Qatar Airways has solidified its position in the world of international soccer by renewing its partnership with FIFA. This extension, announced on November 22, 2023, continues a relationship that began in 2017 and comes a year after the opening game of the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar. The renewed deal positions Qatar Airways as the FIFA Global Airline Partner for the next seven years, encompassing a range of major international soccer events.

This partnership will cover two FIFA World Cups – one in the United States, Mexico, and Canada in 2026, and another spanning Argentina, Morocco, Paraguay, Portugal, and Uruguay in 2030. Additionally, it includes all youth men’s and women’s tournaments, with the first being the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Indonesia, which commenced on November 10, 2023.

The signing ceremony, attended by Qatar Airways Group CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer and FIFA President Gianni Infantino, took place at Doha Hamad International Airport. The backdrop for this momentous occasion included Qatar Airways’ Boeing 787-8 and Airbus A350-900, aircraft symbolic of the airline’s commitment to sporting excellence.

Qatar Airways: Uniting the World Through Football

Under the leadership of newly appointed CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, who succeeded the long-standing Qatar Airways Group CEO Akbar al-Baker, Qatar Airways reaffirms its commitment to connecting the world and reaching millions of football fans. The airline’s enthusiasm for extending its partnership with FIFA reflects a shared belief in the unifying power of football, transcending cultures and continents.

Qatar Airways’ involvement in football extends beyond the FIFA partnership, with the airline also showcasing its connection to the sport through special liveries. A Boeing 777-200LR, registered as A7-BBI, bears a special FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 sticker, while another, a Boeing 777-300ER registered as A7-BEK, celebrates the airline’s partnership with Paris Saint Germain (PSG).

Read also: Analysis: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ and Air Travel

The Future of FIFA’s Airline Sponsorships

The extension of Qatar Airways’ partnership with FIFA until 2030 opens possibilities for other airlines to become the official carriers of FIFA in the future. This development comes as FIFA continues to explore hosting opportunities, with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation being the sole bidder to host the FIFA World Cup in 2034, as announced on October 31, 2023.Qatar Airways’ renewed partnership with FIFA marks a new era in their collaboration, promising to create unforgettable experiences for football fans worldwide. As the airline looks forward to the upcoming tournaments, its role as a global connector and promoter of sportsmanship remains pivotal.