Qatar — 2026 World Cup Squad

Two-time Asian champions but rank outsiders here, the Maroons land in Group B alongside a seasoned Switzerland and face a stern examination of whether continental pedigree translates onto the global stage. Progress will hinge on the Al-Sadd spine that runs through this side, with as many as nine of the squad drawn from the Doha club.

Akram Afif is the jewel, a left-sided forward whose close control and dead-ball delivery make him the one player capable of conjuring something from nothing. Up top, Almoez Ali offers a different threat entirely, a poacher who lives off the shoulder and thrives on service into the box. Behind them, Hassan Al-Haydos pulls the strings from a free role, while Abdulkarim Hassan bombs forward from left-back to stretch the play.

Expect a compact, patient block built on familiarity, Boualem Khoukhi marshalling the centre and Karim Boudiaf screening ahead of him, with quick transitions sprung through Afif. The intrigue lies in goal: Meshaal Barsham and the vastly experienced Saad Al-Sheeb both arrive from Al-Sadd, and which gloves the manager trusts may quietly shape how far this generation can push.