With the World Cup now less than a week away, squads have been confirmed for the event in Qatar.

Seven past and present Reading stars are to travel for the biggest football festival.

Reading Chronicle:

Group A

Netherlands- Nathan Ake

Playing five times for Reading in 2015, it was clear then that the 20-year-old was a cut above the Championship.

He has not played outside the Premier League since, currently with champions Manchester City.

The centre-half will be looking to add to his 29 Oranje caps in Qatar.

Reading Chronicle:

Senegal- Mamadou Loum

The first of three current Reading players on the plane, the midfielder has been a regular since arriving on loan from Porto in the summer.

An African Cup of Nations winner in 2021, the 25-year-old has just three caps to his name for his country.

In a group with the Dutch, hosts Qatar and Ecuador, there are hopes that the Senegal side can go far this time around.

Group B

Iran- Saied Ezatolahi

A promising loan player in 2018, the Iranian suffered a season-ending injury and only featured four times.

A regular for his country, with almost 50 caps to his name, it will be his second World Cup having featured in 2018.

Yet to truly settle at club level, he is currently in Denmark.

Reading Chronicle:

Wales- Chris Gunter

A Royals veteran of over 350 appearances, the full back is Wales’ most decorated player with over a century of caps.

His country’s first World Cup since 1958, the defender featured in the European Championships’ in 2016 and 2020.

Leaving Berkshire in 2020 after eight years, he spent time with Charlton Athletic but is now with AFC Wimbledon.

Reading Chronicle:

Group C

Argentina- Emiliano Martinez

They always say don’t fall in love with loan players but Reading fans did just that in 2019 when goalkeeper Martinez played 18 times and stood-out in between the posts.

Never really breaking into the Arsenal side, he moved to Aston Villa in 2020 and is a regular in the Premier League.

Only making his international debut last year, the stopper has 18 caps to his name.

Reading Chronicle:

Group F

Canada- Junior Hoilett

A key player for the Maple Leafs, Hoilett has spent his entire career contracted to clubs in England.

Fast approaching half a century of appearances for both the Royals and his country, it has been a big year for the winger- with Canada qualifying for their first World Cup in over 30 years.

A regular for Reading this season, he has been played mainly out of position, and excelled at wing-back.

Reading Chronicle:

Group H

Ghana- Baba Rahman

Another almost at 50 international caps, the left-back has been on Chelsea’s books for seven years but is yet to hit 30 matches.

Seven loan spells, including two in RG2, have continued to impress the international committee and the fan favourite is off to Qatar.

With his Blues contract up in 2024, it could be a chance to impress potential suitors.