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Qatar players drew warm reception from fans during the open training session in Santa Barbara, California.
Qatar’s FIFA World Cup preparations gathered pace in Santa Barbara, California, where the two-time Asian Champions combined intensive training with a chance to connect with supporters during an open training session.
The lively event attracted local residents, students and members of the Qatari community, creating a festive atmosphere as fans watched Julen Lopetegui’s squad continue their build-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which begins on June 11 across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The national team will complete its preparations today when it faces El Salvador at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles in its final friendly before the tournament. The match is expected to provide Lopetegui with a final opportunity to settle on his starting lineup ahead of Qatar’s opening World Cup fixture against Switzerland on June 13 in San Francisco.
Qatar coach Julen Lopetegui signs autographs for fans.
Qatar have been training in Santa Barbara following a narrow 1-0 defeat to Ireland in Dublin last month. The camp has focused on fine-tuning tactics and integrating several new faces, with 12 players in the 26-man squad set to make their World Cup debuts.
After their opening fixture against Switzerland, Qatar will then face co-hosts Canada in Vancouver on June 18 before concluding their Group B campaign against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Seattle on June 24.
After making their World Cup debut as hosts in 2022, Qatar are aiming to go beyond the group stage for the first time and secure a place in the knockout rounds.
The friendly against El Salvador is viewed as a crucial final test as Al Annabi seek both confidence and momentum before the biggest challenge in international football.
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