Qatar Announces First Squad Under New Coach for Gulf Cup

The Qatari Football Federation has revealed the national team’s squad for the upcoming Gulf Cup, marking the debut list under new head coach Luis Garcia. This announcement follows the dismissal of former coach Marquez Lopez. Notably, Akram Afif has been included despite rumors suggesting his potential exclusion, while players such as Abdelkarim Hassan and Pedro Miguel were left out due to injuries.

The 26-player squad retains many of the team’s regulars, as Qatar prepares to face UAE, Oman, and Kuwait in Group A of the Gulf Cup. The tournament kicks off on Saturday, with Qatar playing its opening match against UAE.

Goalkeepers: Salah Hashim, Meshaal Barsham, Marwan Sharif.

Defenders: Ahmed Al-Rawi, Ahmed Fathi, Abdulrahman Al-Mustafa, Al-Hashemi Al-Hussein, Jassim Jaber, Sultan Al-Breek, Lucas Mendes.

Midfielders: Yousef Abdulrazzaq, Mubarak Shanan, Assim Madibo, Abdulaziz Hatem, Abdullah Al-Ahrak, Abdullah Yousef, Mohammed Muntari.

Forwards: Akram Afif, Almoez Ali, Baha Al-Leithi, Mohammed Khaled, Ahmed Fathi, Ibrahim Al-Hassan.

Exclusions due to injury include Boualem Khoukhi, Bassam Al-Rawi, Saad Al-Sheeb, Abdelkarim Hassan, Pedro Miguel, and Abdullah Al-Yazidi.