Including Qatar ... Four Arab Teams Among the Worst Five in the First Round of the World Cup
According to a BBC report that evaluated the performance of teams after the first round of the 2026 World Cup, Qatar's team was ranked among the worst five teams in the tournament, despite securing a point from their match against Switzerland.
The report clarified that Qatar's selection was not due to the result, but rather the technical level, as the British network considered the Qatari team to be among the least convincing teams in the opening round. It pointed out that the Qatari team struggled significantly against Switzerland and failed to impose its character on the match, while showing weakness in possession and building attacks.
The report added that Switzerland dominated most of the match, taking 26 shots compared to only seven attempts by Qatar. Switzerland also missed many opportunities that could have settled the match early, before the Qatari team managed to equalize in the final minutes, earning their first point in the history of their World Cup participation.
The British network reported that the list of the five worst teams in the first round included teams that did not perform as expected, either due to heavy losses or lackluster displays. It considered that Qatar was fortunate to come away with a point and that it needs to deliver a much better performance in its next two matches against Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina if it wants to compete for qualification.
The list included:
Qatar - Despite the draw with Switzerland, the performance was very weak, with significant struggles against the Swiss pressure.
Tunisia – After the heavy 5-1 defeat against Sweden, in one of the worst results of the round.
Iraq – following their 4-1 defeat to Norway, with clear defensive issues emerging.
Jordan – After losing 3-1 to Austria, in a match where the BBC considered that the Jordanian team was unable to keep up with their opponent.
Curaçao – Following the heavy 7-1 defeat against Germany, which was the biggest loss in the first round.
The report clarified that Qatar's selection was not due to the result, but rather the technical level, as the British network considered the Qatari team to be among the least convincing teams in the opening round. It pointed out that the Qatari team struggled significantly against Switzerland and failed to impose its character on the match, while showing weakness in possession and building attacks.
The report added that Switzerland dominated most of the match, taking 26 shots compared to only seven attempts by Qatar. Switzerland also missed many opportunities that could have settled the match early, before the Qatari team managed to equalize in the final minutes, earning their first point in the history of their World Cup participation.
The British network reported that the list of the five worst teams in the first round included teams that did not perform as expected, either due to heavy losses or lackluster displays. It considered that Qatar was fortunate to come away with a point and that it needs to deliver a much better performance in its next two matches against Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina if it wants to compete for qualification.
The list included:
Qatar - Despite the draw with Switzerland, the performance was very weak, with significant struggles against the Swiss pressure.
Tunisia – After the heavy 5-1 defeat against Sweden, in one of the worst results of the round.
Iraq – following their 4-1 defeat to Norway, with clear defensive issues emerging.
Jordan – After losing 3-1 to Austria, in a match where the BBC considered that the Jordanian team was unable to keep up with their opponent.
Curaçao – Following the heavy 7-1 defeat against Germany, which was the biggest loss in the first round.
News Related
What Did the First Round of the 2026 World Cup Reveal?
Surprising Results and Open Competition in the 2026 World Cup.
Ibrahim Bayesh: We Must Forget the Loss and Focus on the France Match
Ibrahim Bayesh, the Iraqi national team winger, revealed the content of the first speech
Arnold Implements Emergency Plan After Norway's Four-Goal Defeat
Australian Graham Arnold, coach of the Iraqi national team, decided to enter a state of
Al-Salami: The Result Does Not Reflect the True Face of the Nashama
The defeat does not reflect Jordan's performance, preparing for the match against Algeria.
Austria Begins World Cup Campaign with Victory Over Jordan
The Austrian national team began its 2026 World Cup campaign with a victory
North Africa's Harvest in the World Cup: The First Round Smiles on Morocco and Egypt
Mixed results for North African teams in the 2026 World Cup.
Was Norway's Third Goal Against Iraq a Mistake?
The third goal of the Norwegian national team against Iraq sparked widespread controversy.
Graham Arnold Comments After Defeat to Norway
Australian Graham Arnold, coach of the Iraqi national team, commented on the heavy loss
Iraqi Players: The Result Was Shocking and We Aim to Compensate Against France
The stars of the Iraqi national team agreed that the 1-4 loss to Norway
Three Reasons Prevented Iraq from Withstanding Norway in the World Cup
Despite the brave performance by the Lions of Mesopotamia in their first half