World Cup 2026: Team profile of Qatar – Final 26-man squad

Qatar will head into the 2026 FIFA World Cup determined to make history after securing qualification for the tournament on merit for the first time.

Following a disappointing debut appearance as hosts in 2022, the Maroons are now aiming to earn their first-ever points on football’s biggest stage and prove they belong among the world’s elite nations.

Brief Profile

Year founded: 1960
Most appearances: Hassan Al-Haydos (184 matches)
Most goals scored: Almoez Ali (60 goals)
Captain: Hassan Al-Haydos
FIFA ranking (April 2026): 55

A Historic Qualification Journey

The 2026 World Cup marks a significant milestone for Qatari football. Unlike their participation in 2022, which came automatically as tournament hosts, Qatar earned their place in North America through the Asian qualification process.

The Gulf nation successfully navigated the fourth round of the Asian qualifiers to secure a spot at the World Cup, becoming one of the region’s representatives at the expanded 48-team tournament.

It is a landmark achievement for a country that had never previously qualified for a World Cup through the qualification system.

Looking to Move Beyond the Disappointment of 2022

Qatar’s first World Cup appearance in 2022 ended in disappointment. Playing in front of home supporters, they became the first host nation in tournament history to lose all three group-stage matches.

The team finished bottom of their group after scoring just once and conceding seven goals, leaving many supporters frustrated by the outcome.

Four years later, Qatar have another opportunity to show how much they have developed since that difficult campaign.

Lopetegui Leads a New Era

After unsuccessful spells under several coaches, including Carlos Queiroz, the Qatar Football Association turned to experienced Spanish manager Julen Lopetegui in an effort to rebuild the national team.

The former Real Madrid and Spain coach has been tasked with improving Qatar’s competitiveness and helping the team establish itself on the international stage.

His experience at the highest level is expected to play a key role as Qatar prepare for another World Cup challenge.

Akram Afif Remains the Main Man

No player carries more expectations for Qatar than Akram Afif.

The talented winger has become the face of Qatari football thanks to his creativity, technical ability and influence in the team’s back-to-back AFC Asian Cup triumphs.

Although his attempts to establish himself in European football were short-lived, Afif remains one of Asia’s most dangerous attacking players and will be central to Qatar’s hopes of success.

Alongside striker Almoez Ali and veteran captain Hassan Al-Haydos, he forms part of the experienced core expected to guide the team through the tournament.

Group Stage Presents a Real Opportunity

Qatar have been drawn alongside Switzerland, Canada and Bosnia in the group stage.

While none of the matches will be straightforward, the group offers realistic opportunities for the Maroons to collect points and potentially challenge for qualification to the knockout rounds.

Their opening fixture against Switzerland could set the tone for the entire campaign before further tests against Canada and Bosnia.

Expected Starting XI

Julen Lopetegui is expected to line up his side in an attacking 4-3-3 formation.

Meshaal Barsham is likely to start in goal behind a defence featuring Homam Al-Amin, Pedro Miguel, Boualem Khoukhi and Al-Oui.

Karim Boudiaf, Ahmed Fathi and Issa Laaye are expected to operate in midfield, while Edmilson Junior, Almoez Ali and Akram Afif lead the attack.

(4-3-3): Barsham; Al-Oui, Khoukhi, Pedro Miguel, Al-Amin; Boudiaf, Fathy, Laye; Edmilson Junior, Almoez Ali, Afif

Qatar’s Final 26-Man World Cup Squad

Qatar’s squad is largely made up of players competing in the domestic league, with several experienced internationals forming the backbone of the team.

Goalkeepers: Salah Zakaria, Mahmoud Abunada, Meshaal Barsham

Defenders: Hashmi Hussein, Ayoub Alawi, Boualem Khoukhi, Pedro Miguel, Issa Laaye, Lucas Mendes, Sultan Al-Brake, Homam Al-Amin

Midfielders: Mohammed Al-Manai, Jassem Jaber, Karim Boudiaf, Ahmed Fathi, Abdulaziz Hatem, Assim Madibo

Forwards: Tahseen Mohammed, Edmilson Junior, Almoez Ali, Akram Afif, Mohammed Muntari, Youssef Abdulrazzaq, Ahmed Alaa, Hassan Al-Haydos, Ahmed Al-Janahi

Can Qatar Finally Make History?

The objective for Qatar at the 2026 World Cup is clear: secure the first points in the nation’s World Cup history and demonstrate the progress made since their difficult debut in 2022.

With experienced players, a respected coach and valuable lessons learned from their previous appearance, the Maroons will believe they can finally leave a positive mark on football’s biggest stage.