Around 1,000 Qatari football fans have arrived in Vancouver ahead of Qatar's World Cup match against Canada, with their travel expenses covered under a government-backed initiative aimed at supporting the national team.
The supporters travelled on chartered flights arranged by Qatar's Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, as part of the "Qatari Fans Delegation Program." The initiative is funded through Qatar's Social and Sport Contribution Fund in partnership with the country's football federation.
According to the federation, the program covers flights, accommodation, local transportation and other expenses for selected fans. The stated objective is to create a strong stadium atmosphere and encourage the national team during its World Cup campaign. Qatari students living in the United States and Canada were also invited to attend the matches.
The visiting supporters have been staying at hotels across Vancouver and have been seen gathering in the city centre with traditional musical instruments, including darbuka drums, ahead of the match.
Qatar captain Abdulaziz Hatem thanked the travelling fans for making the journey and said the team was aware of its responsibility to perform well for its supporters.
The Gulf nation, which hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup, is seeking a stronger showing in this year's tournament after becoming the first host nation in World Cup history to lose all three of its group-stage matches during the previous edition.
Qatar has already made a positive start to its current campaign. The team secured a 1-1 draw against Switzerland in Santa Clara, California, with Boualem Khoukhi scoring a late equaliser in stoppage time.
Canada also enters the match with momentum after earning a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto. Forward Cyle Larin scored Canada's equalising goal in the 78th minute to secure the country's first point of the tournament.
The two teams are set to face off at BC Place in Vancouver, where Canadian supporters are expected to significantly outnumber the visiting Qatari contingent. However, the organised fan delegation is expected to provide Qatar with visible support as it looks to continue its World Cup journey.
Sources: The Indian Express
