Gianni Infantino hails Qatar after historic 2026 World Cup qualification

Abdul Hady
Abdul Hady is the editor of NutmegXtra, delivering daily Premier League, La Liga, and global football news with a sharp eye for breaking stories.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has congratulated Qatar on qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, describing it as a historic milestone for the nation’s football journey.

Infantino highlighted that Qatar’s qualification marks their first time reaching the finals through direct Asian qualifying, following their successful hosting of the 2022 World Cup.



“After your historic hosting of the tournament in 2022, your team returns to the world stage, ready to demonstrate your growth and ambition, especially as this is the first time you have made it through the Asian qualifying competition. A great footballing achievement,” Infantino said.

He added that Qatari fans will play a key role in bringing “color and energy” to North America in 2026, as the nation embarks on the next chapter of its football story.

Infantino described the achievement as a defining moment, saying the qualification “represents a turning point in the history of Qatari football.”

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