The Qatar national soccer team, preparing for the 2026 World Cup, brought joy to local children in Montecito, California, by hosting a special event at their training camp. The team, known as The Maroons, is gearing up for their first match against Switzerland in Santa Clara next Saturday but took time to engage with the community.

Community Engagement

Held at Westmont College, where the team has been training since last Sunday, the event saw players interacting with hundreds of children, primarily from Franklin Elementary School in Santa Barbara. The players handed out jerseys and scarves, much to the delight of the young attendees.

Isaid Sandoval, a sixth grader from Franklin, expressed his excitement, saying, “I got a signed jersey by a lot of players.” Similarly, 9-year-old Emilia Alcarez from Adelante Charter School was thrilled to receive autographs from several players and the manager.

Training and Preparations

Qatar’s manager, Julen Lopetegui, praised the local environment, stating, “Good energy in Santa Barbara, good energy.” The team invested $250,000 to enhance the playing surface at Thorrington Field, ensuring optimal training conditions.

Following their match against Switzerland, Qatar will face Canada in British Columbia on June 18th and conclude their Group B stage against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Seattle on June 24th. The team’s current FIFA world ranking is 55.

This event not only heightened World Cup fever among local children but also showcased the positive impact of international sports teams engaging with communities.

Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.