Doha: Spanish coach Julen Lopetegui, at the helm of the Qatar football squad, on Monday announced the roster of players called up for the upcoming international friendly against Zimbabwe, scheduled for Nov. 17 at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium. The announcement comes as a strategic move for Qatar as they prepare for the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, which is set to be hosted in Qatar from Dec. 1 to 18, 2025.

According to Qatar News Agency, the roster includes several key players, with some amendments, while missing a few who delivered standout performances that helped the team secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals. This friendly match serves as a critical opportunity for the team to fine-tune their strategies and assess player performances ahead of the major tournament.

The draw for the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 placed Qatar in Group A alongside Tunisia, the winner of the Syria vs. South Sudan playoff, as well as Palestine and Libya. This challenging group stage will require Qatar to perform at their best, making the upcoming friendly against Zimbabwe an essential part of their preparation.