Doha [Qatar], June 3: As many as twelve players of the 26 in the Qatar national football squad are looking forward to making their FIFA World Cup debut at the tournament to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Qatar are currently in Santa Barbara preparing to compete in Group B of the World Cup, and will begin their journey against Switzerland on June 13 in San Francisco, USA, they will then travel to Vancouver to meet co-hosts Canada on June 18, before meeting Bosnia & Herzegovina in Seattle, USA, on June 24.
Qatar coach Julen Lopetegui, on Monday, named nine forwards, including two-time Asian Player of the Year Akram Afif and the country's all-time scorer Almoez Ali, in his World Cup squad as the Asian champions prepare for a that could redefine standing on the al stage.
Lopetegui has placed his trust in 12 new players who are expected to make an impact in the national team, namely: goalkeepers Salah Zakaria and Mohamed Abunada, along with Ahmed Al Janahi, Ahmed Fathi, Edmilson Junior, Al Hashemi Al Hussain, Ayoub Al Alawi, Tahseen Mohamed, Sultan Al Buraik, Issa Lai, Mohamed Manai, and Yousef Abdurisag.
These players were called up to the final list of the Qatari national team, which earlier won the Asian Cup titles in the last two editions (2019 and 2023), includes a mix of experienced players and the young players on whom the coach would rely to achieve the aim of making a respectable appearance and different than FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
These players have contributed to the national team reaching the World Cup finals for the first time on merit, after they made their mark during the qualifying journey that extended to the fourth round, the "Asian play-off," through which the Qatari national team was able to secure its place at the global football showpiece.
Prior to the World Cup qualifiers, some of these names played an important role in winning the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, hosted by Qatar, when the national team retained the continental title.
Many players have gained experience participating in big matches and facing tough tests, also through their participation in many tough matches with their clubs and the national team in various local and continental competitions, which makes them able to make an contribution in the upcoming global event.
During the current preparation period, coach Lopetegui gave the opportunity to several players during thefriendly match against Ireland on May 28 before heading to the Los Angeles for the final preparatory camp for the World Cup.
Qatar will play a final friendly match against El Salvador on June 6 in Los Angeles.
Source: Qatar Tribune
