Almoez Ali — Qatar World Cup 2026 Squad

Career Highlights

Almoez Ali holds the record for most goals in a single Asian Cup tournament with nine goals at the 2019 edition, where he also scored a stunning overhead kick in the final against Japan. He was the tournament's top scorer and won the Golden Ball as best player, establishing himself as the most prolific striker in Asian international football. With 47 goals from 90 caps, he is Qatar's all-time leading scorer by a wide margin and has been the centrepiece of every major Qatari campaign since his debut.

Club Career

Almoez Ali has spent his entire professional club career in Qatar, primarily with Al-Duhail after beginning at Lekhwiya SC before the merger that formed the current club. He has won multiple Qatar Stars League titles and domestic cups, consistently finishing among the league's top scorers. His physicality and finishing in the box have made him the dominant target man in Qatari domestic football. Unlike many of his international teammates, he has not pursued moves abroad, which has limited his exposure to higher-level competition but allowed him to maintain extraordinary consistency at home.

International Career & World Cup History

Ali made his Qatar debut in 2016 and exploded onto the continental stage at the 2019 Asian Cup, where his nine goals included that iconic bicycle kick in the final. He added four goals at the 2023 Asian Cup as Qatar reached the final again, though they lost to Jordan. At the 2022 World Cup on home soil, Ali started all three matches but failed to score, and Qatar's campaign ended without a single point. The experience of being a host nation's striker under that level of scrutiny was a unique burden. His 47 international goals include hat-tricks against Afghanistan, Cambodia, and Bangladesh in World Cup qualifying.

World Cup 2026 Outlook

Ali will be 30 during the 2026 World Cup and Qatar must navigate a difficult AFC qualifying path to reach the tournament. His goal record in Asia is exceptional, but the 2022 World Cup highlighted the gap between his production against weaker Asian defences and against top-tier international opposition. If Qatar qualify, his role would likely shift to a more physical, hold-up function rather than being the primary goal threat. His partnership with Akram Afif remains Qatar's best hope for creating chances, but much depends on the quality of service he receives against opponents who will not afford him time or space.