DOHA: In an appearance in which thousands of fans arrived at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, Qatar national squad held an open training session on Sunday as it continues to prepare for the start of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The Qatar squad, led by coach Felix Sanchez, underwent light physical training at a session attended by QFA President Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani. The QFA had invited the domestic and international media, who were also in large numbers at Al Sadd club’s home venue.

The open training session was part of the Al Annabi and QFA’s goal to launch a promotional campaign with Qatar fans ahead of the World Cup debut next month. The training was also attended by Qatari school students, Aspire Academy graduates, and Qatari club players at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium.

The players also took selfies with fans, as did coach Sanchez during the meet-and-greet session. The national team’s training on Sunday was also attended by children from the Shafallah Center.

“There is no doubt that such events and activities have a significant and great impact in bringing joy and pleasure to all of our children,” an official of Shafallah Centre said.

“The Qatar players communicated with them and took photos besides exchanging conversations with them,” the official added.

The media at the venue also got to speak with coach Sanchez and the national team players.

After the training session, the Qatar players offered their solidarity with the families of the victims of the Indonesian football League tragedy by displaying a banner reading “Our hearts are with you” in Arabic and English. On Saturday, more than 100 people died because of a stampede at a football match in Indonesia.

The Qatar Women’s Sports Committee presented a souvenir received by Qatar captain Hassan Al Haidos in support of Al Annabi’s first World Cup appearance.

During the last few weeks, the maroons played three friendly matches in the Austrian capital Vienna.

Qatar’s squad will leave for Europe to continue their preparations ahead of its FIFA World Cup debut on November 20 against Ecuador at Al Bayt Stadium.