Qatar Airways, a longtime partner of FIFA, has extended its partnership with the world football organization. At this time, the exact details of the extension are unknown.

Extending a solid partnership

Qatar Airways is no stranger to sports partnerships, having been a partner of FIFA for years and recently becoming the official airline of Formula 1. According to Sport Business, the Gulf carrier recently expanded its partnership with FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association). Whether Qatar Airways’ partnership was extended through the 2026 World Cup or 2030 is unclear. FIFA has partnerships with four brands that run through 2030, so Qatar’s is likely the same.

Photo: Qatar Airways

Simple Flying has contacted Qatar Airways for more details but has not received a reply at the time of publication.

The current partnership covers FIFA’s men’s, women’s, and youth events, with the most recent example being the 2023 Women’s World Cup which ended a few days ago. Qatar Airways’ branding was displayed along the sides of the pitches during matches and on the football organization’s website.

The airline’s partnership with FIFA was announced in 2017, just before the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia. Since then, Qatar Airways has sponsored several FIFA tournaments like the FIFA Confederations Cup 2017, the FIFA Club World Cup, the FIFA Women's World Cup, and two editions of the men’s World Cup. In 2022, Qatar hosted the entire men’s tournament, with 64 matches taking place in about one month in the newly built stadiums in and around Doha.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said,

“What started off as a dream has finally turned into reality. The State of Qatar succeeded in bringing the world together in a celebration of football and unity, and now history will remember this FIFA World Cup™ - the first in the Middle East, and the best edition ever."

A crucial part of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023

As mentioned above, the 2023 edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, which was held in Australia and New Zealand, ended just a few days ago. The final was between Spain and England, with the Spanish scoring the match's only goal and being crowned champions for the first time. Qatar Airways had a significant presence at the final and in the third-place match the day before.

Qatar Airways’ cabin crew were present at the final and third-place matches, presenting the gold, silver, and bronze medalists to each team. Additionally, the airline partnered with FIFA to display the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Winner’s Trophy in Sydney. Fans were able to get up close to the prestigious trophy. Al Baker highlighted the tournament's success and added that the partnership with FIFA aligns with the airline’s goal to connect people through sport.

“As the curtains draw on the ninth edition of the FIFA Women's World Cup™, Qatar Airways remains dedicated to nurturing the legacy of sportsmanship, unity, and excellence that defines both the airline and FIFA. Together, Qatar Airways and FIFA are committed to creating moments that inspire and uniting people from all walks of life.” - Qatar Airways