West Armenia · National 3 - Group J · Defender · #0 · France · 26 yrs
Full preview of Qatar for the 2026 tournament, including squad breakdown, key players, and tactical analysis of their chances. As one of the returning FIFA World Cup 2026 teams, Qatar enters the tournament with a clear mission to erase the memories of their disappointing host campaign four years ago. The Maroon have evolved significantly, earning their spot in North America on merit rather than automatic qualification. After securing two Asian Cup titles since 2019, they arrive as a respected side within their confederation. Currently ranked 55th globally, the team faces a compelling 2026 World Cup group stage against Canada, Switzerland, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. This preview explores the tactical approach under their high-profile coach, highlights the key players to watch, and breaks down their squad depth as they aim to secure their first-ever points on the global stage. Team profile CoachJulen LopeteguiNicknameThe MaroonFIFA Ranking55thConfederationAFCGroupGroup BBest Tournament ResultGroup stageTournament Appearances2Last Appearance2022 How Qatar play Qatar’s tactical analysis reveals a team trying to blend possession-based principles with rapid counter-attacking transitions. Operating primarily in a Qatar formation of 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, the squad aims to control the tempo through a technically proficient midfield. This approach relies on patient build-up play before exploiting wide areas with speed. While they demonstrated offensive capability during qualifying, their defensive structure remains a pressing concern. The team conceded an average of 1.56 goals per game during the Asian qualifiers. This highlights vulnerabilities that elite international soccer teams 2026 will likely target. During their 2022 campaign, the side averaged just 43% possession and a meager 6.67 shots per match. To improve upon those numbers in North America, the midfield must bypass high-pressing opponents more effectively. This tactical setup offers transition threats, but their defensive fragility could severely limit their chances of progressing past the group stage. Julen Lopetegui: The coach behind Qatar Julen Lopetegui took charge of the national team in May 2025 with a mandate to navigate the qualification process. The Qatar coach brings extensive high-level experience, having previously managed top European clubs including Real Madrid, Porto, and Sevilla, where he captured a Europa League title. Julen Lopetegui, head coach of Qatar (Getty Images). His international managerial career is largely remembered for his dramatic dismissal from the Spain job just days before the 2018 tournament. Consequently, he views this upcoming summer as an opportunity for personal redemption on the global stage. Known for organizing disciplined defensive units, his recent tenures have shown mixed results. His leadership and tactical adjustments will be heavily tested as he attempts to guide the squad through a demanding group stage. Key player: Almoez Ali Almoez Ali remains the focal point of the attack and sits firmly among Qatar key players heading into the tournament. As the all-time leading scorer for The Maroon with 60 goals in over 126 appearances, the Al-Duhail forward is essential to their offensive system. Ali is a versatile attacker who thrives on intelligent movement. He often drops deep or drifts wide to create space for his attacking partner, Akram Afif. However, he can become isolated against physically dominant center-backs, as seen when he managed zero shots and just 20 touches against the Netherlands in 2022. If Ali is sidelined or neutralized, the team lacks a proven clinical edge in the final third, making his form absolutely critical to their scoring hopes. Qatar’s road to the 2026 tournament The journey through the AFC qualifiers tested the resilience of the squad. They dominated the second round with five victories and a massive +15 goal differential. The third round proved much more difficult, resulting in a fourth-place finish that f
London City Lionesses has announced Maria Perez has signed a new contract until summer 2028. The 24-year-old midfielder is a Spanish international and has spent time playing for Barcelona, Barcelona B and Sevilla. Perez has made 20 appearances across the WSL and WSL 2 and four in domestic cups.
Jules Koundé has been linked to an exit from Barcelona, but he left his position clear. While most countries are preparing for the World Cup, where France will be looking to win the trophy for a third time, clubs are already evaluating how their squads could look moving forward. Barcelona are one of those teams that could make important decisions, with Jules Koundé recently linked to transfer rumors that he addressed directly. Koundé said: “I have a contract until 2030. It’s pretty clear in my mind. Right now, with the French national team, those things are taking a back seat. I’m focused on the competition until further notice. I hope to stay at Barcelona.” While the versatile defender has been an important player for Barcelona since arriving from Sevilla, his last few months were not at the same level. That led reporters to ask about his situation, but he made it clear that he would like to remain with the club. Koundé on the World Cup Even though playing for the biggest clubs in the world is a major motivation, representing your country can be an even greater source of inspiration. That appears to be the case for Koundé, who was included by Didier Deschamps in France’s 26-man squad. Koundé was called up by France (Franco Arland/Getty Images) Ahead of France’s match against Ivory Coast on Thursday in Nantes, the center back turned right back acknowledged that he was not at his best during the season while focusing on what lies ahead. Koundé said: “Personally, it was a season below my standards. It’s a new competition now, and I feel good. I want to finish by contributing as much as possible to the French national team. We have a fairly balanced locker room in terms of age, and everyone can express themselves. It’s good to have many different leaders.” Koundé’s year with Barcelona Koundé may not have had his strongest individual season, but he remained an important contributor for the team. During the campaign with Barcelona, he recorded three goals, six assists, and seven yellow cards with no red cards across 47 official appearances and 3,530 minutes played, in a season in which the club won both the La Liga title and the Supercopa de España.
Aston Villa won the Europa League with a dominant 3-0 victory over Freiburg in the final. The English side controlled the match from start to finish. Freiburg showed resistance in spells but were ultimately overwhelmed by Villa’s intensity and tempo. Aston Villa secured their first continental trophy in 44 years. After his previous triumphs with Sevilla and Villarreal, Villa manager Unai Emery claimed the fifth Europa League title of his career.
