Hassan Al Haydos, who led Qatar to the 2022 FIFA World Cup after winning the 2019 Asian Cup, is coming out of retirement to help the national team once again. He will lead Qatar in the 2026 World Cup qualifying playoffs.
The Qatar Football Association (QFA) announced that Al Haydos has rejoined the team following a request from new coach Julen Lopetegui. The QFA said his experience will provide the team with talent and inspiration as they attempt to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Al Haydos has played 183 times for Qatar since making his debut in 2008, scoring 41 goals. He has also played for Qatar’s under-20 and under-23 teams. He retired from the national team on 16 March 2024. He has been with Al Haydos Al Sadd since 1998, starting in the youth team and joining the senior team in the 2006–07 season. He has helped Al Sadd win several league and continental titles.
Qatar still has a chance to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, but after finishing fourth in their final group, they must go through a play-off round. The teams that finished third and fourth in the three groups in the third round will be placed in two new groups. The top team from each of these new groups will qualify for the World Cup. The second-placed teams will advance to the final play-off round. The matches will start in October.
