Qatar ‘highly motivated’ after Asian Cup triumph, says Lopez ahead of Kuwait tie

Doha, Qatar: Qatar will be the team to beat in Group A as the second round of FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 joint qualifiers...

Doha, Qatar: Qatar will be the team to beat in Group A as the second round of FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 joint qualifiers resumes after four months today.

The reigning double Asian champions will host Kuwait in the first clash of their double-header with head coach Marquez Lopez saying Al Annabi are “highly motivated” as they return to action, fresh from winning their second straight AFC Asian Cup crown.

Qatar won seven consecutive matches to retain their title in the continental showpiece, outsmarting Jordan 3-1 in the final last month.           

“The players want to continue their successful journey. We will enter the match with a winning mentality, aiming to earn full points,” Lopez told a press conference on the eve of the Kuwait clash to be played at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium at 9:30pm tonight.

But Lopez, who secured Qatar contract until 2026 after guiding the side to Asian Cup title as an interim coach, said the team will have to work hard to maintain their form.