Since making his debut for the national team in 2007, Hassan Khalid Al-Haydos has become a central figure of Al Annabi. With 184 appearances for the Qatar national team and over 50 international goals, his impact on the field is evident, but his leadership is equally vital off the field. Having won the Emir of Qatar Cup six times and the Qatar Stars League six times, Al-Haydos brings years of experience to Al Sadd club. In his recent interview, the captain shared insights into the team’s preparations for the upcoming World Cup, including their focus and the responsibility they feel in representing Qatar globally. As captain of the national team, his presence provides leadership and stability as Qatar continues its push toward football’s biggest tournament.
How did your football journey begin?
My journey with football began when I was about eight years old. We played in an open space, nothing fancy, but to me, it meant the world. That’s where my passion started. Even as a kid, I had one clear dream — to play for Al Annabi and wear the shirt. As I got older, that childhood dream became a real goal.
What does representing Qatar on the world’s biggest football stage mean to you, especially after already experiencing the World Cup in 2022 as hosts?
Representing Qatar on the world’s biggest football stage is not just an achievement; it is a responsibility and a moment of immense pride. Any player feels honored to represent his country, but doing so at a World Cup carries a different meaning when you stand up for your nation in front of the entire world. Experiencing the 2022 World Cup on home soil made that feeling even more special. When I look back, playing a historic tournament in our own country, surrounded by our fans and familiar stadiums, was unforgettable. At the same time, it gave us a clear understanding of the level needed to compete at the top. That experience taught us valuable lessons, both individually and as a team. Above all, it is a source of honor and pride to represent Qatar and to have played a part in these historic moments. Being able to contribute to that journey, even in a small way, is something that will always remain one of the greatest privileges of my career.
How different is the challenge of playing on the global stage away from home?
Playing on the global stage away from home presents a distinct challenge. When you compete outside your country, the atmosphere shifts from what your mind and body are used to. The crowds are different, the stadiums feel unfamiliar, and even the smallest details in the environment can affect you. Without the comfort of home support, you must adapt quickly and rely on your preparation and mental strength. However, we approach this challenge with experience. We carry the lessons of 2022 with us, and we hope to benefit from them. The federation and administration carefully consider every factor to ensure we are ready for any situation we might face in 2026. Our goal is clear, and it is to reach a level better than what we achieved before. In the end, whether at home or abroad, the meaning remains the same for me. Wearing the national shirt is the greatest honor, and it is a responsibility I carry with pride every time I step onto the pitch.
As you look ahead to the 2026 World Cup, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, what are your expectations for the tournament?
As I look ahead to 2026, I have positive expectations for the tournament, both personally and as a team. I recognize that the conditions will be very different from what we experienced in Qatar. In 2022, everything was close by. The stadiums were not far apart, and traveling between matches was simple and convenient, with minimal travel time. The environment allowed us to focus almost entirely on football. In 2026, that won't be the case. With the tournament hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, travel and transportation between matches will be part of the challenge. Long flights and constant movement can be exhausting, especially for us as players, since this isn't something we're used to in major tournaments. Because of that, preparation becomes even more crucial. I hope we are fully prepared and properly equipped to handle these circumstances, physically and mentally, so that travel doesn't impact our performance on the field.
With Qatar set to play its group matches in Vancouver, San Francisco, and Seattle, how is the team preparing for the conditions and atmosphere of playing there?
Preparation for a tournament like this starts months in advance. We already have a clear schedule. In March, we have two scheduled matches, along with the Emir Cup, which gives us a competitive rhythm. After that, we will play a match in Ireland against the Irish National Team, which will expose us to a different environment. From that point, we’ll continue our preparations in the United States. That’s important, especially since we’ll be playing group matches in San Francisco and Seattle, as well as Vancouver in Canada. Every city has its own unique atmosphere, characterized by distinct weather, stadium energy, and travel demands. And it’s not just about what happens during the 90 minutes; it’s about adjusting to everything around the match. By playing and training in these environments ahead of time, we give ourselves ample time to adapt. So, the idea is to arrive feeling familiar with the surroundings, not surprised by them.
How would you describe the journey of the national team over the past few years?
To be honest, over the past few years with the national team, we have experienced ups and downs. At times, there has been a noticeable difference in our level from one competition to another. But that is part of growth. With the new training drills and strategies, I feel there is a clear effort to raise our standards. Personally, I believe we can perform at a higher level than we did in 2022, with better results and a stronger overall performance. That said, this tournament will be difficult for everyone. The level of competition continues to rise, and each edition feels more challenging than the last. Football is constantly progressing, and so must we. If we want to compete and make an impact in 2026, it will require hard work and belief. My expectation is not only to participate, but to show that we have developed as a team and that we are ready to compete at a higher level.
What key takeaways from the Asian qualification do you intend to carry into the 2026 World Cup?
The Asian qualifications were extremely challenging, and looking back, we learned a lot from that journey. Our initial goal may have been to advance directly in the first round, but we faced some setbacks along the way that prevented us from achieving that immediately. Those experiences, however, became valuable lessons, not just for the players but also for the technical staff and the administration. All of these lessons will have a positive impact on how we approach the upcoming World Cup. Qualifications are very different from tournaments themselves. Matches are spaced weeks apart, and so much can change during that time. Players’ form can vary, injuries can occur, and team dynamics can shift. The long journey of qualifications, which often extends beyond a year, truly tests resilience and adaptability in ways a tournament doesn’t. That said, the key takeaway from this process is learning how to remain focused and to adapt to unexpected circumstances when we step onto the field at the 2026 World Cup.
You’ve led Qatar to two Asian Cup titles in 2019 and 2023. Looking back, what do those victories represent to you personally and as a leader of this generation?
Looking back, those two AFC Asian Cup titles represent a defining period for this generation of Qatari football. Before the 2019 tournament, the team had undergone a complete transformation. In 2017, a new generation led by players like Akram and Almoez came in under a new coach, and only three or four players remained from the previous squad. It was a drastic shift, and at the time, many people questioned it. On top of that, there was also a coaching change, which added another layer of uncertainty. Internally, we understood that if this transition was going to succeed, the two generations had to come together as one group with a shared objective. I remember sitting with the coach and making it clear that we would support him fully. At the end of the day, trust is essential when it comes to the staff, players, and the process itself. On the field, trust is critical. You fight for your teammates, and they fight for you. That was the message I carried to the rest of the team. The early results were not ideal, but we stayed aligned. Over time, that belief translated into performances, and the pride everyone felt in 2019 and again in the 2023 edition (played in 2024) was the result of that collective unity.
What do you hope people take away from these victories?
Personally, I am proud to have captained the team to back-to-back Asian Cup titles. But those victories were never about one individual. They were built by the players, the technical staff, the medical team, and the administration. The real secret behind both championships was the unity and determination within the squad. Lifting the trophy with this group and sharing that moment with His Highness the Amir is something that will remain with us forever.
Every captain has their own style. How would you describe yours, both on the field and behind the scenes?
As captain, my responsibility goes far beyond what happens on the pitch. One of the simplest but most important things I insisted on during camps was having a dedicated majlis, which is a traditional seating area, where we would gather after lunch or dinner. It may seem small, but it created a space for conversation and connection. Younger players, especially at the international level, often feel pressure and tend to isolate themselves off the pitch. By creating regular moments where we sat together, talked, and interacted naturally, we broke down barriers between the older and younger players. That closeness strengthened relationships, and it was directly reflected in our performances. As a result, there was no distinction between regular players and squad players. Everyone had value. As senior players, it was our duty to set the standard in training, discipline, time management, and professionalism. I must say, young players observe everything. They absorb habits quickly, so leadership had to be demonstrated daily, not just spoken about.
What do you think has been the key to Qatar’s success in organizing major tournaments over the past few years?
The key to Qatar’s consistency in major tournaments has been structured planning and proper execution at every level. There has always been clear preparation well in advance of competitions, with strong organization around the team. When everything is managed professionally, the entire events run smoothly. That stability removes unnecessary pressure and creates the right environment to compete. The organization of the 2022 FIFA World Cup held in Qatar is a clear example of this standard, as Qatar set a very high benchmark in hosting the tournament.
How would you describe the role of the medical team within the national team?
From a player’s perspective, the medical team is one of the most important components of a professional football team. The treatment room is often the most critical space within a club or national team setting. Players pass through it daily before training or matches to prepare themselves. Because of that, the medical staff must maintain a professional and positive environment. Any negativity or uncertainty in that space can affect a player mentally, and that impact can easily carry onto the pitch.
From a player’s perspective, what qualities are essential in medical staff working in professional football?
I believe that cooperation and dedication are essential qualities. Without full commitment and alignment between the medical staff and players, it is difficult to build the trust required in high-performance environments. Players depend on their knowledge and must trust their judgment. At the same time, communication is crucial. Decisions should not be made in haste. Each case must be carefully evaluated to provide the most accurate medical assessment. The priority is always to protect the players’ short- and long-term health, and ensure the team is fully prepared to perform. Medical staff must have strong expertise and a clear understanding of their field. Our national team doctor, Dr. Ian McGuinness, perfectly embodies that experience and support for the players. I believe that when the medical staff work with players over an extended period, they gain a deeper understanding of their physical condition and individual characteristics. That familiarity strengthens trust and improves decision-making over time.
What advice would you give to the next generation of Qatari players who dream of following in your footsteps and representing the national team?
Representing your country is a privilege that carries responsibility. It requires not only talent but also professionalism and commitment, irrespective of the field you are in. The next generation of Qatari players must approach their careers with complete dedication. I have full confidence in them and will continue to support the development of young football talent in the region. Success in football, as in any field, comes from consistent hard work and discipline. For aspiring national team players, it is essential to fully commit during training and matches, while learning to block out distractions and give their best on the pitch. At the same time, maintaining balance in life is important, with space for family and friends, but when on the field, every moment should be maximized to reach your full potential.
I would also encourage the next generation of players to participate in youth tournaments early on. These competitions help develop technical skills and mental resilience. Overall, young players should make use of any opportunity available, absorb guidance from experts, and be willing to learn from every experience. I would argue that growth comes from listening, observing, and applying what is taught at any given moment.
What’s next on the horizon for you? Are there still personal goals or milestones you are determined to reach?
Thank God, my football journey has unfolded the way it has. I couldn’t have imagined that my career would reach this level, or that I would have the opportunity to compete in the championships I’ve played in. I feel grateful for every step that brought me here today. Looking ahead, my next goal is to represent Qatar in the best possible way at the 2026 World Cup. I hope that our performance and determination reflect positively on the Qatari people and that it gives them a sense of pride. At the end of the day, every match is an opportunity to honor the country I represent.
Looking into the future, what role do you hope to play in football?
Beyond that point, even when I retire from playing professionally, I know I will not step away from football. The sport has been my life, and it will continue to be a part of me. I hope to contribute to football in Qatar and the region by sharing my experience and supporting the growth of the game even further. Perhaps through an administrative position in a club or federation, I want to give back and ensure the next generation has the guidance and opportunities to succeed and leave a positive legacy.
Is there something that I did not ask that you would like to share?
When I started playing football, Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital had just opened its doors, and since then, its impact on sports in Qatar has been remarkable. I want to sincerely thank them for the support they provide to football clubs and federations. Their medical teams are highly organized, the equipment and technology are advanced, and the level of diagnostics and personalized treatment has transformed how players are cared for. So, truly, Aspetar has played a leading role in our achievements at the club level through their sports medicine unit, and their work has had a positive impact on our performance. I’m truly grateful for their contribution to the football scene in the country.
Fai Al-Naimi