Qatar coach Julen Lopetegui unveiled his 26-player squad for the 2026 World Cup on June 1, selecting nine forwards, three goalkeepers, eight defenders, and six midfielders [1, 2]. The attack features two-time Asian Player of the Year Akram Afif and Qatar's all-time top scorer Almoez Ali among the forwards [1, 2].
The squad retains a core group from Qatar’s 2022 World Cup team. Defender Pedro Miguel, goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham, and midfielders Assim Madibo, Abdulaziz Hatem, and Karim Boudiaf have all been included to maintain continuity [1, 2]. Most players have been developed through Qatar’s Aspire Academy system, emphasizing team cohesion and familiarity [1, 2].
Qatar aims to improve on its 2022 World Cup performance, when it became the first host nation to lose all three group matches [1, 2]. Since then, Qatar retained their Asian Cup title in 2023 and earned World Cup qualification on merit for the first time [1, 2].
Preparations for the 2026 tournament have been mixed. Qatar exited the Arab Cup at the group stage in December 2025, a surprising setback [1, 2]. Additionally, planned friendlies against Serbia and Argentina scheduled for March 2026 were cancelled [1, 2].
Qatar will play three pre-World Cup friendlies in North America. They face Switzerland on June 13 in Santa Clara, co-host Canada on June 18 in Vancouver, and Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 24 in Seattle [1, 2].
The squad’s balance highlights Lopetegui’s intent to build on existing strengths while testing attacking options with nine forwards. The retained core and emphasis on Aspire Academy-developed players aim to boost team effectiveness in the July tournament.
Qatar’s first World Cup match will take place in July 2026, as the team looks to advance beyond the group stage for the first time.