Qatar's striker is on the verge of breaking a World Cup record.

(Dan Tri Newspaper) - Forward Sebastian Soria has the opportunity to become the oldest winger in World Cup history, after he was included in Qatar's preliminary squad by coach Julen Lopetegui.

The Qatar national team has announced its preliminary 34-player squad for the 2026 World Cup. Among them, Sebastian Soria's name has created a real sensation in the international media. This is not only the return of a legendary striker but also preparation for a great record.

Striker Soria during the 2018 World Cup qualifying match between Qatar and Syria (Photo: Getty).

According to the schedule, the 2026 World Cup will kick off on June 11th. If Soria (who will turn 43 on November 8th this year) is retained in the final 26-player squad and plays, he will officially break the record of Cameroonian legend Roger Milla. In 1994, Milla amazed the world when he played at the age of 42 years and 3 days.

Although the record for the oldest player of all time still belongs to goalkeeper Essam El Hadary (45 years old, Egypt), for a player who moves around the field, Soria's milestone is considered a feat of physical fitness and endurance.

Besides Soria, this year's World Cup also features another veteran goalkeeper, Craig Gordon (Scotland), who is also 43 years old and is racing against time to recover from injury in order to participate.

Born and raised in Uruguay, Sebastian Soria has dedicated his career to the red jersey of the Qatar national team. From the 2006 Asian Games gold medal to crucial goals against Japan and Vietnam at the Asian Cup, Soria has become an indispensable part of the football history of this Gulf nation.

It seemed as though his international career was over after not being called up for the 2022 World Cup on home soil, but Soria proved that age is just a number.

He was recalled last October and immediately made his mark in the decisive victory against the UAE, leading Qatar to the biggest football event on the planet in 2026. "Proud to once again wear the Al Anabi jersey and represent this wonderful country," Soria shared emotionally on his personal page after his successful comeback.

Qatar's preliminary list of 34 players preparing for the 2026 World Cup (Photo: QFA).

At the 2026 World Cup, the Qatar national team is in Group B. According to the schedule, Soria and his teammates will face Switzerland (June 13), Canada (June 18), and Bosnia-Herzegovina (June 24) in succession.

This group is considered manageable, giving Qatar a chance to advance, and Sebastian Soria's extensive experience will undoubtedly be a huge morale boost for his younger teammates.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/tien-dao-doi-tuyen-qatar-sap-pha-ky-luc-world-cup-20260513112414576.htm