FIFA World Cup: Less than a week after the Austrian national soccer team confirmed it would stay in Goleta to train at the University of California, Santa Barbara, another World Cup-bound team has chosen Santa Barbara as its preparation base. The Qatar national team has officially announced plans to stay and train in the area ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
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The Qatar Football Association confirmed the decision through a social media post on January 28. The team, widely known among supporters as Al Annabi or The Maroons, will establish its base camp in Santa Barbara during the early stages of the tournament.
One day after the announcement, Qatar’s official team website shared photos of head coach Julen Lopetegui touring the Westmont College campus in Montecito, where the team will conduct its training sessions. The visit was part of a final inspection to ensure that Westmont College’s facilities met the standards required for World Cup preparation.
Officials evaluated the condition of the practice fields, gymnasium, medical and recovery rooms, training areas, and locker facilities. The Qatar Football Association emphasized that the site offers a controlled and professional environment suited for elite international athletes.
Football World Cup: Qatar’s World Cup Journey from 2022 Debut to 2026 Qualification and Squad Development
Qatar qualified for the World Cup after earning an automatic place as the host nation of the 2022 tournament. That competition marked the first time the World Cup was staged in the Middle East. Although Qatar’s debut campaign ended in disappointment, the team was eliminated after three group-stage losses.
These agreements exist alongside the AFA’s partnership with sports agency giant IMG, which is the governing body’s exclusive Asia-Pacific sponsorship agency until 2026. Although the Lexar partnership is global, the tech firm has a strong footprint in India, with its India-specific Instagram account boasting 36,800 followers. Read More About Canada vs Qatar Tickets
The experience provided valuable exposure at the highest level of international football. Since then, Qatar has shown renewed progress under head coach Julen Lopetegui. A former Spanish international goalkeeper, Lopetegui has built a strong reputation as a manager in Europe.
His previous coaching roles include successful spells with clubs such as Sevilla and West Ham United. Under his guidance, Qatar has focused on tactical discipline, improved conditioning, and long-term development. The current Qatar squad features several players who were part of the nation’s AFC Asian Cup championship teams in 2019 and 2023.
Those victories remain significant milestones in Qatar’s football history and form the backbone of a more experienced and confident roster heading into the tournament. This year, the team officially secured qualification by defeating the United Arab Emirates at home in Doha on October 14, 2025.
Soccer World Cup: Qatar Selects Santa Barbara for World Cup 2026 Training Camp Ahead of Key Matches
Lopetegui explained that the decision to train in Santa Barbara was driven by a desire for optimal preparation. Qatar Football Association representatives noted that the region’s climate, privacy, and high-quality facilities were major factors in the selection process.
The location also allows convenient travel to the team’s opening matches, reducing fatigue and logistical challenges. The Qatar squad and technical staff are expected to arrive in Santa Barbara in early June. Training sessions will be held at Westmont College in the weeks leading up to their first group-stage match.
Qatar is scheduled to face Switzerland on June 13 in Santa Clara, marking the team’s opening fixture of the tournament. Following that match, the team will return to Santa Barbara to continue preparations ahead of its second group-stage encounter. Qatar will then travel north to Vancouver to face host nation Canada on June 18.
Officials believe the ability to return to a consistent training base between matches will help maintain focus and recovery throughout the early stages of the competition. With both Austria and Qatar selecting Santa Barbara as a training hub, the region continues to strengthen its reputation as an attractive destination for elite international teams preparing for major global tournaments.
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