Qatar paying fans to support nation at the World Cup despite many 'never having watched a football game before'

Qatar are understood to be paying for thousands of supporters to attend its 2026 World Cup matches in the United States, with many recipients having never watched a football game in their lives.

It has been reported that the Gulf state is covering flights, accommodation and match tickets worth thousands of pounds for people willing to don Qatari colours at venues including Seattle's Lumen Field.

The revelations echo allegations of manufactured support that emerged during the 2022 tournament, which Qatar hosted and subsequently denied.

Approximately 1,000 individuals have been present throughout the group stage, receiving guidance on how to behave as World Cup supporters whilst enjoying all-expenses-paid trips courtesy of the Qatar Football Association (QFA), according to The Telegraph Sport.

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The day before Qatar's final group match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, roughly 500 people assembled at Seattle's Hyatt Regency hotel for a briefing from Qatari officials.

These late arrivals had initially been promised only tickets, but upon gathering on the third floor, the QFA distributed what it calls a "Fanbox" to each person.

It contained a replica shirt, hat, sunglasses, and a red-and-white Qatar flag.

Many beneficiaries had never previously entered a stadium, yet found themselves attending the most expensive World Cup in history without spending a single riyal.

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At Tuesday's 3-1 defeat to Bosnia, as many as 2,000 spectators were believed to be attending without paying, with unverified claims suggesting some local Americans and Mexicans may have been compensated to fill seats.

The QFA officially acknowledged the scheme's existence in a statement published on June 5, confirming its "Qatari Fans Delegation Program" would cover costs for "approximately 1,000 individuals, including dedicated supporters".

The body stated the programme was "covering flight tickets via Qatar Airways, hotel stays, and local transportation" to ensure smooth operations.

Its declared purpose was generating "a vibrant stadium atmosphere that will help push the players toward the best possible results on the global stage".

Qatar exited the World Cup after losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina 3-1, finishing bottom of Group B.

Bosnia, who surprised many people by qualifying for the tournament after beating Italy, have exceeded expectations, reaching the knockout stages.

The nation's coach, Sergej Barbarez, said: "We came here as complete underdogs.

"We're trying to do something big and major, and this is now something that has come true."

Bosnia will qualify as one of the third-best placed teams, after finishing on four points Group B.

Their draw to Canada and victory over Bosnia ensured they will feature in the last 32.

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