Alex Twal to Captain Lebanon at 2026 World Cup
The veteran leader will guide the national rugby league team in their upcoming opening match against the PNG Kumuls.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Soccer
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Alex Twal has been named captain of the Lebanon national rugby league team for the 2026 World Cup. The squad is set to face the PNG Kumuls in their tournament opener on October 17, 2026.
Why it matters
Twal is returning to the international stage to lead the team, citing his deep passion for his heritage and culture as the primary motivation for his campaign. The team is aiming to surpass their previous quarter-final achievements by reaching the semi-finals.
The Lebanon squad previously reached the quarter-finals during the 2017 and 2022 World Cup tournaments. Alex Twal last played for the team in the 2017 tournament after missing the 2022 edition due to injury.
The players
Alex Twal
He is a veteran rugby league player serving as the captain of the Lebanon national team for the 2026 World Cup.
Michael Cheika
He is the head coach of the Lebanon national rugby league team and oversees the squad's preparation.
Adam Doueihi
He is a professional rugby league player who has been excluded from the current Lebanon roster due to an injury.
The details
The team recently held an open training session at Langlands Park on October 12, 2026, under the supervision of head coach Michael Cheika and staff members Matt King, Robbie Farah, Nick Davis, and Will Genia. While Twal prepares to lead the roster, the squad will be without Adam Doueihi, who is excluded due to injury.
Timeline
Alex Twal last played for the national team in 2017.
Twal missed the 2022 World Cup tournament due to injury.
Lebanon held an open training session on October 12, 2026.
The match against the PNG Kumuls takes place on October 17, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The current 2026 tournament campaign represents a pivotal moment for Lebanon to build on their past success in the 2022 Rugby League World Cup. Advancing to the semi-finals would signify a historic shift for the program and alter the competitive balance within their bracket.
The exclusion of Adam Doueihi from the roster forces a significant shift in the team's lineup and on-field rotation for the tournament. Fans should note that the absence of a key playmaker will likely impact the squad's offensive strategy against the PNG Kumuls.
The takeaway
Twal represents a major leadership presence for the squad as they pursue a deeper tournament run. His commitment to the national heritage continues to serve as a rallying point for the team and its supporters.
Further reading
For more on international competitions, visit our Soccer section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mail Online.
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