The 2022 hosts, Qatar, have officially announced their squad list for the upcoming World Cup. The global showpiece is set to commence next week, with fixtures staged across Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

Under the stewardship of Spanish tactician Julen Lopetegui, the 26-man roster identifies Akram Afif as the team's primary creative spark. The Al-Sadd forward enters the tournament in scintillating form, having racked up 19 goals and 17 assists in 37 appearances this season. Domestically, the winger concluded the Qatar Stars League campaign as the third-highest scorer (15 goals) and the second-most prolific provider (11 assists).

Another cornerstone of the side is Ali Almoez, the nation's all-time record goalscorer with 60 strikes to his name. Lopetegui has shown faith in the forward despite a lengthy injury lay-off; although he was restricted to just eight games for Al-Duhail this term (registering one goal and one assist), the striker proved his fitness in time to make the final selection.

Vital experience is provided by veteran campaigner Hassan Al-Haydos. At 35, the midfielder is a titan of Qatari football, holding the national record for international caps with 169 appearances. He is expected to lead from the front as the team targets a more robust performance in what will be their second consecutive World Cup.

Following a disappointing debut in 2022, which resulted in three group-stage defeats, Lopetegui's men are determined to write a different chapter in Group B against Switzerland, Canada, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Interestingly, Mohammed Muntari is the sole member of the squad with a World Cup goal to his credit, having found the net against Senegal in the previous edition.

The full Qatar squad:

Goalkeepers: Mahmud Abunada, Meshaal Barsham, and Salah Zakaria.

Defenders: Ayoub Al-Oui, Boualem Khoukhi, Homam Ahmed, Lucas Mendes, Issa Laye, Ro-Ro, El Hashmi El Hussain, and Sultan Al-Brake.

Midfielders: Assim Madibo, Abdulaziz Hatem, Ahmed Fathy, Karim Boudiaf, Jassem Gaber, and Mohamed Al-Manai.

Forwards: Ahmed Al-Ganehi, Ahmed Alaaeldin, Akram Afif, Ali Almoez, Edmilson Junior, Hassan Al-Haydos, Mohammed Muntari, Tahsin Mohammed, and Yusuf Abdurisag.

Homam Ahmed

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