Staff Reporter
Doha: A number of staff from the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) and key stakeholders are contributing to the delivery of the FIFA World Cup 2026 as part of a knowledge and expertise transfer programme established through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the SC and FIFA.
The agreement was signed in Doha by SC Managing Director HE Hassan Al Thawadi and FIFA President Gianni Infantino, reinforcing cooperation aimed at sharing Qatar’s tournament delivery expertise with organisers of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Under the partnership, a dedicated group of Qatari experts — many of whom played pivotal roles in organising the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the FIFA Arab Cup in 2021 and 2025, and the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2025 — have been deployed across several host cities in the United States and Canada.
The participants are contributing across multiple operational areas, including tournament operations, workforce readiness, fan engagement and technological innovation, while drawing on lessons learned from the successful delivery of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, widely regarded as one of the most successful editions in the tournament’s history.
In addition, a second group of SC staff and representatives from major stakeholders are taking part in an observation programme during the tournament. The initiative is designed to provide participants with deeper insight into the management of large-scale cross-border sporting events, the challenges involved and the expertise required to deliver them successfully.
Infantino praised Qatar’s growing expertise in hosting major international tournaments and highlighted the country’s achievements since staging the FIFA World Cup 2022™.
“The commitment, skill and passion of everyone involved in this project has been absolutely amazing,” said Infantino.
“We have seen the expertise that Qatar has built over the years in hosting world-class events — from sporting facilities to hotels, airports, transportation systems, as well as human capabilities. Qatar delivered not only a fantastic World Cup in 2022, but has since hosted several major events, including the first 48-team FIFA U-17 World Cup. The FIFA Arab Cup has also been a tremendous success. I’m always impressed by the seamless delivery of tournaments here.”
He added: “Football unites the world and contributes to creating unforgettable experiences for millions of people around the globe. This is thanks to the incredible work done by outstanding talents.”
As the first FIFA World Cup staged in the Middle East and Arab world, Qatar 2022 established new benchmarks in innovation, operational efficiency and fan experience, while leaving a lasting legacy in infrastructure, sustainability and human capital development.
Beyond the World Cup, Qatar has continued to strengthen its position as a global sports hub by hosting several major international events, including the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023.
In 2025, Qatar made history by hosting the finals of three FIFA tournaments within just three weeks — the FIFA U-17 World Cup, the FIFA Intercontinental Cup and the FIFA Arab Cup.
Qatar is set to welcome the world once again when it hosts the second of five consecutive editions of the FIFA U-17 World Cup from November 19 to December 13, 2026.
