Tribune news network
DOHA
New Qatar head coach Julen Lopetegui yesterday announced a 27-player squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Iran and Uzbekistan, set to take place early next month.
Qatar will face Iran in Doha on June 5, marking Lopetegui’s first match in charge since taking over from Luis Garcia. The reigning Asian champions will then take on Uzbekistan on June 10 in Tashkent in what will be their final fixture of the third round of Asian qualifying for the FIFA World Cup.
Qatar have endured a challenging campaign in this stage, missing out on the two automatic qualification spots. Currently sitting fourth in their group with 10 points, Al Annabi are looking to secure their position and advance to the fourth round. Fifth-placed Kyrgyzstan are four points behind them.
The fourth round will feature the third- and fourth-placed teams from each of the three third-round groups, while only the group winners will book direct qualification to the 2026 World Cup.
Iran lead the group with 20 points followed by Uzbekistan on 17 and the UAE in third with 13 points.
Qatar squad:
Saad Al-Sheeb, Meshaal Barsham, Salah Zakaria (goalkeepers), Akram Afif, Pedro Miguel, Boualem Khoukhi, Ahmed Suhail, Tarek Salman, Mustafa Tariq, Ismail Mohammed, Edmilson Junior, Almoez Ali, Bassam Al Rawi, Karim Boudiaf, Homam Al Amin, Asim Madibo, Ahmed Al-Janehi, Abdullah Youssef, Amro Siraj, Mohammed Muntari, Hazem Ahmed, Abdulaziz Hatem, Ahmed Al-Rawi, Ahmed Fathi, Jassim Jaber, Abdul Rahman Mustafa and Mohammad Al Mannai.
