Qatar World Cup 2026 Preliminary Squad Names 34 Players

Qatar World Cup 2026 preliminary squad planning moved into its final stage after Julen Lopetegui named 34 players. The list gives Qatar a broad group before the final cut. The Qatar coach kept Akram Afif, Almoez Ali, Hassan Al-Haydos, Pedro Miguel, and Sebastian Soria in contention.

The decision gives Qatar experience in every line before the FIFA World Cup 2026 opens on June 11. Lopetegui now has to balance older leaders with younger players who can handle Group B travel. Qatar face three different opponents across the United States and Canada.

Qatar Name A 34-Player Preliminary Group

Lopetegui selected four goalkeepers, 17 defenders, four midfielders, and eight forwards. That shape gives the staff extra cover across defence before camp work starts. It also leaves room for late decisions around the attacking rotation.

Akram Afif remains the creative reference point. Almoez Ali gives Qatar a proven tournament striker, while Al-Haydos keeps leadership inside the camp. Soria’s inclusion attracts attention because the veteran forward still offers a different profile in tight matches.

Full Qatar Preliminary Squad List

Goalkeepers

Mahmoud Abunada, Meshaal Barsham, Salah Zakaria, Shehab Ellethey.

Defenders

Ahmed Alaa, Ahmed Fathy, Alhashmi Alhussain, Assim Madibo, Ayoub Al-Alawi, Boualem Khoukhi, Bassam Al-Rawi, Homam Ahmed, Issa Laye, Jassem Gaber Abdulsallam, Karim Boudiaf, Lucas Mendes, Niall Masson, Pedro Miguel, Rayyan Al Ali, Sultan Al-Brake, Tarek Salman.

Midfielders

Abdulaziz Hatem, Mohamed Manai, Mohammed Waad, Youssef Abdulrazzaq.

Forwards

Almoez Ali, Ahmed Al Janehi, Akram Afif, Edmilson Junior, Hassan Al-Haydos, Mubarak Shanan, Sebastian Soria, Tahsin Jamshid.

Group B Tests Shape The Final Cut

Qatar begin against Switzerland in San Francisco on June 13. They then meet Canada in Vancouver on June 18. Their group stage ends against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Seattle on June 24.

The Group B schedule creates three different tactical tests. Switzerland bring structure and experience, Canada bring speed, and Bosnia bring a direct threat through veteran forwards. As a result, Lopetegui needs a squad that can change shape between matches.

Warm-Up Matches Give Lopetegui Final Evidence

Qatar’s camp includes a match against the Republic of Ireland on May 28. The staff also have a June 6 match against El Salvador in Los Angeles. Those two games should decide several close calls.

The biggest selection pressure sits in defence and attack. Qatar named a deep defensive group, so match minutes will matter. The forward line has major names, yet the final list cannot carry every specialist option.

Why The Qatar List Matters Now

Qatar failed to get out of the group in 2022. The 2026 squad gives the program another chance after four years of tournament work. Lopetegui has a stronger planning window than Qatar had as host nation.

Fans tracking squad releases can follow wider tournament updates through FIFA World Cup news. Qatar’s final decision will show whether Lopetegui values continuity or late camp form. The first selection has already set the competition inside the squad.

Qatar now move from long-list selection into match preparation, with May 28 and June 6 carrying real selection weight.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many players are in Qatar's preliminary squad?

Qatar named 34 players in the preliminary squad. Lopetegui must reduce that list before the final World Cup squad deadline.

Is Sebastian Soria in Qatar's preliminary squad?

Yes, Sebastian Soria is included in Qatar's preliminary squad. His inclusion adds experience to the forward group before the final cut.

Which group is Qatar in at World Cup 2026?

Qatar play in Group B with Switzerland, Canada, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Their group matches start against Switzerland in San Francisco.

When does Qatar play its World Cup warm-up matches?

Qatar are scheduled to face the Republic of Ireland on May 28. They also meet El Salvador in Los Angeles on June 6.

When is Qatar's final squad expected?

Qatar must narrow the group before the tournament roster deadline. The final 26-player squad will decide which preliminary names travel to North America.

Stay tuned to FWCTimes.com for the latest FIFA World Cup 2026 updates.