Lopetegui selects Almoez Ali for Qatar World Cup squad

Qatar's coach Julen Lopetegui has named Almoez Ali, the nation's all-time leading scorer, in his World Cup squad. Ali has scored 60 goals in 126 matches for Qatar, making him a key player as the team prepares for the tournament. Lopetegui's 26-man squad includes nine forwards, highlighting a focus on offensive options. Alongside Ali, two-time Asian Player of the Year Akram Afif is also included. Qatar aims to improve upon their disappointing showing in the last World Cup, where they lost all three group matches. Their first match will be against Switzerland on 13 June in Santa Clara.

• 9:35 PMYahoo Sports — Lopetegui picks Ali in Qatar World Cup squad