Qatar’s young guns aim to shine at World Cup

Doha, Qatar: Qatar’s final pre-World Cup warm-up against El Salvador in Los Angeles offered another look at Julen Lopetegui’s evolving plans, with the head coach rotating heavily and using almost his entire squad in a goalless draw that carried more tactical value than result pressure.

It was the final test before Qatar head into the FIFA World Cup 2026, where they open against Switzerland on June 13, followed by Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina in Group B.

Lopetegui’s approach throughout the build-up has remained consistent. He has kept a strong core of experienced players while gradually introducing younger options into the setup. The result is a 26-man squad with an average age close to 29, built on stability but with space for less experienced players to step in when required. sweetbonanza.qpon

For Qatar, the objective in North America is to be competitive after three defeats at their home World Cup in 2022. That is where the younger players come in, not as main figures, but as squad options in specific roles.

Tahsin Mohammed: Teenage spark with Kerala roots

Tahsin Mohammed represents the clearest expression of Qatar’s long-term project. Still only 19, the Al Duhail winger has moved quickly from academy football to the international stage, carrying with him both potential and expectation.

Born in Doha to parents from Kerala’s Kannur district, Tahsin’s rise has drawn attention beyond Qatar, particularly in India where his World Cup selection has been widely followed. A graduate of Aspire Academy, he made history as the first player of Indian origin to feature in the Qatar Stars League.Qatar's Tahsin Mohammed in action during a friendly match against El Salvador on Saturday. (AFP)

On the pitch, his profile is simple but effective. Last season he made 14 appearances for Al Duhail, contributing a goal and an assist, but the numbers only tell part of the story. His value lies in movement and intent rather than output alone.

In this Qatar squad, his role is shaped by those around him. With Akram Afif operating as the creative hub and Almoez Ali leading the line, Tahsin’s task is to add width, stretch defences and bring late-game energy when matches open up. Even limited minutes could be important in tight group games where one moment can shift momentum.

Ayoub Aloui: Young defender trusted in rotation

Ayoub Aloui, 21, has been part of Qatar’s senior setup over the past year and has featured in pre-World Cup friendlies against Ireland and El Salvador. The Al Gharafa defender made his senior international debut during World Cup qualifiers last year. He has been used in central defensive roles in recent matches, reflecting growing trust from the coaching staff.

He was named Qatar Football Association’s Best Under-23 Player for the 2025-26 season after an impressive domestic campaign, where he also scored in the Qatar Stars League.

Aloui is not expected to be a regular starter but remains part of the defensive rotation.

Mohamed Al-Mannai: Midfield option with flexibility

Mohamed Al-Mannai, 22, adds depth to Qatar’s midfield group with his ability to play in multiple roles.

A product of the Al-Sadd system, he developed through the academy before a loan spell at Al Shamal, where he scored five goals in a productive season.

He is comfortable in both holding and advanced midfield positions, giving Lopetegui tactical flexibility in central areas.

Al-Mannai’s development has been steady, and he has been included in the World Cup squad as part of the midfield rotation.

Ahmed Al Janehi: Wide option in attack

Ahmed Al Janehi, 25, comes into the squad after a consistent domestic season with Al Gharafa.

A product of Aspire Academy, he made his professional debut in 2019 and has since established himself as a reliable attacking option in the Qatar Stars League.

He scored two goals last season and provides width and movement in attacking areas.

His role is expected to be rotational, offering depth in wide positions when required.

Youssef Abdurisag: Experienced winger still pushing forward

Youssef Abdurisag sits between generations in this squad, with experience at both youth and senior international levels.Youssef Abdurisag in action against the friendly against El Salvador.

Born in Somalia and developed in Qatar’s football system, the 26-year-old winger has represented Qatar at U20, U21 and U23 levels before breaking into the senior team.

He has played for Al Sadd, Al Arabi and now Al Wakrah, gaining experience across different tactical systems.

Known for his pace and direct style of play, he remains an attacking option, particularly in transition situations where space is available behind opposition defences.Qatar’s young guns aim to shine at World Cup

Doha, Qatar: Morocco head to the 2026 FIFA World Cup as Africa’s strongest team and one of the leading forces in Arab football, determined to build on the history they made four years ago in Qatar.

The Atlas Lions have enjoyed remarkable success in recent years. Alongside their historic World Cup achievements, Morocco won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2025 to claim their second continental title after their 1976 triumph. They have also lifted the African Nations Championship twice (2018, 2020) and the FIFA Arab Cup twice (2012, 2025).

Their defining moment, however, came at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where they became the first African and Arab nation to reach a World Cup semi-final. Morocco defeated Belgium, Spain and Portugal on their way to a fourth-place finish, eventually losing 2-1 to Croatia in the third-place play-off.

This time, expectations are even higher.

Morocco’s Group C campaign begins with one of the tournament’s standout fixtures against five-time world champions Brazil on June 13 - the match kicking off in the early hours of June 14 Qatar time - at New York New Jersey Stadium. The high-profile clash is expected to provide an immediate test of Morocco’s ambitions before matches against Scotland and Haiti.

Captain Achraf Hakimi believes Morocco can go even further than they did in Qatar.

“A World Cup is coming this summer, and we’re going to give everything. The group is confident, and we’re preparing to have a great tournament, like we did in Qatar in 2022. Why not do even better than we did in Qatar and go as far as possible?” Hakimi said.

The Paris Saint-Germain star added: “Our objective is clear: to make football history.”

Hakimi will once again lead a talented squad that includes goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, midfielder Sofyan Amrabat and forward Brahim Diaz, combining experience with a new generation of emerging stars.

Among them is 18-year-old Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, who recently chose to represent Morocco over France and is set to make his World Cup debut.

Calling his selection a “dream come true”, Bouaddi said: “I am aware of the privilege I have to defend these colours, and I will give everything to represent my country in the best possible way.”

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Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi believes the country’s growing talent pool is one of its greatest strengths heading into the tournament.

“We really kept tabs on a great many players. That proves one thing: we have a huge pool of talent,” Ouahbi said.

Speaking about Bouaddi, he added: “We’re very proud and delighted to have him with us. The most important thing is that he is very proud to represent Morocco.”

No longer viewed as underdogs, Morocco arrive in North America carrying genuine expectations. After breaking barriers in Qatar and adding more trophies to their collection since then, the Atlas Lions believe they can once again challenge football’s biggest nations.

Their opening match against Brazil will provide the first opportunity to show that their historic run in 2022 was only the beginning.

Doha, Qatar: The 94th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans will be a significant milestone for Team Qatar as they prepare to enter the prestigious endurance race for the first time.

Partnering with Iron Lynx, the team will field a Mercedes-AMG in the LMGT3 class at the Circuit de la Sarthe.

It marks a historic next step for Team Qatar as they ambitiously compete on the global stage in one of the most challenging and demanding races in motorsport. The vision for expansion into elite competition forms part of the wider strategic ambitions of the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF), alongside its continued commitment to supporting and developing motorsport within Qatar.

The No. 62 Team Qatar by Iron Lynx entry combines international experience with Qatari representation in the driver line-up. Taking to the wheel for the 24-hour race will be Giuliano Alesi, son of former Ferrari Formula 1 race winner Jean Alesi, alongside German Silver-rated driver Julian Hanses and Qatar’s own Abdulla Al-Khelaifi.

One of the enduring features of Le Mans is the three separate classes that compete simultaneously on the same track across the 24 hours. The split of the grid into three distinct categories — Hypercar, LMP2 and LMGT3 — creates the multi-class challenge that defines endurance racing. Each class has its own technical regulations, from cutting-edge manufacturer-designed prototypes to production-based GT machinery.

This year’s 24-hour race features 62 cars on the entry list, with 14 major automotive manufacturers set to battle for honors. The Hypercar class features the fastest, cutting-edge prototypes from brands such as Ferrari, Toyota, Cadillac and Aston Martin. The entries below Hypercar compete in the Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2) class, which is reserved for privateer teams independent from manufacturers and engine suppliers.

Team Qatar will compete in LMGT3, the largest of the three classes, with 25 entries and 75 drivers. LMGT3 features race-going versions of some of the world’s most recognizable high-performance sports cars with the GT machines modified for competition, featuring aerodynamic upgrades, racing suspension and bespoke electronics.

Manufacturers in the class showcase GT machinery from the likes of Porsche, Ferrari, Corvette, Aston Martin, McLaren, BMW, Ford, Lexus and Mercedes-AMG, with cars weighing around 1,250kg and capable of speeds approaching 300km/h. A defining feature of LMGT3 is the Pro-Am structure, meaning every line-up must include at least one Bronze-rated driver, alongside a Silver-rated competitor, blending experience with rising talent.

While competing at the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 13-14 is a milestone moment for Qatari motorsport, it also represents the next chapter in an endurance racing journey which began back in 2023. In its debut season, Team Qatar secured the Porsche 992 (Am) Teams’ Championship in the Middle East Trophy, achieving consistent podium finishes across rounds held in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Kuwait.

The team also expanded into European competition and, in subsequent seasons, became regular front-runners across six, 12, and 24-hour endurance races. In 2025, Team Qatar continued its success with victory in the Amateur (Am) class for the Porsche 992 Generation at the 24 Hours of Dubai, widely regarded as one of the region’s most competitive endurance events and also celebrated success in the 2025 Middle East Trophy, securing the Porsche 992 Teams’ Championship, underlining its consistency across an intensely competitive international season.

That momentum continued into the following year with class victories in the 6 Hours of Abu Dhabi and the 12 Hours of Mugello, the latter marking a significant international triumph against established European teams and further highlighting Team Qatar’s progress in elite motorsport.

The team further strengthened its endurance racing credentials at the 12 Hours of Spa‑Francorchamps, capturing second place in the Porsche 992 category and victory in the Porsche 992 AM category.

Team Qatar’s growing reputation on the international stage was further demonstrated in the opening rounds of the 2026 European Le Mans Series (ELMS).

At the Barcelona season-opener, the team claimed LMGT3 pole position, while Abdulla Al‑Khelaifi was named Most Valuable Driver after leading for nearly three-quarters of the race, before securing fourth overall in class.

Team Qatar maintained that momentum into Round 2 at Paul Ricard, securing a second consecutive LMGT3 pole position and reinforcing its competitiveness against some of Europe’s most established endurance racing teams.