The Qatar national football team approaches the 2026 FIFA World Cup with great ambition to erase the disappointing memories of their previous campaign, on Tuesday (2 June 2026).
As the reigning Asian champions for the last two editions, Al-Annabi carry a mission of redemption after a dismal showing as hosts of the 2022 World Cup.
According to Bolasport.com, coach Julen Lopetegui has finalised a 26-man squad for the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Earlier, Qatar had named a provisional squad of 28 players for their training camp and friendly matches.
Following a narrow 0-1 defeat to the Republic of Ireland in a friendly on 29 May 2026, Lopetegui dropped two names and released the final list of players heading to the World Cup finals.
Several senior figures remain the backbone of the team for this campaign.
Akram Afif, Almoez Ali, and Hassan Al-Haydos have once again been entrusted with key roles in the squad.
These three players have been instrumental in Qatar’s progress over the years, including their triumphs at the AFC Asian Cup.
Akram Afif is expected to be the focal point in attack. His ability to create chances and score goals continues to make him a major threat to opposing defences.
Meanwhile, Almoez Ali is relied upon to sharpen Qatar’s frontline.
Veteran Hassan Al-Haydos, who holds the record for the most appearances in Qatar’s history, will bring valuable experience and leadership both on and off the pitch.
One of Qatar’s defining characteristics in recent years has been their reliance on naturalised players.
For the 2026 World Cup, around 11 naturalised players feature in the final squad.
In goal, Meshaal Barsham, born in Sudan, is among the key options.
Defensively, the team is strengthened by foreign-born players such as Issa Laye from Senegal, Lucas Mendes from Brazil, Pedro Miguel from Portugal, and Boualem Khoukhi who was born in Algeria.
In midfield, naturalised talents include Assim Madibo, born in Sudan, Ahmed Fathy from Egypt, and Karim Boudiaf from France.
Up front, Qatar boast Yusuf Abdurisag of Somali heritage, Mohammed Muntari from Ghana, and Edmilson Junior, born in Belgium.
The inclusion of these players is expected to enhance Qatar’s overall quality as they face tough opposition in football’s biggest tournament.
As reported by Tribunnews.com, Qatar still carry the bitter memory of their 2022 World Cup performance as hosts.
At that time, they became the first host nation in history to fail to earn a single point in the group stage.
Qatar suffered defeats to Ecuador, Senegal, and the Netherlands.
Across those three matches, they managed to score only one goal while conceding seven.
This record is one the current generation of Qatari players is determined to erase.
Moreover, they enter the 2026 World Cup as champions of both the 2019 and 2024 AFC Asian Cups.
These achievements underline Qatar’s rise as a major footballing force in Asia in recent years.
Their road to the 2026 World Cup, however, was far from easy. They missed out on direct qualification in the third round of the Asian qualifiers, finishing behind Iran and Uzbekistan.
Qatar placed fourth in Group A with 13 points from four wins, one draw, and five losses.
Nonetheless, they bounced back in the fourth round. A draw against Oman and a win over the United Arab Emirates secured them the top spot in the group and a ticket to the 2026 World Cup.
In the final tournament, Qatar are drawn in Group B alongside Canada, Switzerland, and Bosnia-Herzegovina.
On paper, the group appears more open compared to their 2022 campaign.
Qatar will begin their World Cup journey against Switzerland on 14 June 2026, followed by a clash with hosts Canada on 19 June 2026, and will close the group stage against Bosnia-Herzegovina on 25 June 2026.
Under Julen Lopetegui’s guidance, Qatar aim to make history by advancing to the knockout stage for the first time ever.
Armed with experience, talented naturalised players, and their status as Asian champions, Al-Annabi now arrive with far greater hopes than four years ago.
