DOHA : Qatar will face Republic of Ireland in an international friendly in Dublin on Thursday as part of their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The match is part of Qatar’s build-up to next year’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, which will run from June 11 to July 19 and feature an expanded 48-team format for the first time.
Qatar, appearing at their second World Cup after hosting the 2022 edition, have been drawn in Group B alongside Canada, Switzerland and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Coach Julen Lopetegui named a 28-man squad for the Ireland friendly, including experienced internationals Akram Afif, Almoez Ali, Hassan Al Haydos, Karim Boudiaf and Pedro Miguel.
The Gulf side will use the match to fine-tune preparations before travelling to the United States for a training camp, where they are scheduled to play El Salvador in another friendly on June 6.
