PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Yusuf Abdurisag |
| Date of Birth | 06/08/1999 (Age: 26) |
| Place of Birth | Mogadishu, Somalia |
| Nationality | Qatari |
| Height | 1.75 m / 5 ft 9 in |
| Weight | 65-74 kg |
| Position | Striker / Winger |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Squad Number | #15 |
| Current Club | Al-Wakrah SC (on loan from Al-Sadd) |
| Previous Clubs | Al-Sadd, Al-Arabi (loan) |
| International Caps | 25+ |
| International Goals | 1 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2026 |
| Contract Until | 2026 (loan ends) |
| Market Value | €275K |
The Frozen Moment
The 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico represented a significant milestone for Qatari football. Yusuf Abdurisag, the 26-year-old forward born in Mogadishu, Somalia, was part of Qatar’s 26-man squad and was entrusted with starting roles in the nation’s campaign.
Abdurisag started both of Qatar’s opening matches against Switzerland and Canada, playing 98 minutes across the two fixtures. His performances were industrious but yielded no goals—he registered no assists, no shots on target of note, and received no disciplinary cards in his 98 minutes of World Cup action.
The tournament ended in group-stage elimination for Qatar, but Abdurisag had achieved something remarkable. Just months earlier, he had helped his country lift the 2023 AFC Asian Cup. The boy from Mogadishu, who had moved to Qatar and risen through the ASPIRE Academy system, had represented his adopted nation on football’s greatest stage.
Origins
Born on August 6, 1999, in Mogadishu, Somalia, Yusuf Abdurisag moved to Qatar and entered the ASPIRE Academy, the country’s elite football development system. His talent was evident early, and he progressed through the ranks to join Al-Sadd’s reserve team in the 2017-18 season.
Abdurisag’s rise through Qatari football was swift. He made his senior debut for Al-Sadd’s first team in 2018-19 and was loaned to Al-Arabi SC for the 2019-20 season to gain valuable first-team experience. He also represented Qatar at various youth levels, earning his senior international debut in 2019.
The Domestic Journey
Al-Sadd (2018-2025):
Abdurisag’s career has been primarily associated with Al-Sadd, one of Qatar’s most successful clubs. He was part of the Al-Sadd squad that won four Qatar Stars League titles (2018-19, 2020-21, 2021-22, 2023-24) and three Emir of Qatar Cups (2019-20, 2020-21, 2023-24).
During the 2024/25 season with Al-Sadd, Abdurisag made 34 league appearances, scoring 6 goals. He also featured in the AFC Champions League, making 4 appearances. His career totals across the Qatar Stars League include 65 appearances and 15 goals.
Loan to Al-Arabi (2019-20):
To gain regular first-team football, Abdurisag was loaned to Al-Arabi SC for the 2019-20 season. The loan spell proved valuable in his development as a professional forward.
Loan to Al-Wakrah (2022-23 and 2025-Present):
Abdurisag had his first loan spell at Al-Wakrah during the 2022-23 season, making 13 appearances and scoring 5 goals. His performances were impressive, prompting Al-Wakrah to secure his services again.
In September 2025, Abdurisag returned to Al-Wakrah on loan from Al-Sadd. The 2025/26 season has been productive—he has made 18 Qatar Stars League appearances, starting 11 matches and accumulating 1,029 minutes of action. He has scored 4 goals, provided 2 assists, and received 3 yellow cards. He also featured in the Emir of Qatar Cup, making 2 appearances for Al-Wakrah.
The Anatomy of His Game
Yusuf Abdurisag is a versatile forward who can operate as a central striker or on the right wing. At 175 cm, he relies on pace, movement, and technical ability rather than physical dominance.
In Possession:
Abdurisag’s strengths lie in his movement off the ball and his ability to find space in the final third. His goal-scoring record across his career—15 goals in 65 Qatar Stars League appearances—demonstrates his ability to contribute consistently. In the 2025/26 season for Al-Wakrah, he has scored 4 goals in 18 appearances.
Out of Possession:
Abdurisag’s work rate has been noted by analysts. In the World Cup qualifying campaign, he contributed 1 goal in 130 minutes of action. His discipline has been generally good, with 3 yellow cards in 18 league appearances during the 2025/26 season.
Psychological Edge:
Abdurisag has demonstrated resilience throughout his career. He was part of the Qatar squad that won the 2023 Asian Cup, featuring in 4 matches. His ability to secure loan moves and continue developing suggests a player with a professional approach to his career.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot (2025/26 Season)
| Competition | Apps | Starts | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Cards (Y/R) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qatar Stars League (Al-Wakrah) | 18 | 11 | 1,029 | 4 | 2 | 3/0 |
| Emir of Qatar Cup | 2 | 2 | 171 | 0 | 0 | 0/0 |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 2 | 2 | 98 | 0 | 0 | 0/0 |
| TOTAL | 22 | 15 | 1,298 | 4 | 2 | 3/0 |
TABLE B: Career Overview
| Season(s) | Club | League/Competition | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018-2025 | Al-Sadd | Qatar Stars League | 34+ | 6+ |
| 2019-20 | Al-Arabi (loan) | Qatar Stars League | — | — |
| 2022-23 | Al-Wakrah (loan) | Qatar Stars League | 13 | 5 |
| 2025-2026 | Al-Wakrah (loan) | Qatar Stars League | 18 | 4 |
| TOTAL | — | Qatar Stars League | 65+ | 15 |
TABLE C: International Record
| Tournament/Competition | Apps | Goals | Major Honours |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 2 | 0 | Group Stage |
| AFC Asian Cup 2023 | 4 | 0 | Champion |
| CONCACAF Gold Cup 2023 | 2 | 1 | Quarter-finals |
| FIFA World Cup Qualifying | 7+ | 1+ | — |
| Friendlies | 9+ | 0 | — |
| Gulf Cup of Nations | 3 | 0 | — |
| Qatar Senior Career | 25+ | 1+ | Asian Cup 2023 |
TABLE D: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2017-18 | Al-Sadd Reserve Team | Joined Al-Sadd Olympic |
| 2018-19 | Al-Sadd First Team | Senior debut |
| 2019 | Senior International Debut | Qatar national team |
| 2023 | Asian Cup Winner | Qatar squad, 4 appearances |
| 2023 | CONCACAF Gold Cup Goal | Scored against Honduras |
| 2024 | Qatar Stars League Winner | Al-Sadd |
| 2025 | Qatar Stars League Winner | Al-Sadd |
| 2026 | World Cup Appearance | Started two matches |
These figures reveal a player in his prime with experience across domestic and international competitions. Abdurisag has accumulated over 65 Qatar Stars League appearances, scored 15 goals, and earned 25 caps for Qatar. He has won the Asian Cup, multiple Qatar Stars League titles, and represented his country at the World Cup.
The Present Tense
The Al-Wakrah Loan Story:
Abdurisag is currently on loan at Al-Wakrah SC from parent club Al-Sadd. The 2025/26 season has been productive—he has made 18 Qatar Stars League appearances, scoring 4 goals and providing 2 assists in 1,029 minutes of action. He has also made 2 appearances in the Emir of Qatar Cup. His form has been consistent, with an average FotMob rating of 6.34 across his league appearances.
The FIFA Club World Cup Context:
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States featured 32 of the world’s leading clubs. Al-Wakrah did not qualify for the tournament, nor did Al-Sadd, meaning Abdurisag has yet to experience the Club World Cup on the global stage.
The World Cup Campaign:
The 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico marked Abdurisag’s first appearance at the tournament. He was named in Qatar’s 26-man squad and started both of Qatar’s opening matches against Switzerland and Canada. He played 98 total minutes—59 against Switzerland and 39 against Canada—recording no goals, no assists, and no disciplinary cards. Qatar were eliminated in the group stage.
International Record:
Abdurisag has earned over 25 caps for Qatar since his debut in 2019. He was part of the squad that won the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, making 4 appearances. He also featured in the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup, making 2 appearances and scoring 1 goal. In World Cup qualifying, he has made over 7 appearances, scoring at least 1 goal. He has also featured in the Gulf Cup of Nations, making 3 appearances.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Yusuf Abdurisag is known as one of Qatar’s promising young forwards. Born in Mogadishu, Somalia, he moved to Qatar and rose through the ASPIRE Academy system. His journey from Somalia to the World Cup represents a remarkable story of opportunity and achievement.
Abdurisag’s trophy collection includes the Qatar Stars League title on four occasions (2018-19, 2020-21, 2021-22, 2023-24) with Al-Sadd. He also won the Emir of Qatar Cup three times (2019-20, 2020-21, 2023-24). At the international level, his crowning achievement is the 2023 AFC Asian Cup.
His market value is estimated at €275,000, with a peak of €325,000 recorded in December 2024. His contract with Al-Sadd runs until 2026, and his loan to Al-Wakrah is set to expire on June 30, 2026.
The Verdict from the Camp
Al-Sadd:
Abdurisag is a product of Al-Sadd's academy who has won four Qatar Stars League titles and three Emir of Qatar Cups with the club.
Qatar National Team:
Abdurisag was a member of the 2023 Asian Cup-winning squad and started two matches for Qatar at the 2026 World Cup.
Statistic:
Abdurisag has made over 65 Qatar Stars League appearances and scored 15 goals.
Statistic:
Abdurisag has earned 25+ caps for Qatar and scored 1 international goal.
Statistic:
Abdurisag appeared in two matches at the 2026 World Cup, playing 98 minutes.
Statistic:
Abdurisag scored the opening goal in Al-Sadd’s 2-0 victory over MC Alger in the Ahrar Cup final on August 14, 2026.
Where Next?
Yusuf Abdurisag is 26 years old and entering his prime. His loan at Al-Wakrah expires on June 30, 2026, and he is expected to return to parent club Al-Sadd, where he remains under contract.
A permanent move to Al-Wakrah is a possibility, especially given his productive 2025/26 season with the club. Alternatively, he could return to Al-Sadd and compete for a place in their star-studded forward line. A move to a foreign league is not out of the question, given his experience at the World Cup and his status as an Asian Cup winner.
For Qatar, Abdurisag represents the future of the national team’s forward line. With 25 caps and a World Cup appearance already to his name, he will be expected to play a key role in the next World Cup cycle.
From the youth fields of ASPIRE Academy to the World Cup stage, Yusuf Abdurisag’s journey is one of opportunity, perseverance, and achievement. The boy from Mogadishu who became a Qatari champion now faces the challenge of establishing himself as a consistent performer at the highest level of international and club football.
