Qatar's 2026 World Cup squad: Julen Lopetegui in charge with Akram Afif leading the way

⚡ Key points AI generated

Julen Lopetegui coaches Qatar in the 2026 World Cup seeking redemption after being sacked by Spain before the 2018 World Cup
Akram Afif is the most influential player for the Maroon, leader after two Asia Cups who assists, creates and scores in Qatar's attack
Qatar is in Group B with Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Switzerland, facing their second World Cup with a pragmatic and organized strategy after failing as hosts in 2022

Qatar enters Group B with a detail that interests Spanish fans: on their bench sits Julen Lopetegui. The coach took his project to Asia to drive Qatar's quality leap following the World Cup they hosted in 2022. It's his second World Cup, this time as a visitor.

🌟 Akram Afif (Al-Sadd) is the most influential player: he assists, creates and scores. The brain and star of the Maroon, at the top after two Asian Cups.

⚽ He's joined by Almoez Ali (historic finisher) and the veteran presence of Hassan Al-Haydos, with naturalized players Edmílson Junior and Lucas Mendes bringing quality.

🇪🇸 The hook for Spanish fans: Lopetegui, sacked by Spain just before the 2018 World Cup, finally seeks his World Cup redemption from Qatar's bench.

🏆 After losing all three matches as hosts in 2022, Qatar faces their second World Cup with less pressure and Lopetegui's pragmatic, organized approach to try and pull off a surprise.

📋 Full Squad · Manager: Julen Lopetegui

🧤 Goalkeepers

Salah Zakaria, Meshaal Barsham, Mahmoud Abunada

🛡️ Defenders

Pedro Miguel, Sultan Al-Brake, Al-Hashmi Al-Hussain, Ayoub Al-Alawi, Issa Laye, Lucas Mendes, Mohammed Waad, Niall Mason

⚙️ Midfielders

Ahmed Fathi, Jassim Gaber, Assim Madibo, Abdulaziz Hatem, Karim Boudiaf, Mohammed Mannai

⚽ Forwards

Almoez Ali, Akram Afif, Tahsin Mohammed, Edmílson Junior, Ahmed Alaa, Hassan Al-Haydos, Mubarak Shannan, Mohammed Muntari, Yusuf Abdurisag

🏆 Group B

⚽ Opponents: Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Switzerland

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Frequently asked questions

Who is Qatar's coach for the 2026 World Cup?

Julen Lopetegui is Qatar's coach for the 2026 World Cup.

Which group is Qatar in for the 2026 World Cup?

Qatar is in Group B of the 2026 World Cup, alongside Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Switzerland.

How many players does Qatar call up for the 2026 World Cup?

Qatar presents a squad of 26 players for the 2026 World Cup, according to the FIFA format established for the tournament.

Where does Qatar play its matches in the 2026 World Cup?

The 2026 World Cup is held in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Qatar plays in Group B against Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Switzerland.

Catar Convocatoria Mundial 2026 Lopetegui Akram Afif Almoez Ali Grupo B

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