Main function not called Qt Creator - c++

Question

In Qt Creator I have a main.cpp file that of course contains the int main(int argc, char **argv) and in my MainWindow.h file it has code to set up a window, which is functional ( I did not post the code as it is not relevant ). The problem arises when since I am trying to use the msvc compiler (which I have successfully set up), Because when I use the MinGW compiler it runs correctly and sets up the window. However in my main.cpp file ->
#include <QCoreApplication>
#include <iostream>
#include "Engine/Window/MainWindow.h"
int main(int argc, char *argv[])
{
QCoreApplication a(argc, argc);
std::cout << "Starting application" << std::endl;
MainWindow w;
w.execute();
return a.exec();
}
When I run the application I don't see "Starting Application" I just see "Press <return> to close the window" Any help or tips would be greatly appreciated.
Edit: I would also like to note that I just used Qt's "auto detect" functionality to find these compilers.
Also my .pro file
QT += core
QT -= gui widgets
CONFIG += c++14
CONFIG += windeployqt
TARGET = BaneEngine_
CONFIG += console
CONFIG += app_bundle
INCLUDEPATH += $$PWD/ExtLibs/include
DEPENDPATH += $$PWD/ExtLibs/include
LIBS += -L$$PWD/ExtLibs/libs
LIBS += -lSDL2main -lSDL2test -lSDL2 -lglew32 -lOpenGL32
TEMPLATE = app
SOURCES += main.cpp \
Engine/Window/MainWindow.cpp
HEADERS += \
Engine/Window/MainWindow.h

Answer 1

#include <QApplication>
#include <iostream>
#include "Engine/Window/MainWindow.h"
int main(int argc, char *argv[])
{
QApplication a(argc, argc);
std::cout << "Starting application" << std::endl;
MainWindow w;
w.show();
return a.exec();
}