Qatar will play its first-ever World Cup match as a qualified nation against Switzerland in Group B.
The team arrived in Los Angeles under head coach Julen Lopetegui, who previously led Spain before being dismissed on the eve of the 2018 tournament.
Lopetegui said football did not owe him anything, but he owed himself a moment like this.
He recalled his own World Cup experience from 1994 in the United States, where he was third-choice goalkeeper for Spain behind Andoni Zubizarreta while struggling with herniated discs.
Then-coach Javier Clemente dismissed his injury concerns, saying an old man would not get flu on a Monday.
Lopetegui worried he could not play if needed, but Clemente replied he would call up Santiago Cañizares instead.
During a decisive qualifier, Zubizarreta received a rare red card after just ten minutes. Cañizares came on, played well, and eventually became the first-choice goalkeeper.
Lopetegui remained with the squad despite his own fitness issues at Logroñés, supporting the team as best he could.
Lopetegui is one of only three managers at this tournament who played in USA 94, alongside Ronald Koeman and Hong Myung-bo.
He noted that as a substitute goalkeeper, he watched most games from next to the manager.
His coaching career later included a stint at Barcelona under Johan Cruyff, which influenced many future managers.
Lopetegui described his sudden departure from the Spanish national team in Russia as the saddest day of his life.
He later managed Sevilla and West Ham.
Reflecting on past challenges, Lopetegui said there is no time for nostalgia but he thinks about those experiences.
He defended his decisions, stating he would do the same again because he acted with deep respect for his responsibilities.
The upcoming match presents a severe challenge.
According to Andy's Bet Club and the Racing Post, there is a 36-place gap in FIFA rankings between Qatar and Switzerland.
Qatar struggled during its 2022 hosting appearance, losing to Ecuador, Senegal, and the Netherlands while scoring only one goal.
Qualifying data shows Qatar conceded two or more goals in seven of its last twelve late-stage qualification matches.
The team also received two or more cards in 13 of its last 15 competitive fixtures.
In contrast, Switzerland entered the tournament in strong form.
Murat Yakin's side kept six clean sheets in its last 11 outings and advanced comfortably past Sweden and Slovenia.
Key players include veterans Granit Xhaka, Manuel Akanji, and Breel Embolo, along with rising midfielder Johan Manzambi and winger Dan Ndoye.
