In a proud moment for Bangladeshi football, 21-year-old Nabil Irfan, a versatile talent from Brahmanbaria, Bangladesh, has been summoned to the Qatar national football team’s camp for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
The young right-back, who also excels as a defensive midfielder for Al-Wakrah SC in Qatar’s Stars League, has caught the eye of Qatar’s new head coach, Julen Lopetegui.
Nabil has been included in the 27-player squad for critical matches against Iran on June 5 and Uzbekistan on June 10, 2025, as Qatar aims to secure a playoff spot for the World Cup.
Nabil’s journey to this call-up began in 2021 when he joined Al-Wakrah SC, where his consistent performances have earned him recognition.
Having previously represented Qatar’s U-23 team, his inclusion in the senior squad marks a significant milestone.
The Qatar Football Association (QFA) celebrated the announcement with enthusiasm, highlighting Nabil’s call-up on their official Facebook page and X platform, underscoring the importance of his addition to the team.
Born in Bangladesh, Nabil is part of a growing wave of expatriate Bangladeshi footballers making their mark globally.
Players like Hamza Chowdhury, Shamit Som, and Fahamidul Islam have represented the Bangladesh national team, and the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) is actively seeking to recruit more diaspora talent.
Nabil’s achievement has sparked excitement across social media, with fans in Bangladesh and Qatar alike celebrating the young star’s rise.
Under Lopetegui’s guidance, Qatar, the reigning back-to-back AFC Asian Cup champions, are fighting to keep their World Cup dreams alive.
Currently fourth in Group A with 10 points, Al Annabi face a formidable challenge against group leaders Iran and second-placed Uzbekistan.
Nabil’s versatility and defensive prowess could prove vital as Qatar aims to secure a spot in the fourth round of qualifiers, where two additional World Cup berths are up for grabs.