Qatar Sets an Unwanted World Cup Record: Own Goals in Back-to-Back Matches at 2026 Tournament.

Qatar’s Performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

According to Novyny.live: Qatar’s national football team concluded its 2026 World Cup campaign with a dubious milestone, becoming only the fourth side in tournament history to score own goals in two consecutive games. In their final Group B fixture, they fell 3-1 to Bosnia and Herzegovina, capping off a disappointing run in the competition.

The own goal that contributed to one of their defeats came from goalkeeper Meshaal Abunada. This unfortunate incident highlighted broader struggles for a team that finished at the bottom of Group B with just a single point. The group also featured Switzerland and Canada, with Switzerland topping the standings with seven points and Canada securing second place with four points.

Unwanted Records and Team Challenges

Qatar now finds itself in an exclusive but unenviable club as the fourth team to record own goals in two successive World Cup matches. The previous instances include:

• Bulgaria in 1966,
• Nigeria in 2014 and 2018,
• Russia in 2018.

This tournament proved to be a harsh test for Qatar, underscoring the need for improvement on the international stage.

Qatar’s exit from the 2026 World Cup marks a significant moment not only for the squad but also for a region striving to elevate its footballing standards. The own goals that marred their performances point to serious defensive issues and overall team preparedness. Moving forward, Qatar will need to focus on strengthening its side to avoid similar setbacks in future international competitions.