The Embassy of the State of Qatar in cooperation with DC United has organized an open sports day dubbed “Kick it with Qatar". The event was part of a series of activities that will be launched by the Embassy to promote the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup and the opening of the 2019 new season. Around 2,000 fans, students and their families took part in the event in Washington and neighbors cities.

His Excellency Qatar's ambassador to the United States, Sheikh Meshal bin Hamad Al-Thani, has expressed his appreciation for the cooperation with DC United in preparation for the football season in the framework of activities to highlight the State of Qatar’s efforts and preparations to host the World Cup 2022. The Ambassador has hailed as well the participation of many families, students and fans in the special sporting event.

Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy Secretary General, Hassan Al Thawadi said: “We are excited to showcase the plans that we are putting in place for the Middle East’s first FIFA World Cup in 2022.  American fans travel in large numbers to the World Cup and we hope this outreach contributes toward an understanding of the work we’ve done ahead of 2022.  We’re looking forward to engaging with D.C. United’s fans of all ages, creating new friendships, and building the excitement toward the new MLS season and the next FIFA World Cup.”

Fatima Ali Al Nuaimi, Director of Communication at Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, has highlighted as well the preparations and the constructions to host the tournament. She also participated in a panel discussion, in which she highlighted the stages of the tournament, such as the opening of the Khalifa International Stadium in 2017 and other stadiums that will open this year such as al-Wakra and Bayt.

Al-Naimi has noted that the year 2021 will witness the completion of all stadiums hosting the World Cup. She also stressed the importance of Qatar hosting the World Cup as an opportunity to highlight Qatar’s rich culture and its role in bringing the world together.

“We are very pleased to introduce the preseason open day in association with the Qatar Embassy. We would like to thank the State of Qatar and the Ambassador of Qatar and his colleagues for their support,” Andy Bush, D.C. United CRO said.