2026 Middle East World Cup Press Trip

Visit California is hosting three leading regional publications from the Middle East on a press trip in a lead up to the 2026 World Cup games in California. This is a high-impact luxury, lifestyle and sports press trip designed to position Northern California destinations as a natural extension to a trip to California building on Qatar’s global World Cup momentum in April 2026.

This program will showcase California’s unique intersection of global sport, elevated luxury, culinary excellence and iconic experiences.

This opportunity is designed for industry partners with an interest in:

• High-value Middle East media and audiences
• Luxury and halal-friendly travel positioning
• FIFA™ World Cup 2026 momentum and sports tourism storytelling
• Culinary, wellness and experiential travel narratives

Participating partners will gain strategic exposure through curated storytelling pitched to leading Middle Eastern outlets, including Al Raya Newspaper and Al Jazeera. With Qatar’s national team playing their FIFA™ World Cup 2026 matches in San Francisco, we are leveraging this moment to position Northern California as the ideal host destination for travelers and media.

We are seeking partner support through hosted hotels, accommodations and curated activities, with a strategic focus on driving extended stays beyond match days and dispersing visitors throughout Northern California.

• Middle Eastern Media exposure
  Secure coverage in leading Middle Eastern outlets like Al Jazeera and Al Raya through curated, high-value storytelling.
• Strategic destination positioning
  Hook into momentum for Qatar's World Cup moment and position your destination or business as an extension of travel.
• Extended stay impact
  Drive longer stays and regional exploration through curated experiences beyond match days.