Will Antoine Griezmann make it to the 2026 World Cup with France? We analyze statistics, current events, and his role with Les Bleus on their way to the most important tournament on the planet.
Home
»
World Cup 2026
»
WILL HASSAN AL-HAYDOS PLAY IN THE 2026 WORLD CUP?
Hassan Al-Haydos is synonymous with Qatari football. Captain, symbol, and living legend of Al-Sadd and the national team, he has been the face of a generation that led the host country to its first World Cup in 2022. But now, at 35 years old and with a record-breaking career, the question is inevitable: will he make it to the 2026 World Cup? In this article, we review his career, analyze his current form, his most recent statistics, and explore how his experience can continue to be key for a team seeking to establish itself on the international stage.
The Road to 2026
Born in Doha in December 1990, Hassan Al-Haydos has been the heart of the Qatar national team for almost two decades. Since his international debut in 2008, he became a role model on and off the field. His leadership, technique, and vision led him to become the most-capped player in Qatar's history, with over 180 international appearances.
The 2022 World Cup was special for him. Not only because it was played at home, but also because he was the face of Qatar's football project. Although the team did not advance from the group stage, Al-Haydos showed commitment and pride, leading by example. Looking ahead to 2026, he would be 35 years old, an advanced age for a winger or attacking midfielder, but not necessarily an impediment, especially considering his excellent physical condition and role as a mentor to the new generations. Following the 2022 World Cup, Qatar began a renewal process. The objective: to prepare a competitive team for the upcoming Asian Cups and, of course, for the 2026 World Cup. With the expansion to 48 teams, the chances of qualification increased for Asian clubs. In that context, Al-Haydos' presence could be crucial to balancing youth and experience. He has played over 180 international matches, an absolute record in Qatar. He has scored over 40 goals for the national team. He participated in three Asian Cups and was a champion in 2019. He captained the team in all three matches of the 2022 World Cup. If the new coaching staff manages to qualify for the World Cup again, it is very likely that Al-Haydos will be present, at least as a leader in the locker room. His knowledge of the game, his ability to motivate young players, and his discipline make him a difficult figure to replace. Regardless of his age, his role in the process towards 2026 will be as important off the field as on it.
Playing Style and Recent Statistics
Hassan Al-Haydos hasn't lost his essence: elegant, technically gifted, and with a game reading that improves with age. While he no longer possesses the same explosiveness of his early days, he has reinvented himself as an attacking midfielder and playmaker, leveraging his vision and passing accuracy. His style is based on intelligence: knowing when to accelerate, when to pause, and how to connect the lines between midfield and attack.
At Al-Sadd, his lifelong club, he remains a decisive player. In the 2024-2025 season, he recorded 7 goals and 9 assists in 26 Qatar Stars League matches. His passing accuracy hovers around 86%, and he maintains an average of 2.1 key passes per game. Furthermore, he is responsible for taking most of the team's free kicks and penalties. A technical and emotional leader. In the national team, Al-Haydos no longer runs the full 90 minutes as he used to, but his influence is enormous. He knows when to press, when to calm his teammates, and how to handle difficult moments. At the 2022 World Cup, he was one of the most active players in attacking duels, demonstrating that his commitment remains undiminished. He averages 1.9 shots per game with Al-Sadd. He registers a direct goal involvement every 150 minutes. He has a 78% success rate in one-on-one duels. He has played over 600 matches in his professional career. His tactical adaptability allows him to fit into different formations. He can play as a classic attacking midfielder, as a right winger, or even as an attacking midfielder. That versatility is key for the coach, especially in short tournaments where tactical changes are frequent. In short, Hassan Al-Haydos is the kind of player who, even as the years go by, always finds a way to remain useful. Furthermore, his professional example has inspired a new generation of Qatari players like Akram Afif and Almoez Ali. In every training session, he can be seen advising, correcting, and motivating, like a mentor who knows his legacy goes beyond goals or assists.
Curiosities, Legacy, and Future
To speak of Hassan Al-Haydos is to speak of living history in Qatari football. Since the age of eight, he has been with Al-Sadd, the country's most successful club, where he has won more than 20 titles, including leagues, national cups, and the AFC Champions League. His loyalty to the club is a rare trait in modern football.
Off the field, Al-Haydos is a discreet and respected man. He rarely appears in controversies or headlines outside of football. He is a symbol of professionalism, and younger generations see him as a role model.
He also has a peculiar hobby: he's a motorsport enthusiast and usually attends the Qatar Grand Prix races whenever his schedule allows.
Interesting Facts and Unforgettable Moments
He scored his first goal for the national team at 18 years old against Kuwait.
He scored more than 100 goals for Al-Sadd in official competitions.
He was named Qatar's "Player of the Year" three times.
He captained Qatar to the 2019 Asian Cup title, the greatest achievement in the country's history.
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED
