The Qatar Football Association (QFA) has begun accepting registrations from Qatari citizens interested in traveling to the United States, Canada, and Mexico to support the national team, Al Annabi, during the FIFA World Cup 2026. Registration opened Monday and is part of a coordinated effort to mobilize fan support for Qatar’s participation in the expanded tournament. The initiative aims to streamline travel and ensure organized attendance at matches.
The program is exclusively for Qatari nationals aged 18 and over, with provisions for those under 18 to register with a parent or legal guardian. According to the QFA, priority will be given to applicants who already possess valid visas for either the United States or Canada, reflecting the logistical complexities of international travel for a large group.
Preparing for the FIFA World Cup 2026: Qatari Fan Travel
The 2026 FIFA World Cup marks a significant expansion of the tournament, increasing the number of participating teams from 32 to 48. This change necessitates extensive planning for both participating nations and their supporters. The QFA’s initiative is a proactive step to manage the logistics of sending fans to support Al Annabi across three host countries.
Applicants must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond June 1, 2026, to meet standard international travel requirements. The QFA emphasizes that submitting a registration does not guarantee acceptance, as applications will be evaluated based on eligibility and organizational capacity. The association also reserves the right to close registration once a sufficient number of applications are received.
Travel and Accommodation Details
Travel arrangements for selected supporters will be standardized to ensure coordinated movement and adherence to tournament regulations. Flights will be limited to economy class, and accommodation, local transportation, and match tickets will be managed exclusively through the QFA’s official delegation. This centralized approach aims to simplify logistics and maintain control over the fan experience.
The QFA stated that this program is designed to ensure compliance with the rules set by FIFA and the host nations. This includes managing crowd control and ensuring a smooth experience for both fans and local communities. Additionally, the association is working to coordinate with relevant authorities in the US, Canada, and Mexico to facilitate the travel of Qatari supporters.
However, the cost of travel and a detailed itinerary are yet to be announced. The QFA intends to release this information at a later date to allow for transparent planning and budgeting for interested fans. Applicants will be contacted via email with appointment dates and further details regarding the travel process after initial registration.
Secondary Keywords: Tournament Logistics & International Support
Organizing international fan travel for major sporting events like the World Cup presents considerable challenges. Factors such as visa requirements, accommodation availability, and transportation logistics require careful coordination. The QFA’s program seeks to address these issues proactively, providing a structured framework for Qatari fans wishing to attend.
The initiative also reflects a growing trend of national football associations actively supporting their teams with organized fan bases at international tournaments. This demonstrates the increasing recognition of the importance of fan support in boosting team morale and creating a vibrant atmosphere at matches. International football is increasingly reliant on passionate supporters.
The QFA has established a dedicated support center and provided an official email address for inquiries, demonstrating a commitment to assisting potential travelers. This support system will be crucial in addressing questions and concerns as the registration process progresses.
The next step for interested supporters is to complete the online registration form. While a specific deadline has not been announced, the QFA has indicated that registration may close early once capacity is reached. Potential travelers should monitor the QFA’s official channels for updates on travel costs and the final selection process. The association will likely announce further details regarding the program’s timeline and selection criteria in the coming weeks.
