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Gold Cup 2021: Why are Qatar playing in North American tournament?

Here's what you need to know about why the AFC team and 2022 World Cup hosts are playing in this summer's Gold Cup tournament

Despite not being members of the North American football confederation, Qatar are a participating team in this year's edition of the Gold Cup for the first time in tournament history as a "guest team".

Sixteen teams are involved in the competition – with Qatar the only non-Concacaf side to be included.

So how come Qatar are playing in the Gold Cup this summer? Goal takes a look.

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Why is Qatar playing in the 2021 Gold Cup?