Luis García Announces 30-Player Squad for Qatar’s World Cup Qualifiers

Spanish head coach Luis García has unveiled a 30-player roster for Qatar’s crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers against North Korea and Kyrgyzstan. The matches, part of the Asian qualifiers' seventh and eighth rounds in Group 1, will see Qatar face North Korea in Doha on Thursday, March 20, before traveling to Bishkek for an away clash against Kyrgyzstan on Tuesday, March 25.

With only four matches remaining in the group stage, these fixtures are vital for Qatar’s qualification hopes. The team currently sits fourth in Group 1 with seven points from two wins and a draw, trailing Iran (16 points), Uzbekistan (13), and the UAE (10). Kyrgyzstan and North Korea occupy the bottom spots with three and two points, respectively. Securing maximum points in these upcoming matches is imperative if Qatar hopes to climb the standings and boost their chances of progressing to the next round.

Preparations Underway in Doha

Qatar’s training camp kicked off at Khalifa International Stadium on Friday, a day after García announced the preliminary squad. The team will undergo intensive daily training sessions in Doha ahead of the North Korea fixture before departing for Bishkek.

These will be García’s first World Cup qualifiers as Qatar’s head coach after previously leading the side in the Arabian Gulf Cup, replacing Marquez Lopez. The Spanish tactician has called up several experienced players who were left out of the Gulf Cup squad, including Al Sadd’s Boualem Khoukhi, Al Wakrah’s Abdelkarim Hassan, and Al Rayyan’s Abdulaziz Hatem. Additionally, the return of key players Pedro Miguel and Edmilson Junior from injury is a significant boost for the squad. Star attackers Akram Afif and Almoez Ali will spearhead Qatar’s offense.

Al Sheeb Ruled Out Due to Injury

Qatar will, however, be without experienced Al Sadd goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb, who has been ruled out after sustaining a calf injury during a training session. The Qatar Football Association (QFA) confirmed that medical tests indicate Al Sheeb will require three to four weeks of recovery.

To cover for the absence, head coach García has called up Al Duhail goalkeeper Shehab Al Laithi as a replacement in the preliminary squad.

With the stakes high, Qatar will be aiming to maximize their home advantage against North Korea before heading to Kyrgyzstan for a critical away game. These matches will play a decisive role in shaping their path towards World Cup 2026 qualification.