beIN SPORTS will broadcast Match for Hope 2026 live and free-to-air across 24 Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries this Friday, January 30th, with worldwide streaming available on its social media platforms. The charity football match, held at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Doha, features a blend of renowned football players and popular social media influencers. Organized by Q Life, the event aims to raise significant funds and awareness for the Education Above All (EAA) Foundation.
The game is set to kick off at 7:00 PM Mecca time, preceded by an opening ceremony at 6:30 PM Mecca time. Coverage will be available in both Arabic and English, with dedicated studio analysis and pitch-side reporting. beIN SPORTS NEWS will also provide updates on related events and activations happening throughout Doha, including a fan festival at Place Vendôme Mall.
A Star-Studded Match for Hope 2026 Lineup
This year’s Match for Hope boasts an impressive roster of athletic and online talent. Former professional footballers like Thierry Henry, Eden Hazard, Marcelo, Gerard Piqué, Franck Ribéry, Diego Costa, and Tim Cahill will join content creators such as MrBeast, KSI, and Chunkz on the field. Chunkz and AboFlah will reprise their roles as team captains for what is billed as a final showdown.
Supporting Education Through Football
The primary purpose of Match for Hope is fundraising for the Education Above All (EAA) Foundation. EAA is a global non-profit focused on providing access to quality education for children in several countries. Funds generated from this year’s event will directly support EAA projects in Palestine, Sudan, Nepal, Guatemala, Senegal, Malawi, and Haiti, according to organizers.
This iteration builds upon the success of the 2024 and 2025 matches, which collectively raised over QR 71 million (approximately US$19.5 million). The significant viewership, reaching tens of millions globally, highlights the growing popularity of blending sport with social responsibility. beIN SPORTS views its participation as a continuation of its commitment to leveraging sports as a platform for positive change.
Beyond the Game: Entertainment and Global Reach
Match for Hope 2026 is designed as a comprehensive entertainment experience. The pre-match entertainment will be provided by Grammy Award-winning musical duo The Chainsmokers, adding further star power to the event. During halftime, the Jonas Brothers, known for their global pop appeal, will take the stage.
The live broadcast and streaming strategy are crucial for maximizing impact. beIN SPORTS’ wide distribution in the MENA region aims to connect a large audience with the charitable cause. Simultaneously, streaming across platforms like Facebook, X, TikTok, and YouTube extends the reach to a worldwide audience, allowing viewers to engage with near-live highlights as the game unfolds. This multi-platform approach is a key element in amplifying the event’s message and driving donations for educational initiatives, potentially increasing EAA’s reach.
This year’s event also focuses on creating opportunities for fan engagement, as evidenced by the fan festival. Such initiatives aim to build a community around the cause and draw attention to the importance of education for vulnerable children. The long-term effects of a celebrity charity game often lead to increased social media discussions around humanitarian work and sustainable development goals related to education.
Looking ahead, the impact of Match for Hope 2026 will be measured by the total funds raised and the level of awareness generated for the EAA Foundation. Organizers have not yet announced plans for a 2027 event, and future iterations will likely depend on sustained fundraising success and continued support from participating celebrities and broadcasters. Further reports are expected in the coming weeks detailing the final amount raised and the specific projects that will benefit from the Match for Hope initiative.
