Qatar’s new generation ready for first FIFA World Cup appearance

Qatar are set to feature 12 FIFA World Cup debutants at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held from June 11 to July 19 in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Drawn in Group B, Qatar will face Switzerland on June 13 in San Francisco, Canada on June 18 in Vancouver, and Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 24 in Seattle.

Head coach Julen Lopetegui has selected 12 players who were not part of Qatar’s first World Cup appearance in 2022: Salah Zakaria, Mohammed Abunada, Ahmed Al Janahi, Ahmed Fathi, Edmilson Junior, Al Hashmi Al Hussein, Ayoub Al Alawi, Tahseen Mohammed, Sultan Al Brake, Issa Laye, Mohammed Manai and Youssef Abdurisag.

Their inclusion reflects Qatar’s approach of combining experienced internationals with emerging talent. Many played key roles in the team’s successful qualification campaign through the Asian playoffs, while several also contributed to Qatar’s 2023 AFC Asian Cup triumph.

The squad is expected to add depth, energy, and versatility as Qatar aims for a stronger World Cup showing. The team is currently holding its final training camp in the United States after a friendly against the Republic of Ireland on May 28 and will complete preparations with a warm-up match against El Salvador in Los Angeles on June 6.

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