Doha [Qatar], April 1: Qatar players train during a camp at Aspire Academy as Al Annabi stepped up preparations for the FIFA World Cup, which starts on June 11. Head coach Julen Lopetegui has selected a 32-man squad as he looks to fine-tune preparations and identify the players who will represent the team at the global showpiece to be held across the United States, Canada and Mexico in June and July. Qatar's preparations had initially included high-profile friendlies against Serbia and Argentina as part of the Qatar Football Festival, but those fixtures were cancelled due to regional tensions. Al Annabi are now scheduled to face Ireland in Dublin on May 28 in what is expected to be a key test ahead of the tournament. At the World Cup, Qatar have been drawn in Group B alongside hosts Canada, Switzerland and Italy or Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Source: Qatar Tribune
