American Airlines has been added to the ranks of commercial partners for men's soccer's 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be held across Mexico, the US, and Canada.
The brand comes in as the tournament's North American airline supplier as part of a regional sponsorship. Qatar Airways, meanwhile, holds exclusive international flight rights as part of its partnership with FIFA in place through the 2030 World Cup.
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This new agreement will see American Airlines promoting offers and opportunities, in partnership with Qatar Airways, covering the 2026 World Cup, which will take place across 16 host cities, feature 48 participating teams, and consist of 104 matches in total.
FIFA has said the agreement will ensure "world-class travel experiences for fans and teams across the US during the game-changing tournament.
GlobalData Sport (at the time the deal was unveiled, in late 2023) valued the FIFA-Qatar Airways tie-up as worth $487.5 million in total.
Romy Gai, chief business officer at FIFA, has commented: "Having American Airlines on board as an official supplier further enhances our ability to deliver an exceptional FIFA World Cup in 2026. Their unmatched domestic network and deep connection to the American public make them a great fit for a tournament that will captivate millions across North America.”
Caroline Clayton, American Airlines' chief marketing officer, added: "As the home team for this historic event, we look forward to flying fans across North America to experience the passion, energy, and diversity of the beautiful game.”
American Airlines is headquartered in the Dallas-Fort Worth region, with Dallas one of the 16 World Cup host cities. Indeed, the airline puts its name to that city's American Airlines Center venue, at which ice hockey's NHL and NBA basketball teams play.
In total, Dallas will put on nine games from the World Cup, including one round-of-16 tie and one of the two semi-finals.
In terms of regional commercial partnerships around next year's World Cup, December saw FIFA and US DIY and home improvement retail chain Home Depot unveil a similar regional deal, also covering the three host countries.
Specifically, Home Depot has become the tournament's home improvement retail supporter.
In February, meanwhile, NRG Energy was disclosed as a partner of the Houston organizing committee for the World Cup.
FIFA is also in the middle of conducting several media rights tenders for next year's tournament.
