A file photo of Qatar’s training session during their summer camp in Austria.
Doha, Qatar: Qatar head coach Julen Lopetegui yesterday announced a 26-player national squad for September’s home friendlies against Bahrain and Russia, selecting a balanced mix of experienced players and rising young talent.
The two-time Asian champions will face Bahrain on Wednesday at Al Thumama Stadium, followed by a clash against Russia on September 7 at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium.
With star striker Almoez Ali absent from the squad, playmaker Akram Afif is expected to shoulder greater responsibility in leading the attack, supported by forwards Ahmed Alaaeldin and Mohammed Muntari.
Promising young striker Ahmed Al Rawi, who recently transferred to Qatar SC from Al Rayyan, has also earned a call-up.
One of Lopetegui’s surprise selections for the Austria camp earlier this summer, veteran Al Sadd forward Hassan Al Haydos, who came out of international retirement after winning a second Asian Cup title last year, has not been included in the squad for the upcoming friendlies.
Al Sadd midfielder Guilherme Torres has been picked for the two matches, signaling Lopetegui’s continued interest in building a strong midfield core.
Al Rayyan goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada has been rewarded for his impressive performances in the Qatar Stars League (QSL), joining regular number one Meshaal Barsham of Al Sadd and Al Duhail’s Salah Zakaria in the goalkeeping trio.
The two friendlies form a crucial part of Al Annabi’s final preparations ahead of next month’s crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 Asian play-offs.
Qatar have been drawn into Group A for the play-offs, where they are set to face Oman on October 8 and the United Arab Emirates on October 14.
The play-off round features six teams divided into two groups, with only the group winners advancing directly to the next phase of World Cup qualifying.
Group B includes Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Indonesia.
The runners-up from each group will meet in a two-legged playoff on November 13 and 18. The winner of that tie will earn a place in the FIFA Playoff Tournament - the final global qualifying pathway for the 2026 World Cup.
The upcoming friendlies present a vital opportunity for coach Lopetegui, who has been a regular observer at recent QSL games, to evaluate his squad and implement final tactical adjustments ahead of the decisive qualifiers.
