Top five Qatar players to watch at FIFA World Cup 2026

Qatar made their FIFA World Cup debut in 2022.

Qatar had a disastrous run in their debut FIFA World Cup campaign. As hosts, they created many unwanted records that they would never want to revisit. However, they soon started reinventing themselves.

They retained the Asian Cup in 2023. And since then, they have been giving improved results. Finally, in 2026, they arrived in North America to redeem themselves under head coach Julen Lopetegui at the latest edition of the FIFA World Cup.

While the whole team will work together to help Qatar achieve better results, a few stars are expected to shine even brighter. Thus, on that note, here’s a list of the top 5 Qatar players to watch at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026 Full Fixtures, Schedule, Results, Match Timings & Where to Watch

5. Mohamed Al Mannai

Qatar’s attack looked stacked, courtesy of Akram Afif and Almoez Ali. However, to score, they need a creative force creating chances from midfield. They need someone to get into the final third and provide tight passes.

Mohamed Al Mannai is exactly the type of midfielder. The 22-year-old can create opportunities that could be turned into goals. Al Mannai has great tactical awareness and could be very creative.

4. Pedro Miguel

One of the most versatile players in Qatar’s lineup, Pedro Miguel, will play a greater role in the ongoing World Cup. Miguel can feature in any lineup as a centre-back and then change his position mid-match to play as a right-back.

3. Jassim Gaber

Jassim Gaber primarily plays as a defensive midfielder, but thanks to his frame and stature, he could comfortably play as a central defender. Gabar is good at tackling and interception, and he also helps the defensive unit come to grips with a tall poacher.

2. Almoez Ali

Almoez Ali brings confidence and experience to the Qatari side. The 29-year-old forward’s physicality is one of his major strengths and would play a key role for Qatar at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

He was also a part of the Qatar side in 2022; however, in the last couple of years, he has reinvented himself as one of the top targetmen in Asia. Ali previously won the Golden Boot at the Asian Cup and Gold Cup. In more than 250 appearances for Al-Duhail, Ali has scored 73 goals and has provided 75 assists.

1. Akram Afif

Akram Afif would be Qatar’s lynchpin for the FIFA World Cup. The 29-year-old primarily plays as a left winger, but as per the team’s requirements, he could also play as a striker. The charismatic winger also scored a hat-trick of penalties to win the 2023 Asian Cup.

Afif currently plays for Al-Sadd in the Qatari Stars League. In 257 appearances for the side, he has scored 162 goals and has provided 126 assists.

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