Coming from one of Qatar’s most accomplished sporting families — and having a brother in Olympic high jump champion Mutaz — recognition did not come automatically for Meshaal Barsham. His early years at Al-Sadd were marked by mistakes and scrutiny, none more glaring than his continental debut in front of over 78,000 fans at the Azadi Stadium, where a harmless back-pass slid past him into the goal.

Yet, trusted by Xavi when others might have looked elsewhere, Barsham gradually became what every successful side craves: a goalkeeper whose confidence radiates onto his defenders. Quick off his line and comfortable in possession, his reliability carried him through coach after coach and into becoming the safe pair of hands for club and country. Shootout victories in the 2021 Arab Cup and 2023 Asian Cup burnished his reputation as a penalty specialist; the latter also brought him the Golden Glove.

But prolonged dominance can breed comfort. This past season Barsham has faltered, and for the first time in years, genuine competition has arrived in Mahmoud Abunada, who has nudged ahead in the World Cup reckoning. Lopetegui will hope the challenge rekindles the sharpness that once made Barsham indispensable.