Qatar World Cup 2022 squad: Who's in and who's out?

Saad Al Sheeb of Al-Sadd is undoubtedly the first-choice goalkeeper for Qatar, with his club team-mate Mashaal Barsham serving as his deputy.

Youssef Hassan makes the cut, too, but Salah Zakaria has been dropped.

Abdelkarim Hassan is a household name and has over 100 caps under his belt, with Boualem Khoukhi and Ro-Ro offering plenty of experience as well.

Mohammed Emad has been dropped but Jassem Gaber, who is also yet to make his first international appearance at senior level, has been included.

Mohammed Waad cuts an interesting figure in midfield, having been born in Iraq, but representing Qatar at international level.

Abdulaziz Hatm, Karim Boudiaf and Ali Assadalla are among the experienced ones in the squad, among youngsters such as Mostafa Tarek and Osama Al-Tairi.

Hassan Al-Haydos is Qatar's most capped player of all time with over 160 appearances and a prolific goalscorer as well.

Left winger Akram Afif is another certainty, with star striker Almoez Ali ready to lead the line.

Felix Sanchez will have a few systems in place for Qatar's first World Cup finals, but will probably stick to his most tested 5-3-2 formation.

Their last official friendly came in September when they held Chile to a 2-2 draw.

Meshaal Barsham was Qatar's No.1 in that game, but Saad Al Sheeb seems to the favourite to start between the sticks against Ecuador.

With Ro-Ro and Homam Ahmed on either flank, Bassam Al-Rawi, Tarek Salman and Abdelkarim Hassan should be entrusted with the defensive responsibilities in the middle.

Abdulaziz Hatem, Karim Boudiaf and Hassan Al-Haydos should feature in midfield, with the latter offering support to the two attackers.

Akram Afif and Almoez Ali are likely to be given the nod up front.

Ali in particular is an interesting option up top, with the Sudan-born striker having shone for the national team on a consistent basis since making his debut in 2016.

He was the top scorer at the 2019 AFC Asian Cup and has also found the net at the Copa America and Gold Cup, a feat no other player has ever achieved.

His next challenge will be to score at the World Cup!

Qatar XI (5-3-2): Al Sheeb; Ro-Ro, Al-Rawi, Salman, Hassan, Ahmed; Hatem, Boudiaf, Al-Haydos; Ali, Afif