals, finishing 16th overall.

How has the team performed recently?

Qatar’s last result was a 3-1 loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 24, 2026. The team has recorded 0 wins, 2 draws, and 3 losses in their last 5 matches, including two consecutive defeats.

How is the handball team performing?

The national handball team will defend its title at the same Asian Games, having won gold in the last three editions. The team defeated South Korea in 2014, Bahrain in 2018 and 2022, and has won six consecutive Asian Championships.

What are the expectations for the football team?

With strong competition in the group, Qatar will need to perform well to advance past the first round. They will face a tough challenge against South Korea and Saudi Arabia, but a strong performance could secure qualification.