Qatar’s national football team, known as Al Annabi, is gearing up to compete in the third round of Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Coach Marquez Lopez has announced a 26-player squad with a mix of young and experienced players, including seasoned attackers Almoez Ali and Akram Afif leading the charge. The team will start their campaign by hosting the United Arab Emirates on September 5 and then travel to Laos to face North Korea. A strong performance in this tough group, which also includes Iran, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan, will be crucial for Qatar as they aim to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in history.
The squad announcement also included veteran goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb and young forwards Tamim Mansour and Yusuf Abdurisag. The team wasted no time and began training immediately after the announcement, with an opening session at the Khalifa International Stadium. Qatar secured their spot in the third round by finishing at the top of their group with an unbeaten record. The competing teams in this round have been divided into three groups of six, with the winners and runners-up from each group earning direct qualification to the World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Iran is considered a strong contender in Group A, while South Korea, Iraq, Jordan, Oman, Palestine, and Kuwait are in Group B. Group C comprises Japan, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, China, and Indonesia. With eight spots up for grabs for Asian teams, the remaining two berths will be decided through the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to 26 Playoff following the third round. Additionally, an Asian team can secure an extra spot in an Intercontinental Playoff. Qatar, having made their World Cup debut as hosts two years ago, is now looking to make history by qualifying for the tournament on merit.
The team’s attack will be led by the dynamic duo of Almoez Ali and Akram Afif, who have been instrumental in Qatar’s recent successes. With a blend of experience and youth in the squad, Qatar aims to make a statement in the third round of qualifiers. The upcoming matches against strong opponents like Iran will be a true test of the team’s readiness and determination to secure a spot in the World Cup. As the football world focuses on Qatar’s journey, fans are eagerly anticipating the team’s performance and hoping for a historic qualification for the prestigious tournament in 2026.
Qatar’s national team has shown great potential in recent years, with notable achievements in the Asian Cup and other international competitions. The team’s progress under Coach Lopez’s guidance has been impressive, and the players are determined to continue their success on the road to the World Cup. With a strong start in the third round of qualifiers, Qatar has a real opportunity to make history and qualify for the tournament for the first time ever. The team’s dedication and hard work will be on full display as they take on formidable opponents in the quest for a spot in the prestigious World Cup event.
