FIFA World Cup 2026 Set to Begin as Planned
Reading Time: 2 minutesThe highly anticipated FIFA World Cup 2026 is on track to kick off as scheduled, reaffirming confidence in what is set to be the largest and most ambitious tournament in football history. Despite ongoing global challenges and logistical complexities, organizers have confirmed that preparations remain firmly on course for a seamless start in June 2026. Hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the tournament will mark a historic milestone as the first World Cup to feature 48 teams, expanding from the traditional 32-team format. This evolution reflects FIFA’s commitment to inclusivity and global growth, offering more nations the opportunity to compete on football’s biggest stage. Officials across the three host countries have reiterated that infrastructure, security planning, and stadium readiness are progressing as expected. Key host cities—including New York/New Jersey, Los Angeles, Toronto, and Mexico City—are undergoing final phases of preparation, ensuring they are fully equipped to welcome millions of fans from around the world. The 2026 edition will also set a new benchmark with 104 matches scheduled across multiple venues, culminating in the final at the iconic MetLife Stadium. Organizers have emphasized that lessons learned from previous tournaments, including FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar, are being applied to enhance fan experience, operational efficiency, and sustainability. While there have been discussions around security coordination and funding in certain regions, authorities have assured stakeholders that these issues are being actively addressed. Collaborative efforts between governments, local agencies, and international bodies are reinforcing confidence that all systems will be fully operational well ahead of kickoff. Commercial interest in the tournament remains exceptionally strong, with global sponsors, broadcasters, and tourism sectors already gearing up for unprecedented engagement. The expanded format is expected to drive record-breaking viewership and economic impact, benefiting host cities and participating nations alike. As qualification campaigns reach their final stages, teams from across the globe are preparing to secure their place in football history. The excitement surrounding the tournament continues to build, with fans eagerly awaiting what promises to be a truly global celebration of the sport. With all major preparations aligned and momentum steadily building, the message from organizers is clear: the FIFA World Cup 2026 will begin as planned, setting the stage for a landmark tournament that will redefine the scale and spirit of international football.
Promoting eco-tourism, adventure tourism, and niche cultural experiences to up visitor engagement
Reading Time: 3 minutesEvgeny Kozlov, the first deputy head of the office of the mayor and the government of Moscow and the chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee, in conversation with Aparajita Mukherjee talks about the cooperation between Qatar and Russia in the tourism sector, and how that can be furthered in the coming days. BL Tell us about the tourism relations between Qatar and Moscow. Evgeny Kozlov Today, Middle Eastern countries, together with China and India, are the main sources of tourist traffic from non-CIS countries to Moscow. Tourism from the GCC region to Moscow, especially from Qatar, is witnessing remarkable growth. In the first nine months of 2024, approximately 9000 Qatari tourists visited Moscow — three times more than in 2019 — the most successful year for world tourism. This increase is driven by visa-free entry and direct flights. Moscow attracts Middle Eastern tourists with its convenient infrastructure, mild climate, combination of modern comfort and Russian traditions. The city offers cultural experiences, luxury shopping, and business opportunities, making it an attractive destination. Moscow actively promotes tourism through international exhibitions and forums, roadshows and tours to Moscow for travel companies. We are confident that these promotional tools will also strengthen our relationship with Qatar and the broader Gulf region. Moreover, the official tourist portal of Moscow — Discover Moscow, available in English, provides valuable guidance for foreign travelers. It features a curated list of attractions and essential information for visitors to the city. To enhance awareness about Moscow, an official Discover Moscow channel was recently launched on Snapchat, where tourists from the Middle East can explore in detail the cultural attractions that the city has to offer. BL What learnings do you take back from this trip to Qatar? Evgeny Kozlov Qatar’s ability to blend modern luxury with deep-rooted cultural traditions is remarkable. The country excels in high-end hospitality, offering world-class hotels, seamless services, and curated experiences for travelers. Its focus on sustainability and innovation in tourism also stands out. Qatar’s investment in large-scale events, such as the FIFA World Cup, highlights the importance of international engagement. This approach offers valuable insights into attracting global audiences while preserving cultural identity. The recent series of business meetings in the Middle East was a comprehensive and highly productive tour that took place from February 4 to 11, 2025. The itinerary spanned key cities such as Dubai, Kuwait City, and Doha. Our meetings included business session with local tourism experts, reinforcing our commitment to deepening bilateral ties. During the meetings in Doha, Qatar, the delegation discussed various strategies to promote cultural exchange and tourism initiatives that could attract more visitors to both destinations. The Committee emphasised the importance of building strong partnerships with Qatari tourism stakeholders, aiming to create joint marketing campaigns and cultural programs that highlight the rich heritage and attractions of both regions. Overall, these meetings have significantly strengthened our connections within the Middle Eastern market, positioning Moscow as a vibrant and secure destination for both leisure and business travel. BL If you weren’t working in the tourism industry, what would you be doing? Evgeny Kozlov The ability to shape international partnerships and promote destinations aligns with my passion for global outreach. I would have pursued a career that combines international relations, business, and cultural exchange. Investment promotion, or strategic consulting would have been natural choices. These fields also allow for engagement with different cultures, fostering economic and social connections on a global scale. BL If asked for advice by Qatar, what would you say to them to improve tourism in the country? Evgeny Kozlov Qatar has already positioned itself as a luxury and cultural destination, but further diversifying tourism experiences could attract a broader audience. Promoting eco-tourism, adventure tourism, and niche cultural experiences can enhance visitor engagement. Strengthening ties with international travel agencies and hosting more global events can also increase visibility. Additionally, simplifying entry processes for more nationalities and expanding direct flight connections to key markets would further boost inbound tourism. BL What (in your view) can Qatar learn from Moscow in the field of tourism? Evgeny Kozlov Moscow successfully attracts diverse tourist segments through cultural festivals, international business forums, and sports events. Moscow, in particular, benefits from major industry exhibitions. Qatar could implement similar strategies, organizing large-scale tourism expos and cultural exchange programs. Additionally, Moscow’s approach to seasonal tourism — such as winter activities in Moscow — demonstrates the value of year-round tourism development. By diversifying beyond luxury and business travel, Qatar can create a more dynamic tourism landscape appealing to various demographics. Short takes:
