Qatar open World Cup against Switzerland as 1500/1 outsiders

Opening night against Switzerland

Qatar kick off their 2026 World Cup campaign Saturday night against Switzerland in Group B. It is the first match of the tournament for your side and a vital one, with progression from the group likely hinging on picking up points early. Almoez Ali, Hassan Al-Haydos, and Edmilson Junior are the names to watch going into this opener. (1)

The long odds

Bookmakers have Qatar at 1500/1 to win the whole tournament, ranked 38th out of the 48 nations. That outsider tag is not new. Akram Afif and Almoez Ali headline the squad trying to defy those odds on home soil. It is a familiar position for a nation that has spent years building towards this moment. (2)