Why is Qatar in the CONCACAF Gold Cup? How is Qatar in CONCACAF Gold Cup?
by Kowsalya
Updated Jul 05, 2023
Why is Qatar in the CONCACAF Gold Cup?
As with the previous 2021 edition, Qatar has once again received an invitation to participate in the upcoming 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup. The decision to include Qatar in both the 2021 and 2023 tournaments was officially announced in 2020, marking a significant collaboration between CONCACAF and the Qatari Football Association (QFA).
This joint effort, which also involved the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC), holds the noble objective of promoting the growth and development of soccer at a grassroots level in the regions of North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
By joining forces, the football governing bodies aim to nurture and expand the beautiful game's influence and accessibility across these diverse regions, fostering opportunities for young talents and inspiring a love for soccer within local communities.
How is Qatar in CONCACAF Gold Cup?
Qatar secured their spot in the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup following a 1-0 victory over Mexico, who had already secured advancement. Hazem Shehata scored the lone goal for Qatar with a 10-yard header in the 27th minute, converting Musaab Khidir's cross.
Qatar, ranked 58th in the world, finished with four points in the group stage, edging out Honduras on goal difference. Coached by Carlos Queiroz, Qatar will face one of the remaining nations in the quarterfinals, joining the likes of Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, El Salvador, or Martinique in the knockout stage.
This success comes after Qatar's disappointing performance in the 2022 World Cup as the host nation, where they went winless.
CONCACAF Gold Cup
The CONCACAF Gold Cup, also known as the Copa Oro de la CONCACAF, is a prestigious football competition that brings together national teams from North America, Central America, and the Caribbean to compete for the continental championship. The tournament, held every two years, serves as a successor to the CONCACAF Championship and was first organized in 1991.
Notably, the tournament has been dominated by three nations—Canada, the United States, and Mexico—who are the only teams to have claimed victory in the Gold Cup. Their success highlights the footballing prowess of these North American countries within the region.
Qatar Football Association
The Qatar Football Association (QFA) serves as the official governing body for football in Qatar. Established in 1960 and headquartered in Doha, Qatar, the QFA obtained membership in FIFA in 1963 and joined the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in 1967.
The association plays a crucial role in organizing various leagues within the Qatar football league system, including the prestigious Qatar Stars League and Qatari Second Division, as well as overseeing domestic cup competitions such as the Qatar Cup, Emir of Qatar Cup, Sheikh Jassim Cup, Qatari Stars Cup, and Qatar FA Cup.
Moreover, the QFA holds responsibility for managing the national teams for men, U-17, U-20, and U-23, along with the women's national team and local women's, youth, and futsal football leagues, promoting and fostering the development of football at various levels in the country.
Why is Qatar in the CONCACAF Gold Cup-FAQs
As with the previous 2021 edition, Qatar has once again received an invitation to participate in the upcoming 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup. The decision to include Qatar in both the 2021 and 2023 tournaments was officially announced in 2020, marking a significant collaboration between CONCACAF and the Qatari Football Association (QFA).
Qatar secured their spot in the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup following a 1-0 victory over Mexico, who had already secured advancement. Hazem Shehata scored the lone goal for Qatar with a 10-yard header in the 27th minute, converting Musaab Khidir's cross.
The CONCACAF Gold Cup, also known as the Copa Oro de la CONCACAF, is a prestigious football competition that brings together national teams from North America, Central America, and the Caribbean to compete for the continental championship.
The Qatar Football Association (QFA) serves as the official governing body for football in Qatar.