The Qatari Football Association has been accused of hiring people to pose as supporters at the 2026 World Cup in North America, according to a report from The Telegraph. The allegations suggest that Qatar provided free tickets, flights, and hotel rooms worth thousands of pounds to approximately 1,000 individuals to create the illusion of a well-supported football nation.
Qatar's World Cup Campaign Ends in Disappointment
Qatar played their final match of the tournament on Wednesday, losing 3-1 to Bosnia and Herzegovina in their last group stage game. The 2022 hosts had started the competition strongly, scoring late against Switzerland to earn a surprise point. However, a heavy 6-0 defeat to Canada in the second match left them struggling, and the loss to Bosnia confirmed their early exit from the tournament.
Allegations of Paid Supporters
The Telegraph claims that the Qatari FA has orchestrated a scheme to pay for fans to attend matches, a practice first reported during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The outlet states that these individuals, some of whom had never attended a football match before, were given all-expenses-paid trips to the most expensive World Cup ever. A Qatari 'fanbox' containing shirts and scarves was distributed to help them look the part.
One fan told The Telegraph: “Many of us had never even set foot inside a stadium either. I have had the time of my life.”
Qatari FA Statement Confirms Paid Trips
A statement from the Qatari FA last month effectively acknowledged the program, saying it covers flight tickets via Qatar Airways, hotel stays, and local transportation for around 1,000 fans. The statement added that the initiative aims to create “a vibrant stadium atmosphere that will help push the players toward the best possible results on the global stage.”
Express Sport has contacted the Qatari FA for comment on the allegations.
Manager Praises Support Despite Controversy
Former Wolves boss and current Qatar manager Julen Lopetegui praised the team's supporters after the defeat to Bosnia, saying: “I am grateful for our fans. They are a minority but they tried to support us and stay behind us. I’m sorry for them, but I think even if we don’t achieve our goal, my feeling is they can be proud of this team. We fought until the end, we put everything on the pitch and we have to be hopeful for the future.”
