RIO DE JANEIRO: Qatar squad on Thursday will head to Rio de Janeiro for their first match at Copa America. Based in the coastal town of Porta Belo for the last two weeks, Qatar have been training and practicing at full speed for their debut in the world's oldest football tournament. On Sunday, Qatar - coached by Felix Sanchez - face Paraguay in their opening match at the famous Maracana stadium. Since arriving Brazil more than two weeks ago, Qatar have played an international friendly against Brazil and another match against a club side to prepare for the three-week event. Asian champions Qatar are one of the invited teams to feature in the tournament. Former Asian Cup champions Japan are also taking part in this year's event. Last week coach Sanchez announced a 23-member squad that will be captained by Al Sadd star Hassan Al Haydos.