It’s hard not to be impressed when you look at Qatar’s 2026 sports calendar announced recently. The Qatar Olympic Committee has laid out a schedule that is not just ambitious, it’s audacious. In all, 83 are spread across world, international, Asian, GCC, Arab and domestic levels with 16 world championships alone.
Starting with the inaugural H H the Father Amir’s Equestrian Prix - part of the Doha Equestrian Tour, and a slew of golf, squash, fencing and padel events, the year kicks off with energy and style. By February, Qatar Masters Golf, the TotalEnergies Open, National Sport Day, the QOC Half Marathon, and the H H The Amir Sword Equestrian Festival show the country’s ability to mix local celebration with international competition. It’s a smart mix, making sure the calendar appeals to athletes, fans and media alike.
What stands out most is the way Qatar balances the global with the local. March brings FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifiers, the eagerly-awaited Finalissima between Argentina and Spain and elite equestrian events.
April is practically bursting at the seams with basketball, volleyball, golf, gymnastics, tennis and handball. May moves into football and youth competitions, including the 4th GCC Games, showing that Qatar isn’t just chasing headline events, it’s nurturing talent and hosting competitions for all levels.
Even when summer comes, Qatar keeps going. August alone features the FIVB U17 World Volleyball Championship and the next round of basketball qualifiers. Later months bring world padel, shooting, triathlon, and weightlifting championships.
Besides, the Lusail International Circuit will also be buzzing with the World Endurance Championship, MotoGP and Formula 1 races in 2026, further reinforcing its image as a global motorsport hub. Qatar will also be home to FIFA U-17 World Cup for the second successive year. The sports calendar is impressive, but what makes it really remarkable is the planning behind it.
Looking at the 2026 calendar, it’s clear that Qatar is once again delivering an action-packed year of sport. From world championships to regional competitions, from football and motorsport to equestrian and padel, the scale and diversity are staggering. Qatar is set to dominate as the world sports hub, a position it has held for years, drawing admiration from athletes, teams and coaches alike.
