Qatar national team coach Julen Lopetegui has named a 23-man squad for the upcoming FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025. The roster features a mix of experienced players and young talents, with key absences including striker Almoez Ali due to injury. Qatar will compete in Group A starting December 1.
Qatar's national football team, known as Al Annabi, received its squad confirmation from head coach Julen Lopetegui on Sunday, November 24, 2025, ahead of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025. The tournament, hosted in Qatar from December 1 to 18, includes 22 teams from the Arab world, with 11 from the Asian Football Confederation and 11 from the Confederation of African Football. Defending champions Algeria will also participate, as Qatar aims to improve on its third-place finish from the 2021 edition.
The 23-man roster emphasizes balance, blending established players with emerging prospects in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Notable omissions include veterans Boualem Khoukhi, Karim Boudiaf, Pedro Miguel, Hassan Al Haydos, Ismail Mohammed, and Ahmed Suhail. Striker Almoez Ali, who underwent leg surgery in London earlier this month, also misses out, leaving Akram Afif to lead the attack alongside Mohammed Muntari for firepower.
Returning players include Abdulaziz Hatem, Ahmed Alaaeldin, Assim Madibo, Edmilson Junior, Lucas Mendes, and Mohammed Waad. In goal, Mahmoud Abunada, recently Lopetegui's first choice, is joined by Meshaal Barsham and Shehab Al Laithi. Young talents such as Yousuf Ayman and Mohammed Khalid add depth.
The full squad is: Goalkeepers - Mahmoud Abunada, Meshaal Barsham, Shehab Al Laithi; Defenders - Abdulaziz Hatem, Ahmed Alaaeldin, Ahmed Fathy, Al Hashemi Al Hussein, Ayoub Mohammed, Homam Al Amin, Jassim Jaber, Khalid Ali, Sultan Al Brake, Tarek Salman; Midfielders - Assim Madibo, Edmilson Junior, Issa Lay, Lucas Mendes, Mohammed Waad; Forwards - Akram Afif, Mohammed Khalid, Mohammed Muntari, Yousuf Ayman.
Qatar opens its Group A campaign on December 1 at Al Bayt Stadium against the winner of the Palestine-Libya qualifier, set to be decided on November 25. The group also features Tunisia, last edition's runners-up, and the winner of the Syria-South Sudan qualifier. The tournament concludes with the final at Lusail Stadium on December 18.