
Return of Hassan Al-Haydos to the Qatari National Team
The Qatari Football Association announced in an official statement the return of the legend Hassan Al-Haydos to the national team despite having retired from international play for about 469 days.
The Qatari Association stated in its announcement: "In a positive step and in response to the request of the national team coach Julen Lopetegui, and to strengthen the team with experienced players, Hassan Al-Haydos tops the list of the team for the World Cup 2026 qualifying playoff."
It added: "His presence is expected to add technical and moral value by providing leadership and support in pursuit of the big dream that will delight the fans of Al-Annabi, which is reaching the World Cup 2026."
The Asian playoff has qualified teams from the UAE, Qatar, Indonesia, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. The qualified teams are set to be placed in two groups, each containing three teams, with each team playing only two matches.
The draw will take place on July 17, while the playoff matches are scheduled for October. The top teams in each group will qualify directly for the World Cup, while the second-placed teams will play a playoff match to qualify for the global playoff.
The Qatari Association stated in its announcement: "In a positive step and in response to the request of the national team coach Julen Lopetegui, and to strengthen the team with experienced players, Hassan Al-Haydos tops the list of the team for the World Cup 2026 qualifying playoff."
It added: "His presence is expected to add technical and moral value by providing leadership and support in pursuit of the big dream that will delight the fans of Al-Annabi, which is reaching the World Cup 2026."
The Asian playoff has qualified teams from the UAE, Qatar, Indonesia, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. The qualified teams are set to be placed in two groups, each containing three teams, with each team playing only two matches.
The draw will take place on July 17, while the playoff matches are scheduled for October. The top teams in each group will qualify directly for the World Cup, while the second-placed teams will play a playoff match to qualify for the global playoff.