Qatar is building on its reputation as a major international sports destination with a packed programme of events during its 2026-2027 season.
Formula 1, international football, tennis and padel are among the sports set to attract athletes and travelling fans, forming a key part of Qatar’s wider calendar of more than 560 events. A major highlight in 2027 will then see the FIBA Basketball World Cup take place in August and September.
Formula 1 will return to Lusail International Circuit for the Qatar Grand Prix, while the FIFA U-17 World Cup will bring international football back to the country. Major tennis and padel tournaments will also feature on the calendar.
Abdulaziz Ali Al-Mawlawi, chief executive officer of Visit Qatar, said: “Qatar’s strength as a leading tourism destination lies not only in the diversity of experiences it offers, but in its exceptional ability to bring together world-class events, strategic partnerships and seamless experiences.”
Qatar Calendar 2026-2027 key sports events
- 2-7 November 2026: FIP World Cup Qatar 2026, Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex
- 6-8 November 2026: MotoGP Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar 2026, Lusail International Circuit
- 19 November-13 December 2026: FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026, Aspire Zone & Khalifa International Stadium
- 27-29 November 2026: Formula 1 Qatar Airways Grand Prix of Qatar 2026, Lusail International Circuit
- 10-12 December 2026: Qatar T100 Triathlon World Championship Final, Lusail
- 15 January 2027: Doha Marathon by Ooredoo, Hotel Park
- 23 January 2027: Samla International Race 2027, Sealine
- 8-15 February 2027: Qatar TotalEnergies Open 2027, Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex
- 20 March 2027: Ironman 70.3 Doha 2027, Old Doha Port
- 27 August-12 September 2027: FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, Doha
Qatar builds on major sporting event legacy
Qatar has developed into one of the Middle East’s leading sports event hosts over the past two decades.
The country staged the 2006 Asian Games before becoming the first Middle Eastern nation to host the FIFA World Cup in 2022. It has since hosted the AFC Asian Cup in 2024 and regularly welcomes international competitions across athletics, motorsport, tennis, golf, swimming, equestrian sport and other disciplines.
Many of the venues and transport connections developed for major competitions now form part of Qatar’s sports tourism infrastructure.
The country’s compact size also means travelling supporters can combine events with other attractions without having to cover large distances.
From F1 and football to tennis and padel
Lusail has become an important part of Qatar’s sporting landscape, with Lusail International Circuit hosting Formula 1 and MotoGP, while Lusail Stadium was the venue for the 2022 FIFA World Cup final.
Tennis also has an established presence in Doha through the annual ATP and WTA tournaments, while Qatar has increasingly invested in padel and other racket sports.
Football remains central to the country’s sporting calendar, with the FIFA U-17 World Cup adding another international tournament to Qatar’s growing list of hosting credentials.
What can sports tourists do in Qatar?
Visitors travelling to Qatar for an event can also build active experiences into their trip, particularly during the cooler winter months.
The country’s desert landscape provides opportunities for dune bashing, sandboarding, hiking and desert camping, while the coastline opens up activities including kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing and kitesurfing.
Cycling and running are also increasingly accessible options. Doha’s Corniche provides a waterfront route through the city, while Aspire Park and other public spaces offer opportunities for recreational exercise.
Golfers can play at courses including Doha Golf Club and Education City Golf Club, while visitors can also experience Qatar’s equestrian culture, from horse riding to major racing and showjumping events.
Beyond sport, fans can combine events with Doha’s museums, Souq Waqif and dining scene or take a trip to the Inland Sea and Qatar’s desert landscapes.
Image: Lusail Stadium in Qatar (Credit: Visit Qatar/Unsplash)