Head coach Julen Lopetegui has named Qatar's final 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This marks Al-Annabi's second-ever World Cup appearance and their first secured through AFC qualification, following their hosting debut in 2022.
Their most recent result was a 3-1 defeat to Bosnia & Herzegovina on June 24.
Key Figures in the Squad
The list features veteran striker Almoez Ali, the top scorer in Asian qualifiers with 12 goals, who plays for Al-Duhail. It also includes Akram Afif, a two-time AFC Player of the Year and Golden Ball winner at the 2023 Asian Cup. The most notable return is that of captain Hassan Al-Haydos, the Al-Sadd player with 184 caps, who reversed his brief international retirement announced in March 2024.
Other names in midfield include Abdulaziz Hatem, the national team captain who plays for Al-Rayyan and recorded one assist in 922 minutes of Qatari league action last season. Homam Ahmed is the only squad member who plays outside the Qatar Stars League.
The Group B Challenge
Qatar has been drawn in Group B alongside Switzerland, co-hosts Canada, and Bosnia & Herzegovina. The Swiss are considered the obvious standout, but Qatar could realistically challenge for the second qualifying spot. The tactical discipline of Lopetegui, who previously managed Real Madrid and West Ham United and has been in charge of Qatar for just under a year, may prove decisive for the team's tournament outcome.
The team begins its World Cup preparations with a friendly against Bahrain, offering a chance to test the squad before the major continental competition. Supporters can follow injury and squad news as the tournament approaches. Qatar's form in their last five matches shows no wins, with draws against Switzerland and El Salvador and defeats to the Republic of Ireland, Canada, and Bosnia. In these last five matches, the team scored only two goals while conceding nine.
First reported at squawka.com
