Qatar vs. Ecuador World Cup lineups, starting 11 for Group A match at Qatar 2022

The eyes of the world will be on controversial hosts Qatar when they kick off their home World Cup against Ecuador on Sunday.

A fractious build-up casting light on multiple deeply concerning off-field issues will give way to Felix Sanchez's Asian champions taking on their South American opponents, who are at the finals for the fourth time in their history — with all of those qualifications having come this century.

Prolific forward Almoez Ali can become Qatar's all-time leading scorer outright if he finds the net and adds to a tally of 42 international goals.

Gustavo Alfaro's Ecuador will have designs on reaching the knockout stages for the first time since 2006 and El Tri boast several faces familiar to Premier League fans, including Brighton trio Pervis Estupinan, Moises Caicedo and Jeremy Sarmiento.

Below are the projected lineups for both teams based on the latest news leading up to the match.

MORE: Qatar vs. Ecuador time, live stream, TV channel, lineups, odds for FIFA Qatar 2022 match

Qatar vs. Ecuador lineups

The main question for the hosts was whether wide-attacker Akram Afif will return up front, having missed the 1-0 win over Albania. He does indeed return, partnering with Almoez Ali.

Alfaro has options at multiple positions, but it was never a question whether Enner Valencia, who is in sensational form at the club level with Fenerbahce, would be there. Valencia is a versatile player who likes to start out wide and cut in front the left.

🔥 Aquí están los 26 jugadores elegidos por el DT #GustavoAlfaro para jugar la @fifaworldcup_es, estamos listos para hacer historia @PilsenerEcuador

❤️ ¡Un solo latido que representa a 18 millones de ecuatorianos! #HaremosHistoria pic.twitter.com/xy1grHHBAc

— La Tri 🇪🇨 (@LaTri) November 14, 2022

Below are the projected starting lineups for both teams ahead of their match at Al Bayt Stadium on November 20.

Qatar starting 11

Qatar confirmed lineup (5-3-2, right to left): 1-Al Sheeb (GK) – 14-Ahmed, 3-Hassan, 16-Khoukhi, 15-Al Rawi, 2-Pedro Miguel – 6-Hatim, 12-Boudiaf, 10-Al-Haydos – 11-Afif, 19-Ali

• Injured: Alaaeldin
• Suspended: none

The win over Albania was Qatar's fourth consecutive victory as part of a training camp that has effectively lasted since September.

Former Villarreal player Afif has scored 26 goals in 89 international appearances and the chances of his selection increased when Ahmed Alaaeldin limped out of the action.

Attacking midfielder Hassan Al-Haydos has been selected to support the striker partnership of Almoez Ali and Akram Afif, in what makes for a very attacking lineup from head coach Felix Sanchez. Also selected in midfield is Abdulaziz Hatim who gets the start over Ali Asad.

Ecuador starting 11

Ecuador confirmed lineup (4-4-2, right to left): 1. Galindez (GK) — 17. A. Preciado, 3. Hincapie, 2. F. Torres, 7. Estupinan — 19. Plata, 20. Mendez, 23. Caicedo, 10. Ibarra — 13. Valencia, 11. Estrada.

• Injured: none
• Suspended: none

In support of Valencia, Romario Ibarra and Gonzalo Plata are the wide options in midfield, while Jeremy Sarmiento can provide energy off the bench.

At the defensive midfield position, Alfaro had his biggest call between Jhegson Mendez and Carlos Gruezo, and it's Mendez who gets the call with neither player in particularly great form.

At the back, Piero Hincapie has 21 caps already at just 20 years old, and has swiftly become a regular starter. His partner is Felix Torres of Liga MX side Santos Laguna, chosen over Robert Arboleda, Xavier Arreaga and Jackson Porozo.

Qatar vs. Ecuador World Cup squads

Here are the 26 names on Qatar and Ecuador's World Cup squad:

Qatar

Ecuador: