Qatar Eye World Cup Redemption as Al Haydos Backs Al Annabi's Chances

Doha is counting down to a World Cup that will feel very different from the last one. When Qatar walk out against Switzerland in Santa Clara on June 13, it will be the country's second straight appearance at the finals, but the first earned on the pitch rather than as hosts.

Captain Hassan Al Haydos, who made his international debut in a 2008 World Cup qualifier and has since collected 184 caps, set the tone this week. “We believe in our chances in this tournament,” he said, as Julen Lopetegui's side put the finishing touches to their preparations.

The veteran forward was clear-eyed about the task. Drawn in Group B alongside Switzerland, Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar face one of the tournament's harder sections. “From my perspective, this group isn't easy. It's a tough group,” Al Haydos said. “Switzerland are one of the strongest teams in Europe or the world. Canada will be playing at home in front of their fans.” Qatar are targeting a place in the Round of 32, with the expanded 48-team format sending the top two from each group and the eight best third-placed sides into the knockout rounds.

The mood at home carries the weight of 2022. As tournament hosts, Qatar exited without a point, the first host nation to lose all three group matches. This time Al Annabi arrive as twice Asian champions who came through a competitive qualifying campaign, beating the United Arab Emirates in the decisive playoff to book their ticket to North America.

Off the pitch, Qatar is mobilising its support. The DAAM fund and the Qatar Football Association have agreed to finance the travel of roughly 1,000 Qatari fans to the United States and Canada, covering flights on Qatar Airways, accommodation and local transport. “This support goes beyond being merely a supporters' trip. It represents a message of loyalty and encouragement for our national team,” said Hassan Al Obaidly of DAAM. QFA Secretary General Mansoor Al Ansari called the backing “a key pillar” of the federation's operational plans for the finals.

For Al Haydos and his team, the immediate focus is narrow. “Our main focus right now is on the first match, how to be ready for it and how to perform well and get a positive result,” he said. After the disappointment of four years ago, Qatar's measure of success in 2026 is straightforward: turn up, compete, and leave the group stage with something to show for it.