What comes after Abdelkarim Hassan? For years, that question hovered over Qatar’s left-back position, and the rise of Homam Ahmed appeared to provide the answer. A product of Al-Gharafa and Aspire Academy, Homam quickly established himself as a dependable option, capable of operating both in a back four and as a wing-back. His dribbling ability and overlapping runs first caught the eye, before goals such as his superb finish from a tight angle against Honduras at the 2021 Gold Cup further underlined his quality.

Yet, like many of his generation, his early promise has been followed by setbacks. An injury at the 2023 Asian Cup coincided with Mohammed Waad’s emergence at left-back, while two club moves — first to Al-Duhail and then on loan to Aspire-owned Spanish side Cultural Leonesa — have marked a period of transition.

Despite that, Homam has remained firmly in the plans of the national team. Lopetegui has consistently shown faith in him, including in the two pre-World Cup friendlies, and the 26-year-old looks set to remain an important part of Qatar’s plans in North America.