Doha, October 16, 2025: Qatar’s most-capped footballer Hassan Al Haydos has pledged to finance the construction of a school and sports hall in Gaza, dedicating the gesture to the people of Palestine following Qatar’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Qatar will make their second World Cup appearance, and their first earned through the Asian qualification process, after hosting the 2022 tournament.
The 34-year-old forward, who returned to international football this year after briefly retiring in 2024, played a key role in Qatar’s 2–1 victory over the United Arab Emirates in Doha on Tuesday, a win that secured the team’s top spot in Group A and a direct ticket to the tournament in North America.
“Praise be to God for our national team’s qualification to the 2026 World Cup finals,” said Al Haydos, a two-time Asian Cup winner, in a statement. “This is a new achievement that brings joy to every Qatari and everyone who belongs to this homeland — made possible by the determination and strong will of our players despite all challenges.”
Linking Qatar’s sporting success with humanitarian responsibility, Al Haydos referenced the recent ceasefire in Gaza and the peace summit held in Egypt’s Sharm El-Sheikh on October 13.
“In moments of celebration, our responsibility remains to remember the suffering of our brothers and sisters across the world, and to let our success be a motivation for giving,” he said. “It is heartening that this qualification coincides with the peace summit and the success of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, which we hope marks the beginning of a truly safe life for our people there.”
He announced that he would personally donate towards building a school and sports hall as part of Gaza’s reconstruction efforts, saying he believes “education and sports are the path to life once again.”
The pledge comes amid renewed international efforts to rebuild Gaza following two years of devastating conflict and the recent ceasefire that has temporarily halted hostilities in the region.
