FIFA World Cup 2026: Origin of Qatar’s starting lineup vs Switzerland
(Courtesy : Getty)
Qatar have fielded six foreign-born players in their World Cup opener against Switzerland tonight.
Qatar are kicking off their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a feisty Group B clash against Switzerland at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The 2022 hosts, who are making their second appearance in the tournament, named a strong starting lineup for the match, which featured six players born outside the tiny Middle Eastern nation.
The Maroons have a history of naturalising players from all around the world to play for their national team. However, they have intensified the practice after securing qualification for the expanded 48-team tournament, with over half of the starting XI tonight being foreign-born.
Both of the team’s starting centre-backs were born on other continents. Pedro ‘Ro-Ro’ Miguel was born in Portugal and is a former Cape Verde U-21 international. Boualem Khoukhi, one of the most successful defenders in the national side’s history, was born in Algeria before moving to his adopted home in 2009.
Defensive midfielder Assim Madibo was born in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum. His midfield partner, Issa Laye, is from Senegal and became a Qatari citizen last year. Up front, both wingers are foreign-born – Edmilson Junior is from Belgium and of Brazilian descent, while Yusuf Abdurisag was born in Mogadishu, Somalia.
Also Read: Qatar starting lineup vs Switzerland confirmed for FIFA World Cup 2026 clash
Qatar’s foreign bench
This is not the only foreign presence in Qatar’s lineup. A significant portion of the bench is also foreign-born, including all-time top-scorer Almoez Ali, who is from Sudan. The African nation is also the native place of goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham.
There are two Egyptian-born players in the squad – Ahmed Fathy and Ahmed Alaaeldin. Mohammed Muntari, who scored in the 2022 World Cup, is from Ghana, and veteran defender Karim Boudiaf is from France. Former Marseille defender Lucas Mendes is Brazilian-born.
Interestingly, winger Tahsin Jamshid, born to Keralite parents, holds an Indian passport. Born in Doha, he will have the option of getting the citizenship of the country of his birth when he reaches the required age. For now, he plays for the team using the Qatari Mission Passport.
Why is this unique?
It is increasingly common for international teams to rely on foreign-born players, with sides like Morocco and Algeria utilising their diaspora to lethal effect. An Oxford study found that almost a quarter of the 1,248 players in this year’s World Cup have been born outside the nation they are representing.
However, what is unique in Qatar’s case is that almost the entirety of their foreign-born contingent have no connection to the nation and were naturalised solely for the purpose of representing the Maroons.
When is Qatar vs Switzerland FIFA World Cup 2026 match?
The Group B clash will be played on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. In India, the match will kick off at 12:30 AM IST on June 14.
Where to watch Qatar vs Switzerland match in India?
Fans in India can watch the game live on Zee5 (subscription required) or on Unite8 Sports TV channels.
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Sushruta has spent over two years covering football, with a particular focus on Indian and international competitions. Alongside football, he has reported on a variety of sports, bringing curiosity and perspective to every story. When he’s not following the action, he can usually be found binge-watching movies or getting lost in a good book.