Using an Einstein-Maxwell-dilaton setup in conjunction with the potential reconstruction method, we report on our progress in constructing a dual version of QCD in a magnetic background in 3+1 dimensions. We pay particular attention to the consistency of the constructed potential. We discuss the deconfinement transition, anisotropic string tensions and chiral transition in the probe approximation. If time permits, we will also consider charmonium dissociation. We shall end with possible future improvements of the current model.