Afif spearheads Qatar’s squad for Arab Cup

Doha: Qatar coach Julen Lopetegui announced on Sunday a 23 player squad for the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, which kicks off on December 1. Striker Al...

Doha: Qatar coach Julen Lopetegui announced on Sunday a 23-player squad for the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, which kicks off on December 1.

Striker Almoez Ali, who underwent leg surgery in London earlier this month, misses out, leaving Akram Afif to lead the attack as Qatar look to build on their third-place finish in the 2021 edition.

Qatar will open their campaign on December 1 at Al Bayt Stadium, facing the winner of the Palestine–Libya qualifier, which will be decided tomorrow. Group A also includes Tunisia, last edition’s runners-up, while the winner of the Syria–South Sudan qualifier will complete the group.

The squad announcement followed the conclusion of Round 10 of the Qatar Stars League last night. Lopetegui has opted for a balanced list featuring a mix of established names and emerging talent, with an eye toward preparations for next year’s FIFA World Cup in United States, Mexico and Canada.

Veterans Boualem Khoukhi, Karim Boudiaf and Pedro Miguel are among those omitted, while seasoned players Abdulaziz Hatem, Ahmed Alaaeldin, Assim Madibo, Edmilson Junior, Lucas Mendes and Mohammed Waad return to the fold.