Qatar Embark On World Cup Journey With Dublin First Stop

Doha, Qatar: Qatar began the Dublin leg of their World Cup journey yesterday as they entered the final phase of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with a friendly against Ireland marking the first stop on Al Annabi's road to football's biggest stage.

Head coach Julen Lopetegui trimmed his preliminary squad from 35 to 28 players on Monday following a two-week training camp in Doha as preparations intensified for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The two-time Asian champions will face Ireland at the Aviva Stadium tomorrow in what is expected to be a key test before Lopetegui finalises his 26-man squad ahead of FIFA's June 2 submission deadline.

Lopetegui retained a strong core of experienced players, with veteran Hassan Al Haydos joining influential playmaker Akram Afif and striker Almoez Ali, who has returned to full fitness, in attack. In defence, Pedro Miguel and Lucas Mendes add experience, while Meshaal Barsham, Mahmoud Abunada, Salah Zakaria and Shehab Ellethy form the goalkeeping group.

The Ireland friendly will provide Qatar another opportunity to fine-tune combinations and assess fitness levels before a final warm-up match against El Salvador in Los Angeles on June 6.

Having made their World Cup debut as hosts in 2022, Qatar secured qualification for a second consecutive appearance through the competitive route for the first time in their history after progressing through the play-offs late last year. Drawn in Group B, Al Annabi will launch their campaign against Switzerland on June 13 at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium before facing co-hosts Canada in Vancouver on June 19. They will meet Bosnia and Herzegovina in Seattle five days later in their last group match.

Qatar have set their sights on reaching the knockout stage after a disappointing home campaign in 2022 ended with three defeats, with players confident that the experience gained four years ago can help fuel a stronger showing in North America.

MENAFN27052026000063011010ID1111172348