Akram Afif — Qatar World Cup 2026 Squad

Career Highlights

Akram Afif was the star of Qatar's historic 2019 Asian Cup triumph, scoring in the final against Japan and being named the tournament's Most Valuable Player. He was the top scorer at the 2023 Asian Cup with eight goals, though Qatar fell in the final to Jordan. Afif has won three Qatar Stars League titles with Al-Sadd and was named Asian Footballer of the Year in 2019. His 30 international goals from 82 caps make him Qatar's all-time leading scorer and the face of Qatari football's most successful era.

Club Career

Afif began at Al-Sadd's youth setup and had a brief spell in Europe with Villarreal and Eupen in Belgium, but returned to Qatar where his influence has been greatest. Back at Al-Sadd, he has won multiple domestic titles and cups playing alongside former Barcelona legend Xavi, who later managed the club. Afif operates primarily as a left winger or second striker, using his low centre of gravity and quick feet to navigate tight spaces. In the Qatar Stars League, he regularly tops the charts for goals and assists, and his partnership with Almoez Ali at international level has been the foundation of Qatar's rise.

International Career & World Cup History

Afif made his Qatar debut in 2015 and scored the penalty that sealed the 2019 Asian Cup final victory over Japan in Abu Dhabi. It was Qatar's first continental title and came despite the diplomatic blockade of the country at the time. At the 2022 World Cup on home soil, Afif started all three matches but Qatar became the worst-performing host nation in tournament history, losing every game. The 2023 Asian Cup offered partial redemption: Afif scored eight goals across the tournament, including a hat-trick of penalties in the final against Jordan, though Qatar lost 3-1.

World Cup 2026 Outlook

Afif will be 29 during the 2026 World Cup and Qatar face a steep qualifying challenge through AFC competition to reach the tournament. Should they qualify, he would carry the weight of redemption after the disappointment of 2022. His technical quality in the final third is undeniable, but questions persist about whether his production translates against top-level opposition outside Asia. Qatar's ability to progress beyond the group stage would depend heavily on Afif finding the space and time he needs against faster, more physical defenders.