Lucas Mendes in Qatar squad as Lopetegui names 26 for 2026 World Cup | OneFootball

Qatar have named a 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July, with Julen Lopetegui including former Marseille centre-back Lucas Mendes.

According to L'Équipe, the former Spain coach took charge of Qatar in early May. Beaten at the group stage of their home tournament four years ago, they have qualified on the pitch this time.

The vast majority of the 26 play in the Qatari league in 2025-2026, Mendes among them. The Brazilian-born defender switched sporting nationality in 2023, long after his 2012-2014 spell at Marseille.

The sole exception is left-back Homam Al-Amin, contracted to Al-Duhail but on loan this season at Cultural Leonesa in Spain’s second tier.

Qatar, the back-to-back Asian Cup holders, will meet Switzerland, Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina in Group B.

The squad features goalkeepers Mahmoud Abunada, Meshaal Barsham and Salah Zakaria, plus defenders Boualem Khoukhi, Pedro Miguel and Ayoub Al-Alawi. Midfield options include Assim Madibo, Abdulaziz Hatem, Karim Boudiaf and Jassem Gaber. In attack, Akram Afif, Almoez Ali, Edmilson Junior and Hasan Al-Haydos are all selected.

Source: L'Équipe