American Airlines is the Official North American Airline Supplier
For Fifa World Cup 2026
American Airlines has been confirmed as the Official North American Airline Supplier for the Fifa World Cup 2026, enhancing the airline’s presence across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. This strategic partnership will support Fifa in providing seamless and world-class air travel for teams, fans, and stakeholders during the largest edition of the tournament to date.
The announcement marks a significant collaboration between American Airlines and Qatar Airways, Fifa’s Global Airline Partner through 2030. Together, the two carriers will ensure cohesive international and domestic travel experiences throughout the tournament’s duration. While Qatar Airways will continue managing global flight operations, American Airlines will connect key North American destinations.
The 2026 Fifa World Cup will be the first to feature 48 teams, three host nations and 16 Host Cities across North America. American Airlines, headquartered in Dallas-Fort Worth—one of the host cities—is well-positioned to meet the logistical demands of this expanded tournament. With over 2,200 daily flights already serving the designated Host Cities, the airline is poised to be pivotal in transporting supporters to and from matches.
Caroline Clayton, Chief Marketing Officer and Senior Vice President of Communications at American Airlines, expressed excitement over the deal. “We are proud to partner with Fifa and look forward to connecting fans to all Fifa World Cup 26™ matches. As the home team for this historic event, we look forward to flying fans across North America to experience the beautiful game’s passion, energy and diversity.”
Fifa welcomed the announcement, recognising the move as crucial to enhancing travel logistics and fan engagement across North America. “Having American Airlines on board as an Official Supplier further enhances our ability to deliver an exceptional Fifa World Cup in 2026,” said Romy Gai, Fifa’s Chief Business Officer.
“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.”
As part of the agreement, American Airlines will collaborate with Qatar Airways on a range of promotional activities. These initiatives aim to offer fans exclusive travel opportunities and packages tied to the tournament, alongside engaging sweepstakes and loyalty-based ticket rewards.
US residents aged 18 and over can enter daily at aa.com/fwc26perks to win tickets to the 2026 World Cup Final. Entry is open to all AAdvantage loyalty members. Those not yet enrolled can sign up for free at aa.com/aadvantage. Additional match ticket redemptions will become available later this year through the AAdvantage programme and Qatar Airways Privilege Club using Avios points.
This partnership also aligns with American Airlines’ 100th anniversary, which the airline will celebrate in 2026. Marking a century of aviation excellence during the world’s biggest sporting event provides an ideal stage for America to showcase its capabilities and long-standing commitment to the region.
Qatar Airways, which maintains its status as the tournament’s exclusive global airline partner, praised the synergy between the two carriers. Thierry Antinori, Chief Commercial Officer of Qatar Airways, said, “As the Official Global Airline Partner of Fifa and the Fifa World Cup 2026, we are proud to play a central role in bringing fans from across the globe to this highly anticipated tournament. With American Airlines joining as the Official North American Airline Supplier and oneworld partner, we believe that, together, through our expansive networks and world-class loyalty programmes, we can offer millions of travellers a seamless and rewarding journey to the Fifa World Cup 2026.”
The 2026 tournament is expected to break attendance records, featuring 104 matches and drawing the largest global audience ever for a sporting event. With American Airlines onboard, Fifa is doubling its commitment to accessibility, scale and enhanced fan experience.
This announcement follows a broader trend of global brands deepening their involvement with the Fifa World Cup, which continues to be one of the most potent platforms for connecting with international audiences.
As preparations for the tournament gain momentum, adding American Airlines to the list of official partners reinforces the scale and ambition of what promises to be a landmark event in sporting history.
Image: The 2026 Fifa World Cup will be the first to feature 48 teams, three host nations and 16 Host Cities across North America. Credit: American Airlines
