Qatar Men's Volleyball Team Departs for Japan Ahead of Asian Championship and Asian Games

Qatar's men's national volleyball team left for Japan on Sunday evening, marking the final phase of preparations for the 2026 Asian Men's Volleyball Championship in Fukuoka, ahead of a continued campaign at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games, running from September 19 to October 4.

Slovenia Camp Marks Key Preparation Phase

Ahead of the trip, the squad completed a training camp in Slovenia from August 15 to 26, seen as a crucial stage in their build-up to the continental tournament. Argentine head coach Camilo Soto used the camp to sharpen the team's physical and technical readiness, trial various lineup combinations, and build stronger chemistry within the squad.

While in Slovenia, Qatar played three friendly matches against Egypt, along with additional fixtures against clubs from the Slovenian professional league. The matches allowed the coaching staff to evaluate player form and preparedness, especially with a wave of new faces integrated into the national setup as part of an ongoing rebuilding process.

Nine New Players Join Squad in Renewal Push

Nine new players featured during the preparation phase as the team works toward building a competitive roster for upcoming tournaments, while continuing to rely on more experienced players who bring valuable know-how to continental and international competition.

Qatar's 14-man squad for the Japan tour includes: Mehdi Samoud, Andrea Cross, Abdulrahman Bakri, Mubarak Moussa, Abdullah Naseem, Papi Magette, Mohammed Abdulwahab, Ibrahim Saeed, Rahimi Didi, Renan Ribeiro, Youssef Al Yafei, Mohammed Al Waleed, Mohammed Al Sharshani, and Naji Mahmoud.

Ali Abdullah Al Haddad will lead the Qatar delegation for the Asian Championship, while Said Juma Al Hitmi, a Qatar Volleyball Association Board member, will head the delegation during the Asian Games.

Tough Group C Draw Awaits in Fukuoka

Qatar have been drawn in Group C at the Asian Championship in Fukuoka alongside South Korea, Chinese Taipei, and Thailand. The team opens its campaign against Thailand on September 5, followed by Chinese Taipei on September 6, before wrapping up the group stage against South Korea on September 8.

Elsewhere in the draw, Group A features hosts Japan alongside Australia, Bahrain, and Oman, while Group B includes Iran, China, India, and New Zealand, with the remaining teams making up Group D.

The top two finishers from each group, plus the best third-placed side, will progress to the quarter-finals. Qatar will be aiming to advance past the group stage, with the coaching staff approaching each fixture based on its specific tactical demands.

Asian Games Campaign to Follow in Aichi Prefecture

Qatar's stay in Japan will extend beyond the Asian Championship, as the team shifts focus to the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games, hosted by Japan from September 19 to October 4. The men's volleyball event at the Games will run from September 27 to October 3.

The Asian Games draw placed Qatar in Group C alongside India, Vietnam, and Hong Kong, China. Group A comprises Japan, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan; Group B includes Iran, Indonesia, Thailand, and Kyrgyzstan; while Group D features South Korea, China, Chinese Taipei, and the Philippines.

Qatar will begin their Asian Games campaign against Vietnam on September 27, before taking on Hong Kong, China, the following day, and closing out the first round against India on September 29.

The volleyball competition at the Asian Games will be staged at Okazaki Chuo Sogo Park and Park Arena Komaki in Aichi Prefecture — Qatar's second major stop in Japan as the team looks to build on its preparation cycle and test itself against strong regional competition.

Source: QNA