The Qatar Football Festival 2026, scheduled for 26–31 March, has been cancelled due to ongoing airspace disruption and international travel restrictions.
The Local Organising Committee said the decision was taken in coordination with UEFA and CONMEBOL, ending plans to stage the event in Doha. As a result, the Finalissima match between Argentina and Spain, originally scheduled to take place at Lusail Stadium, will no longer be held in Qatar.
Organisers said the current travel disruption made it difficult for players, officials and fans to reach the country, making relocation the most practical option under the circumstances. UEFA confirmed the announcement on X, stating that the match could no longer be held in Qatar as originally planned. Organisers added that Qatar remains open to hosting future UEFA and CONMEBOL events.
The Finalissima pits the champions of Europe and South America against each other. The last edition took place in 2022, when Argentina defeated Italy at Wembley Stadium in London.
According to organisers, several alternatives were explored to keep the match on the calendar, including possible venues in Europe and changes to the match format. However, those options were ultimately considered unworkable for the teams involved.
Organisers clarified that fans who purchased tickets through the official website will receive automatic refunds to their original payment method within 30 days. Packages booked through Qatar Airways and tickets bought through third-party platforms will be refunded through those providers.
