The opening ceremony for the 2026 World Cup began Thursday in Estadio Azteca before co-host Mexico's match with South Africa. The tournament's official song - performed during the ceremony by Colombian star Shakira and Nigerian singer Burna Boy - drew roars from the crowd. Before co-hosts Mexico and South Africa kicked off the tournament proper, Shakira and Burna Boy had the crowd on their feet in the Estadio Azteca opening ceremony. The tournament, a 204-match event of 48 teams over 19 days in
Andres Iniesta believes 16-year-old Lamine Yamal has the skill and character to be among the best players of FIFA World Cup 2026. Iniesta, who has watched the likes of Lionel Messi, Pele and Kylian Mbappe take the footballing world by storm at a young age, believes Barcelona and Spain winger Ansu Fati possesses similar traits. During the Opening of his new Academy in Dubai, Iniesta hailed Yamal as a one-in-ten-million talent with the potential to have an electric impact on the global game,
Qatar steps onto the world stage again in 2026. This time, Al Annabi travels as guests, not hosts. They earned automatic entry as the 2022 World Cup host nation. Now they face Switzerland, Cameroon, and Serbia in Group B — all in North America. The squad is older and sharper than the 2022 group. Key players like Akram Afif are at peak level. The fixtures are tough but reachable. Here is everything Qatar fans need to know before the tournament kicks off. Qatar's
Qatari fans heading to the 2026 FIFA World Cup do not need a US visa. Qatar joined the US Visa Waiver Program in 2022. That means Qatari passport holders can enter the USA with just an ESTA — a simple online authorization that costs $21. What Is ESTA? ESTA stands for Electronic System for Travel Authorization. It is not a visa. It is a mandatory online screening for travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries. You apply at esta.cbp.dhs.gov — the only official US
Can You Attend the 2026 World Cup from Qatar? Start Here The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs across 16 cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. For football fans living in Qatar, this is the closest the World Cup has ever been — just one long flight away. But there is one critical step most expats overlook until it is too late: the US visa. Hundreds of thousands of expatriates live and work in Qatar. Most hold Indian, Pakistani, Filipino, Bangladeshi, Nepali,
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the biggest football tournament in history. For the first time, 48 nations compete across 16 cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. For fans based in Qatar and the wider Gulf region, this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. The tournament is closer than ever — and Qatar Airways makes getting there straightforward. Qatar's national carrier has launched dedicated World Cup 2026 fan travel packages from Hamad International Airport. Packages cover return flights, hotel stays, and airport transfers
What You Need to Know First Qatar returns to the FIFA World Cup in 2026 as a guest nation. They open their campaign against Switzerland on June 13 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. This match matters. A strong start gives Qatar momentum for the rest of Group B. Switzerland ranks inside the FIFA top 15. They play a compact, disciplined style and rarely concede early. Qatar must use their high-press game and 2022 hosting experience to compete. Group B Standings and
Doha, Qatar, 09 June 2026 – Doha Festival City, Qatar's leading retail and lifestyle destination known for its curated mix of coveted trends, is set to launch “Hala Bel Fans,” a fully immersive Football Fan Zones Activation running from 11 June to 19 July. Inspired by the world's most anticipated football tournament, the 39-day experience will transform multiple locations across the mall into interactive destinations for football fans, families, gamers, and visitors of all ages, with all activities available free of charge. The










