DOHA,   (Xinhua) -- Qatar will participate in 2022 FIFA World Cup European qualifiers, joining Group A alongside Portugal, Serbia, Ireland, Luxembourg, and Azerbaijan.

As host nation, Qatar has already booked a berth at the 2022 FIFA World Cup finals, meaning the Asian champions' results in the qualifiers will not count towards the final standings.

In order to facilitate shorter travel times for their group opponents, Qatar will play their "home" fixtures on European soil.

"We are delighted that Qatar will participate in UEFA qualifying matches for the next FIFA World Cup, which our country is proud to be hosting," said Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, President of the Qatar Football Association.

"Playing matches in Group A against high-quality teams provides our national team with an excellent foundation as we continue our journey of preparation ahead of 2022," he added.

"Our squad has made major strides in recent years, including winning the AFC Asian Cup in 2019, and we are determined to showcase the progress we've made and the talent our country possesses when we host the first FIFA World Cup in the Middle East and Arab World in 2022," he noted.

In addition to playing in the European qualifiers, Qatar will also participate in the Copa America and CONCACAF Gold Cup next summer.  ■