Doha: Director of Marketing and Communications at the Qatar Football Association (QFA) Khalid Mubarak Al Kuwari affirmed that the Association has developed a comprehensive promotional plan aimed at supporting the Qatari national team during its historic participation in the FIFA World Cup 2026, set to take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada from 11 June to 19 July 2026, and which will feature 48 teams for the first time in the tournament's history.
According to Qatar News Agency, Al Kuwari said that Qatar's qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026 was not the result of chance, but rather the outcome of a long-term, integrated strategic effort involving all sports-related sectors in the country. He stressed that the goal was to build a national team capable of representing Qatar in the best way at international events, noting that the qualification was the result of continuous work over the past years, whether in technical preparation, administrative organization, or fan and media support.
Regarding the World Cup draw, which placed Qatar in Group B alongside Canada, Switzerland, and the winner of the European play-off, Al Kuwari emphasized that all groups are challenging. He noted that there is no easy group in the World Cup, as every team that reached the finals is among the best, possessing strengths and having deserved qualification.
He added that the current objective is to prepare in the best possible way for the tournament and to deliver a respectable performance befitting the reputation of Qatari football, saying this is a legitimate ambition for a country that invests heavily in sports. Al Kuwari revealed that a specific plan has been prepared and will be announced at the appropriate time, stressing that Qatar's past experience in major tournaments has proven the success of its promotional strategy, reflected in the remarkable fan turnout for national team matches, whether in qualifying games held in Qatar or abroad.
He pointed out that, from one tournament to another, the Association has witnessed strong fan engagement and continued support. He said this was not coincidental but the result of a carefully planned institutional effort and cooperation between various sports, media, and social sectors. Al Kuwari also stressed that the QFA is focusing on attracting all segments of society, particularly students and youth, as they form an active and influential fan base.
He praised Qatari fans, describing them as aware, cultured, and passionate about football, and emphasized that this strong presence stems from genuine love for the national team, something that provides players with great motivation to achieve the best possible results during Al Adaam's participation in the 2026 World Cup finals. He concluded his remarks to QNA by expressing hope that the national team would deliver a strong performance in the upcoming tournament. He underscored that fan support would be the key to success and that the challenges ahead require collective national efforts behind the team.
The draw for the 2026 World Cup finals, held yesterday in the United States, placed Qatar in Group B alongside Canada, Switzerland, and the winner of the first European playoff involving Wales, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Italy, and Northern Ireland.