Qatar’s national football team coach, Marquez Lopez, recently announced the squad for the upcoming joint FIFA World Cup 2026 and Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers. The team will face Afghanistan on June 6 and India on June 11 in Saudi Arabia. Lopez has decided to rest key players such as Akram Afif and Almoez Ali, who were instrumental in Qatar’s victory at the 2023 Asian Cup.
In preparation for the qualifiers, Lopez has chosen a relatively young squad, omitting veteran players such as Pedro Miguel, Meshaal Barham, and Bassam Al Rawi. The Asian Cup winning captain, Hassan Al Haydos, has also been left out of the team as he retired from international duty in March. Despite these absences, Qatar, ranked 33rd in the FIFA rankings, have already secured a spot in the next round of Asian Cup qualifiers.
During their previous encounters, Qatar defeated India 3-0 and thrashed Afghanistan 8-1 in November last year. The team is looking to continue their winning streak in the upcoming matches and secure their position in the World Cup and Asian Cup qualifiers. The squad includes talented players such as Amir Hassan, Abdullah Al Ahrak, Ahmed Al Janahi, and Mohamed Ayash, who will be key in Qatar’s quest for victory.
The Qatar national team’s lineup for the qualifiers includes a mix of experienced and young players, providing a balance of skill and talent on the field. With the guidance of coach Lopez, the team is focused on delivering strong performances against Afghanistan and India to secure their place in the World Cup and Asian Cup. The absence of key players like Afif and Almoez will give other players the opportunity to showcase their abilities and contribute to the team’s success.
Qatar’s recent success in the Asian Cup and their high FIFA ranking reflect the team’s determination and skill on the field. With a talented squad and a strategic coach, Qatar is poised to make a strong impression in the upcoming qualifiers. Fans can expect exciting and competitive matches as the team embarks on their journey towards the World Cup and Asian Cup 2027. Stay tuned for updates on Qatar’s performance in the qualifiers and the potential for further success on the international stage.
