Hassan Al Haydos, the esteemed captain of the Qatar national football team, has announced a significant pledge to fund the construction of a new school and a sports center in the Gaza region. This humanitarian commitment follows a momentous achievement for Qatari football, as the national team successfully secured its qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
This upcoming tournament will mark Qatar’s second appearance on football’s biggest stage, a significant milestone for the nation. Unlike their debut in the 2022 World Cup, where they participated as the host nation, the 2026 qualification was earned through their own formidable performance in the Asian qualifiers. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Al Haydos, a towering figure in Qatari football, boasts an unparalleled record of 183 international appearances and 41 goals for his country. His exceptional leadership and inspiring presence have been crucial in motivating his teammates from Al Sadd FC and across the national squad to achieve their World Cup dream through competitive qualifying matches. The 34-year-old forward, who briefly retired in 2024 before rejoining the national team in 2025, expressed immense pride in this second qualification, hailing it as an extraordinary accomplishment that brought immense joy to the people of Qatar.
Beyond the celebrations, Al Haydos also conveyed heartfelt solidarity with people suffering from conflicts globally, emphasizing his deep concern for humanitarian issues. He specifically welcomed the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza region. The Al Sadd SC player voiced his hope for improved safety and living conditions for Gaza’s residents, underscoring his pledge to provide financial backing for educational and sporting infrastructure in the beleaguered territory.
In a moving statement, Al Haydos remarked, “While we are celebrating, some people around the world are suffering. It is truly exciting that this automatic qualification comes at the same time as a peace agreement and ceasefire have been made in the Gaza region. I will contribute by providing funds for the construction of a school and a sports center, as part of rebuilding the Gaza region. I believe that education and sports will provide a path to a better life for them.”
Qatar secured its place in the 2026 World Cup by topping its group in the fourth round of the Asian qualifiers, outperforming strong contenders like the United Arab Emirates and Oman. The much-anticipated global football tournament is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
