Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada in action during the match against El Salvador on Saturday.
Doha, Qatar: For a long time, Meshaal Barsham was the undisputed presence between the posts for Qatar. As one of the heroes of the country’s Asian Cup 2023 triumph, the goalkeeper’s place rarely came under discussion.
Now, with the FIFA World Cup only days away, Mahmoud Abunada has emerged as Julen Lopetegui’s preferred option in goal and appears set to carry Qatar’s hopes into the biggest tournament of his career.
The 26-year-old arrives in North America on the back of a breakthrough season. He helped Al Rayyan lift the QSL Cup and Gulf Club Champions League titles, earned the Qatar Football Association’s Best Goalkeeper of the Season award and strengthened his position in the national team with assured displays in recent friendlies against Ireland and El Salvador.
For Abunada, however, the journey to this point carries a significance that goes beyond trophies and individual recognition.
“Honestly, it’s an indescribable feeling, a national joy, a country’s joy,” Abunada said while reflecting on Qatar’s historic qualification for the World Cup.
“InshaAllah, we can perform at our best in the World Cup.”
Qatar secured their place at the tournament by overcoming the United Arab Emirates in a tense qualifier at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, a victory that sealed the country’s first-ever qualification through the competitive route.
Abunada still remembers how his own national team story began.
“My first call-up was in 2020. I was 20 years old. My family and I were sitting together when suddenly the squad list was posted on social media,” he said.
“Honestly, it’s an indescribable feeling. Representing the national team is a huge thing in my career.”
The goalkeeper’s path started at Al Arabi, where he progressed through the club’s youth ranks before making his professional debut in 2019. Since then, he has steadily developed into one of the country’s leading goalkeepers.
Behind that rise, he says, has been the support of his family.
“Maybe the stage I’ve reached is thanks to my parents’ prayers,” he said.
“My father, may Allah have mercy on him, passed away last year. I wish he could be with me in these moments.”
Drawn in Group B, Al Annabi open their campaign against Switzerland on June 13 before facing co-hosts Canada in the early hours of June 19 Qatar time and Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 24. Switzerland enter the tournament as group favourites, while Canada will enjoy home support.
Yet Qatar believe they are better prepared than they were during their home World Cup four years ago.
“There is nothing easy in the World Cup,” Abunada said.
“Reaching this stage means you are among the best in the world. In football there is no such thing as an easy group or a difficult group. We have to give all our energy on the pitch.”
Qatar’s target is clear. After exiting the 2022 World Cup at the group stage, Al Annabi are determined to reach the knockout rounds for the first time.
Competition for places has intensified under Lopetegui, and Abunada credits the Spanish coach for pushing players to improve.
“The coach always tries to keep me away from the comfort zone in order to motivate me,” he said.
“I always tell myself to give my absolute best in every training session as if it were my last.”
That approach has helped Abunada move from a promising goalkeeper into a player trusted with one of the most demanding roles in the team.
When Qatar begin their World Cup campaign, the goalkeeper knows expectations will be high. It is a responsibility he embraces.
“When you grow up as a passionate fan and then become a footballer, you dream of playing even for just one minute to try to help the national team and help your country,” he said.
“I hope I can represent my country in the best possible way.”
Abunada also knows Qatar will not be facing the challenge alone. He pointed to the impact supporters had during the decisive victory over the UAE and believes their backing can again make a difference.
“The fans are the ones who bring out the very best in a player,” he said.
“We saw in the UAE match they played a huge role in changing the course of the game and creating pressure. Their happiness means a lot to us.
“I thank all the fans and, InshaAllah, we will make you proud in every match.”
