Julen Lopetegui has announced a 34-man preliminary squad for Qatar’s World Cup campaign, with the final 26 players set to be selected for the tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The Spanish coach has largely stuck with his core group, with Akram Afif leading the Asian side that aims to surprise in Group B alongside Switzerland, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Canada.
The biggest talking point is the inclusion of striker Sebastian Soria, born on November 8, 1983. The powerful forward, who was born in Uruguay but naturalized as a Qatari citizen, first represented Qatar in 2007. With 123 international caps, the 42-year-old could become the oldest outfield player to feature in a World Cup match if he makes the final 26. That record is currently held by Roger Milla, who played in the 1994 World Cup in the United States at 42 years and 3 days old.
Among goalkeepers, Egypt’s Essam El Hadary is the oldest to have played minutes in a World Cup, doing so at 45 years and 161 days in Russia 2018. Colombian Faryd Mondragón is second, having played at 43 years and 3 days, also in Russia.
Lopetegui previously called up the Qatar SC striker for the World Cup playoff against the UAE, where he played 30 minutes in a 2-1 victory that secured Qatar’s place. The decision drew criticism, but the coach has defended his choice and reaffirmed it with this selection.