Confirmed Lineups
Update Soon — Lineups will be available 1 hour before kickoff.
Match Preview: Syria vs Qatar
Syria Look to Continue Positive Momentum
Syria enter this Arab Cup Round 2 fixture with growing confidence after a strong victory over South Sudan and a highly disciplined performance against Tunisia that produced a narrow 1–0 win. The team is organised, compact and willing to embrace a defensive workload, while also carrying danger through swift attacking transitions. Operating in a 4-4-2 system, Syria rely on solid defensive spacing, midfield balance and the forward presence of Al Hallak and Khrbin, whose combination play and movement between lines can trouble Qatar’s back four. The structure and work-rate of the Syrian side give them a clear identity, and they approach this match believing they can compete with a technically superior opponent.
Qatar Aim to Respond After Frustrating Result
Qatar arrive from a disappointing defeat to Palestine and will be eager to produce a sharper and more assertive display. Their 4-2-3-1 is built around technical control, quick rotations and strong wide play, with Akram Afif expected to be the creative engine behind their attacking sequences. The presence of Madibo in midfield offers security and ball circulation, while Al Mannai and Alaa provide pace to stretch Syria horizontally and vertically. Qatar will feel they have the deeper talent pool, but they must improve their penetration in the final third and show more decisiveness in the penalty area after a performance that lacked cutting edge.
Tactical Intelligence Needed on Both Sides
The contest in midfield will be central, where Syria seek to deny clean progression and break Qatar’s rhythm, while Qatar attempt to pull Syria out of shape through quicker combinations. Syria’s defensive line must remain disciplined, especially against Afif’s positioning between midfield and defence, and Qatar will need to be cautious of transitions if they push too many bodies forward. Syrian counter-movement through Amin and Al Aswad can exploit moments of imbalance, and set-pieces may become an outlet for both teams in what is likely to be a tightly contested tactical duel.
Fine Margins Likely to Decide the Match
Although Qatar are ranked higher and possess greater technical depth, Syria’s recent form, collective identity and defensive commitment make this a far more balanced encounter than the rankings suggest. Qatar will try to control tempo through possession, but Syria’s resilience, compact spacing and counter-threat mean they can remain competitive throughout. The match appears set to be determined by narrow margins, potentially a single decisive moment or an individual spark. Qatar may hold a slight edge due to overall quality, yet Syria’s sharp shape and growing confidence suggest that a close scoreline is the most realistic expectation.
Predicted lineups may be available a few days ahead of the match, while the official starting XI will typically be released around one hour before kickoff. Stay tuned for lineup updates, live scores, and full-time results.
⚽ Don’t miss this exciting: Qatar vs Syria — coming soon!