DOHA : Qatar coach Julen Lopetegui on Monday named a 28-player squad for this week’s international friendly against Republic of Ireland in Dublin as the Gulf nation steps up preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The match will be played at Aviva Stadium on Thursday and forms part of Qatar’s build-up to the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, which runs from June 11 to July 11.
Lopetegui selected a blend of experienced internationals and emerging players as he continues shaping his final squad ahead of the tournament.
Star forward Akram Afif, striker Almoez Ali, veteran captain Hassan Al Haydos and defender Boualem Khoukhi headline the squad, while goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham is also expected to play a key role.
Qatar are scheduled to face El Salvador in another warm-up match before travelling to the United States for the World Cup, where they have been drawn in Group B alongside Canada, Switzerland and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
FIFA has set June 2 as the deadline for participating nations to submit their final 26-player World Cup squads.
