DOHA: The Qatar Football Association (QFA) on Thursday confirmed an
international friendly with Russia on November 10.

The match – set to take place in Doha – takes significance since both
countries are preparing to host the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup
editions respectively.

“The international will be played at Al Sadd Stadium,” QFA said in a
statement on Thursday.

The Russia clash comes five days ahead of Qatar’s 2018 FIFA World Cup
qualifying game against China on November 15, QFA added.

Coached by Jorge Fossati, Qatar have played four Asian Zone qualifying
fixtures in September and October.

Their last game was against Syria which Qatar won at Jassim Bin Hamad

Stadium.

Currently Russia are ranked 53 while Qatar are 91 on the FIFA computer.

Coached by Stanislav Cherchesov, Russia are currently targeting a
semi-finals spot at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Cherchesov was appointed coach after his predecessor Leonid Slutsky
stepped down following a disappointing campaign at UEFA EURO 2016
Qatar, hosts of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, are aiming to reach the
finals of the next edition to be held in Russia.

Fossati has been seen at Qatar Stars League (QSL) games recently,
indicating that he is busy planning for the game against China on
November 15.