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May 29, 2026
Analyzed by Llama- 4 Scout 17B 16E Instruct

Qatar's 2026 World Cup Team Guide: Expectations and Key Players

AI Summary
Qatar's preparations for the 2026 World Cup have been disrupted by the US-Iran war, which caused the cancellation of valuable friendlies. Coach Julen Lopetegui is likely to go with a 4-2-3-1 formation and focus on set pieces to hurt opponents.

The Road to 2026

Qatar's journey to the 2026 World Cup was marked by challenges, including the US-Iran war that led to the cancellation of crucial friendlies against Serbia and Argentina in March 2025. Under coach Julen Lopetegui, who was appointed in May 2025, the team struggled to find form, winning only one out of 11 games before the World Cup warm-up games.

The Coach's Strategy

Lopetegui, known for his experience with Spain and Real Madrid, is expected to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation. The team will focus on defensive solidity and quick counter-attacks against their group opponents: Canada, Switzerland, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Lopetegui has emphasized the importance of set pieces, where Qatar believes they can exploit their opponents.

Key Player: Akram Afif

Akram Afif, a star of Asian football since the 2019 Asian Cup, will be crucial for Qatar. Despite struggling to make an impact in Europe, Afif has consistently performed well for Qatar and will look to make a significant impact in the 2026 World Cup.

Emerging Talent: Mohamed Al-Mannai

Mohamed Al-Mannai, a 22-year-old midfielder born in Tunisia, adds a physical presence to the team. He can play in various midfield roles and has already made a name for himself with Al-Sadd and the Qatari national team.

Unsung Hero: Boualem Khoukhi

Boualem Khoukhi, an Algerian-born defender, will be 36 during the tournament. He has played over 100 times for Qatar and has scored 21 goals. His experience and versatility will be invaluable to Lopetegui.

Probable Starting XI

The probable starting lineup for Qatar includes:
  • Goalkeeper: Saad Al-Sheeb
  • Defenders: Pedro Miguel, Boualem Khoukhi, Tarek Salman, and Abdelkarim Hassan
  • Midsfielders: Mohammed Al-Mannai, Ali Assad, and Karim Boudiaf
  • Forwards: Akram Afif, Almoez Ali, and Hassan Al-Haydos

What to Expect from Fans

Given Qatar's small population, fans are unlikely to travel in large numbers. However, the team still has the support of their nation, and the Qatari folk song Shoomilah has become synonymous with the national team.