Aspetar Provides Comprehensive Medical Support to Qatar National Team Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026

Aspetar, Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital has announced its comprehensive medical support for the Qatar national football team as it prepares to compete in the FIFA World Cup 2026, set to take place from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Khalid Ali Al Mawlawi, Acting Director General of Aspetar, emphasized that supporting national teams is a core part of an integrated performance-focused approach, extending beyond treatment alone. He said:

“At Aspetar, we are committed to helping our athletes achieve peak physical and mental readiness through precise scientific approaches and advanced rehabilitation programmes tailored to the demands of elite international competition. We work closely with both technical and medical teams to support timely, well-informed decisions that balance high performance with long-term sustainability. Our support for the national team at the FIFA World Cup 2026 reflects our dedication to international best practices and our commitment to strengthening Qatar’s presence on the global stage.”

As the Qatar national team prepares for its second appearance at a FIFA World Cup, Aspetar continues to play a vital role in supporting the squad by delivering world-class medical and performance services to ensure players’ optimal readiness throughout the tournament.
The National Team Sports Medicine Unit, established at Aspetar under the National Sports Medicine Program (NSMP), provides specialized, comprehensive medical support tailored to the demands of international competition. The unit brings together a multidisciplinary team of physicians, physiotherapists, massage therapists, pitch-side rehabilitation specialists, and performance experts, all working in full coordination to safeguard player health and enhance performance levels.

Operating within a structured and evidence-based framework, the medical team delivers services spanning injury prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, supported by Aspetar’s state-of-the-art medical facilities. Throughout the qualification stages and in the lead-up to the tournament, Aspetar has maintained a continuous and proactive role in supporting the national team, ensuring the highest standards of medical care and rapid response to all health-related needs. This support will continue through to the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Riadh Miladi, Director of the National Team Sports Medicine Unit at Aspetar, described the unit as a strategic initiative designed to provide dedicated medical care and full coverage for the national team, particularly during major tournaments. He said:

“Aspetar’s extensive experience in elite athlete care, supported by advanced facilities and leading scientific research, enables us to manage a wide range of medical cases, from prevention to rehabilitation, ensuring that Qatar’s players are ready at all times.”

With the tournament taking place across multiple cities in North America, participating teams, including Qatar, will face varied environmental conditions such as climate differences, frequent travel, and altitude changes. Aspetar’s medical team has developed tailored programmes to address these challenges, focusing on hydration strategies, heat management, post-travel recovery, and mental wellbeing to support rapid adaptation and sustained performance.

Aspetar will also provide integrated medical services throughout the tournament in close coordination with its surgery, radiology, and rehabilitation departments, covering everything from comprehensive medical assessments to full readiness, and ensuring efficient management of any complex or emergency medical cases.

Dr. Ian McGuinness, Medical Director of the Qatar National Team, highlighted the importance of medical preparedness, stating:

“ The National Team Medical Unit fully endorses and embraces Aspetar’s mission of assisting athletes in achieving their maximum performance and full potential. This is the crux of our role, which all National Team Medical Staff from Aspetar are completely committed to. Aspetar will provide essential back-up to us during the tournament in North America, in particular through liaison and problem-solving of complex cases with our surgical, radiology, and rehabilitation colleagues. This support from Aspetar will enhance our performance and contribute to the success of the team. Aspetar has been with our National Team every step of the way during this historic campaign and is a vital part of our success story.”

Through its ongoing partnership with the national team, Aspetar continues to reinforce its position as a global leader in sports medicine and a key pillar supporting Qatar’s ambitions on the international stage, including the FIFA World Cup 2026.