June 25 (Reuters) - Qatar's second World ⁠Cup appearance ended with another group-stage exit, leaving the Asian champions facing a familiar question: ⁠where does the country's ambitious football project go from here?

There were signs of progress in North ‌America. Qatar earned their first World Cup point with a gritty 1-1 draw against Switzerland, who topped Group B, suggesting Julen Lopetegui's side could finally compete with established football nations.