Sport in Qatar

Qatar’s illustrious football journey began in 1988 with its first AFC Asian Cup, followed by editions in 2011 and 2023. The country stepped onto the global club football stage with the FIFA Club World Cups in 2019 and 2020, and welcomed the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2024™. Qatar also hosted the U23 Asian Cup in 2016 and 2024. The pinnacle was the unforgettable FIFA World Cup™ from 20 November to 18 December 2022 — a defining moment in the nation’s sporting history.

Doha has hosted the ATP Qatar Open, our premier men’s tennis event, since 1993. The WTA Qatar Open, our leading women’s tournament, has taken place at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex since 2001.

In 2004, Lusail International Circuit was inaugurated with the MotoGP Grand Prix of Qatar and has been hosting this thrilling two-wheel race ever since. In 2021, the first Formula 1® Qatar Grand Prix took place at the circuit, filling the void left by the Australian Grand Prix.

The 2015 World Men's Handball Championship was held for the first time in Qatar, from 15 January to 1 February 2015. Qatar won their first-ever medal, coming second to France. 

Qatar has established itself as a basketball hub, hosting major tournaments including continental championships and global World Cup qualifiers. The 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup will be held in Qatar from 27 August to 12 September 2027 – the first FIBA Basketball World Cup in the Arab world.  

Qatar also has a strong connection with the Olympic Games, having hosted the 2006 Asian Games and looking ahead to the 2030 Asian Games, scheduled to be held in Doha from 4 to 19 November 2030. Qatar has spectacular sports venues and cutting-edge sports centres to host events of this stature.