There are moments that can define a player’s career forever, and Mohammed Muntari will always have that one evening at Al-Thumama Stadium to point to. On 25 November 2022, Ismail Mohammed delivered a cross from the right, and as Muntari rose above the defence, the stadium rose with him. The header that followed remains Qatar’s first and only World Cup goal to date — a landmark moment in a tournament that ultimately ended in disappointment for Al-Annabi.

As Qatar approach 2026, there is a clear sense of unfinished business. Having qualified on merit, the next step is to turn participation into progress: goals, points, and a stronger imprint on the global stage. In that pursuit, Muntari once again becomes a familiar option.

Four years on from his historic strike, he remains an important presence in the squad. Beyond the memory of that goal, his value lies in his profile: at 6’4″, he offers a physical dimension few others in the team can match. But it is not only height or history that keeps him relevant — it is his work rate, willingness to lead the line, and the reliability he brings when Qatar need an outlet up front.