Staff Reporter
Doha: The Qatar Football Association has announced a 34-player preliminary squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the Gulf nation intensifies preparations for the global showpiece set to take place across North America from June 11 to July 19.
Selected by Spanish head coach Julen Lopetegui, the squad blends experienced international stars with emerging young talents as Qatar seek to make another mark on football’s biggest stage.
Leading the squad are captain Hassan Al Haydos, reigning Asian Player of the Year Akram Afif, prolific striker Almoez Ali and dependable defender Pedro Miguel.
The full squad also features Meshaal Barsham, Mahmoud Abu Nada, Salah Zakaria, Shehab Al Laithi, Ahmed Al Janahi, Ahmed Alaa, Ahmed Fathi, Tarek Salman, Edmilson Junior, Ayoub Al Lawati, Sultan Al Brake, Al Hashmi Al Hussein, Boualem Khoukhi, Bassam Al Rawi, Jassim Jaber, Nail Mason, Sebastian Soria, Ryan Al Ali, Assim Madibo, Abdulaziz Hatem, Issa Laay, Mohammed Manai, Karim Boudiaf, Lucas Mendes, Tahseen Mohammed, Mubarak Shanan, Homam Al Amin, Youssef Abdurisag, Mohammed Muntari and Mohammed Waad.
Qatar will begin their final phase of preparations with a training camp later this month, which includes two international friendlies aimed at sharpening the squad ahead of the tournament. They will face the Republic of Ireland on May 28 before taking on El Salvador in Los Angeles on June 6.
The Maroons will open their World Cup campaign against Switzerland in San Francisco on June 13, before meeting hosts Canada in Vancouver on June 18. They will conclude their group-stage fixtures against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Seattle on June 24.
The 2026 edition will mark a historic milestone as the first FIFA World Cup to feature 48 teams and the first to be jointly hosted by three nations — the United States, Canada and Mexico.
