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News|In Pictures

World Cup finals boost National Day celebrations in Qatar

This December 18 marks National Day and the final match between Argentina and France in the FIFA World Cup.

Qatar National Day
Fans in Doha, Qatar, ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup final match on Sunday, December 18, 2022. [Sorin Furcoi/Al Jazeera]
By Mersiha Gadzo and Sorin Furcoi
Published On 18 Dec 202218 Dec 2022
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Doha, Qatar – This year’s Qatar National Day has been especially festive as World Cup fans gear up for the finals match between France and Argentina at Lusail Stadium, approximately 25km north of Doha.

December 18 marks the unification of Qatar in 1878 under the leadership of the country’s founder, Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, and the day has been celebrated annually since 2007.

Football fans filled the streets in Doha, dressed in light blue and white Argentina jerseys, chanting songs in Spanish in support of the South American finalist.

Others were seen draped in the French “tricolore”, while flags of the 32 World Cup participating teams covered Lusail Boulevard.

Visitors celebrated throughout the day while an air show was on display above the city.

Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani congratulated Qataris and residents on Twitter, saying “this year coincides with a festive atmosphere with Qatar’s guests from all over the world at the end of an exceptional world football tournament.

“Every year, Qatar is in glory and elevation, and may God keep our country safe, secure and stable”.

National Day celebrations and activities were also held in Doha’s Katara and the Mall of Qatar as well as in the town of Umm Salal Mohammed.

Qatar National Day
Qatar National Day celebrations in Doha, Qatar, ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup final match. [Sorin Furcoi/Al Jazeera]
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Qatar National Day
Football fans in Doha wave Qatar's flag to mark National Day. [Sorin Furcoi/Al Jazeera]
Qatar National Day
December 18 marks the unification of Qatar in 1878 under the leadership of the country’s founder, Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani. [Sorin Furcoi/Al Jazeera]
Qatar National Day
Argentina fans in Doha, Qatar, ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup final match. [Sorin Furcoi/Al Jazeera]
Qatar National Day
People pose for photos in front of a statue of La'eeb, the official mascot for the FIFA World Cup 2022. [Sorin Furcoi/Al Jazeera]
Qatar National Day
People gather on Lousail Boulevard in Doha, Qatar ahead of the final World Cup match. [Sorin Furcoi/Al Jazeera]
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Qatar National Day
A man waves the Qatar flag on Lousail Boulevard. [Sorin Furcoi/Al Jazeera]
Qatar National Day
People stroll through Souq Waqif in Doha, Qatar, ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup final match. [Sorin Furcoi/Al Jazeera]


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