Malayali player Tahsin Mohammed included in Qatar’s 34-men squad for FIFA World Cup 2026

Updated: May 14th, 2026

(source @ tahsinmj)

A 19-year-old Malayali footballer, Tahsin Mohammed, has been included in Qatar’s preliminary squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The Qatar Football Association announced a 34 member team list ahead of the tournament, which will begin on June 11.

Tahsin is a winger who plays for Al-Duhail SC in the ‘Qatar Stars League’. Reportedly the Qatar national team is currently coached by former Spain coach Julen Lopetegui. All participating countries must announce their final squads before June 11, and each team can have a maximum of 26 players.

If Tahsin is selected in Qatar’s final squad, he could become the first player with both parents being Malayalis to play in the men’s FIFA World Cup. Tahsin was born in Qatar to Malayali parents. His father, Jamshid Thachankandy, is from Thalassery in Kerala, while his mother, Shaima, belongs to Valapattanam, as per reports.

At the age of 17, Tahsin became the first player of Indian origin to play in Qatar's top football division. He was also part of Qatar’s World Cup qualifying matches in 2024.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19. Qatar is one of the 48 teams participating in the tournament. 

ahsin’s selection in the preliminary squad has created excitement among football fans in Kerala and the Indian football community. Many people see his journey as an inspiration for young Indian origin players living abroad who dream of playing at the highest level.