Hassan al-Haydos is set to make a surprise return to international football after the Qatar Football Association revealed Saturday that head coach Julen Lopetegui has requested the veteran forward’s presence for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification playoffs.

The QFA said in a statement that al-Haydos is “at the forefront of the national team’s journey,” signalling the 34-year-old’s reintegration into the side more than a year after he announced his retirement from international duty.

In a statement QFA said: “Hassan al-Haydos is at the forefront of the national team squad for the 2026 World Cup qualification playoffs, in a positive move responding to coach Julen Lopetegui's request to strengthen the team with experienced players. His presence is expected to bring both technical and emotional value, providing leadership and support in the pursuit of the big dream that will delight Al Annabi’s fans — the dream of securing a place at the World Cup.”

Al-Haydos, Qatar’s most capped player with 183 appearances and 41 goals, retired in March 2024 after leading the team to back-to-back Asian Cup titles. His return is seen as a move to inject experience, leadership, and emotional stability as Qatar face a high-stakes playoff matches in October in their quest to reach the 2026 World Cup.

Lopetegui, who took over the reins in May, began his tenure with a morale-boosting 1–0 win over Iran that sealed Qatar’s place in the playoffs. The team, however, finished fourth in Group A and missed out on automatic qualification, making the upcoming matches their final route to the tournament.

Al-Haydos has remained active at club level and recently renewed his contract with Qatar Stars League champions Al Sadd. A product of the club’s youth system since the age of eight, he has been a mainstay in the squad for nearly two decades, guiding them to multiple domestic titles and continental success.

Reflecting on the extension, Al Haydos said: “Leadership is a responsibility, and the Al Sadd players are like my brothers. Our goal as a family is one — to always keep Al Sadd at the top.”

Should his return to Al Annabi materialise, al-Haydos would rejoin the national side at a crucial moment, as Lopetegui looks to blend youth with experience to steer Qatar back to the global stage.
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