About 1,000 Qatar fans were given an all-expenses-paid trip to support their country at the 2026 World Cup.
Qatar’s Social and Sport Contribution Fund, in partnership with the country’s soccer federation, financed an initiative called the Qatari Fans Delegation Program.
The program allowed for supporters to travel from Seattle to Vancouver to Santa Clara on jets chartered by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, stay in lavish hotels, and commute around town on local transportation, according to the Associated Press.
Among those who were invited to attend the matches were Qatari students studying in the United States and Canada. Qatar’s soccer federation said the objective of the initiative was to create "a vibrant stadium atmosphere that will help push the players towards the best possible results on the global stage."
This year's World Cup has certainly produced some incredible stadium atmospheres, from the Norwegians' synchronized "Viking row" celebration to Scotland’s large contingent of fans known as the Tartan Army.
"First of all I would like to thank everyone who went the extra mile and made the journey out here," Qatar captain Abdulaziz Hatem said of the traveling supporters. "We are very aware of the responsibility. We are going to do whatever it takes for them to leave the stadium happy and for them to be proud of us."
Despite their best intentions, Qatar faced an uphill battle as the 61st ranked team, according to FIFA.
After an encouraging 1-1 draw against Switzerland in its opening match, Qatar was outscored 9-1 in the next two games against Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina, respectively, bringing their 2026 World Cup run to an early end.
