Qatar's Enthusiastic Fans Take Over Vancouver for World Cup Excitement

Qatar has sent a large group of fans to Vancouver for the World Cup, providing them with an all-expenses-paid trip. With around 1,000 supporters arriving via chartered flights, they are staying in luxury hotels and creating a lively atmosphere downtown. Captain Abdulaziz Hatem expressed gratitude for their presence, emphasizing the team's commitment to making the fans proud. Funded by Qatar's Social and Sport Contribution Fund, the initiative aims to enhance the stadium experience. As Qatar faces Canada, the excitement builds, especially after their surprising draw against Switzerland. Read on to learn more about this vibrant fan experience.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 18, 2026, 13:56 IST

Qatari Supporters Arrive in Style

Vancouver (British Columbia): In a show of support for their national team, Qatar has sent a large group of fans to the World Cup, providing them with an all-expenses-paid trip to North America.

Around 1,000 enthusiastic Qatari supporters have arrived in Vancouver, courtesy of chartered flights organized by Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, ahead of their match against Canada on Thursday.

These fans are enjoying luxurious accommodations at high-end hotels such as the Fairmont and JW Marriott Parq, and they have been making their presence known in the city by playing traditional darbuka drums.

Captain Abdulaziz Hatem expressed gratitude to the fans, stating, "I want to thank everyone who made the effort to come here. We understand the responsibility we have and will do everything possible to ensure they leave the stadium proud and happy."

The initiative, known as the "Qatari Fans Delegation Program," was funded by Qatar's Social and Sport Contribution Fund in collaboration with the country's soccer federation. This program covers travel, lodging, local transport, and additional benefits.

The federation aims to foster a lively atmosphere in the stadium that will motivate the players to achieve the best results on the world stage. Additionally, Qatari students residing in the U.S. and Canada were invited to join the matches.

Despite the excitement, Qatari fans will face a significant crowd of red-clad Canadian supporters at BC Place.

Qatar, a major exporter of oil and natural gas, has a population of approximately 3.2 million. The nation previously hosted the World Cup in 2022, where it became the first host to lose all group matches.

This time, Qatar has shown improvement, with Boualem Khoukhi scoring a late header to secure a surprising 1-1 draw against Switzerland in Santa Clara, California.

Canada also achieved its first World Cup point with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia-Herzegovina last Friday in Toronto.