Qatar Airways has unveiled a Boeing 777 featuring a special FIFA World Cup 2026-themed livery and customised onboard experience, the airline said in a press release, as preparations intensify for football’s biggest tournament to be hosted across North America next year.

The Gulf carrier said the specially branded aircraft, designed to celebrate its partnership with FIFA as the tournament’s official airline partner, will operate on routes linking key destinations in Europe, the United States and Asia, bringing World Cup-themed branding and experiences to passengers ahead of the 2026 competition.

According to Qatar Airways, the Boeing 777 features an exterior design inspired by the “energy, passion and global unity” associated with the FIFA World Cup 2026. The aircraft will travel throughout the airline’s international network as part of promotional efforts surrounding the tournament.

In addition to the exterior branding, the airline said the aircraft cabin has been redesigned with bespoke interior elements inspired by the World Cup, aiming to extend the tournament atmosphere to the inflight experience. Qatar Airways added that both the exterior livery and cabin features will remain in place after the tournament to commemorate the event.

The move builds on Qatar Airways’ involvement in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, when the airline played a central logistical role in transporting supporters, officials and teams during the tournament hosted in the Gulf state.

As FIFA’s Official Airline Partner, Qatar Airways has increasingly aligned its global marketing strategy with major sporting events, including football, Formula One, tennis and other international competitions, reinforcing its brand visibility in highly competitive aviation markets.

The FIFA World Cup 2026, set to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will be the largest edition of the tournament to date, featuring an expanded format and a broader geographic footprint.

While the special livery aircraft is not expected to alter Qatar Airways’ flight schedules or operational structure, passengers travelling on selected Boeing 777 routes may experience World Cup-themed cabin branding and promotional activities linked to the tournament.

Qatar Airways did not disclose the specific destinations or deployment schedule for the aircraft. However, aviation analysts say that global carriers increasingly use such initiatives to strengthen customer engagement and brand association with major international events.

The airline said the special aircraft reflects the next phase of its partnership with FIFA as anticipation grows for the 2026 World Cup, which is expected to draw millions of spectators from around the globe.