The FBI has sent a high-level delegation to Qatar to boost security cooperation and review World Cup 2022 systems ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
A high-level delegation from the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) visited Doha from August 10 to 15 as part of ongoing security cooperation between Qatar and the United States in the run-up to the FIFA World Cup 2026.
According to the U.S. embassy in Doha, Qatar’s Safety and Security Operations Committee hosted members of the FBI’s Critical Incident Response Group (CIRG) to exchange best practices, assess key legacy systems from the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, and enhance technical cooperation for securing future global sporting events.
“The FBI delegation engaged with Qatari counterparts to exchange best practices, assess key legacy systems from the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, and strengthen technical cooperation to ensure safe and secure global sporting events,” the embassy’s statement said.
The visit followed a memorandum of understanding signed in July between the two countries to strengthen security collaboration ahead of the 2026 tournament.
The agreement was concluded during the visit of Qatar’s Minister of Interior and Commander of the Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya), Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani, to Washington, D.C.
During their visit, the FBI delegation was briefed on safety measures and toured major FIFA World Cup 2022 facilities, including Lusail Stadium, the National Command Centre, and the Tournament Command Centre.
They also visited the headquarters of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, which is currently overseeing preparations for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in December.
“A highlight of the visit was a technical briefing on QSSIO Qatar’s advanced real-time intelligence-sharing platform, and its integration within event-time decision-making workflows,” the embassy statement added.
The delegation observed technologies deployed during the 2022 edition, including an anti-drone demonstration, and received a technical briefing on QSSIO Qatar’s real-time intelligence-sharing platform, which integrates with event-time decision-making processes.
Qatar’s security institutions have continued to share expertise internationally since hosting the 2022 World Cup.
Earlier this year, a joint Qatari team from the Ministry of Interior and Internal Security Forces took part in securing the English Premier League fixture between Manchester United and Manchester City, working alongside local authorities at one of the most high-profile matches in English football.
In 2024, Qatar’s Security Committee also visited the French National Guard ahead of the Paris Olympics.
Qatari forces later contributed to security operations at the Games following three weeks of extensive training, under agreements signed during Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani’s state visit to France.
