- The global charity event has raised over $19.5mn so far to support out-of-school children and disadvantaged youth across several countries
Ahmad bin Ali Stadium was electric yesterday as Match for Hope 2026 drew a packed crowd and raised QR45,294,142 ($12,409,354) for the Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, continuing the global charity initiative’s legacy of combining sport and entertainment to support disadvantaged youth.
The football match opened with a high-energy live performance by The Chainsmokers, immediately setting the tone for a night to remember. At halftime, The Jonas Brothers took the stage, delivering a lively show that left fans on their feet and buzzing on social media. Posts across platforms lauded the performances, with one fan posting: “Chainsmokers and Jonas Brothers back-to-back? Unreal! Best halftime show ever!”
Organised by QLife, the cultural initiative under Qatar’s International Media Office, in collaboration with EAA and the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, the event has raised over $19.5mn so far to support out-of-school children and disadvantaged youth in countries including Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sudan, Pakistan, Mali, and Tanzania.
Yesterday’s match saw the highly anticipated final showdown between Team Chunkz and Team AboFlah, with both captains returning to lead their squads in front of thousands of spectators. Team Chunkz won the match in a dramatic, high-scoring finish, 8-7, delighting fans and adding to the event’s memorable moments as football legends and creators united for charity.
The star-studded lineup included KSI, Sharky, Billy Wingrove, Danny Aarons, Angry Ginge, Harry Pinero, Amr Nassouhy, Luva de Pedreiro, Marlon, Fanum, Eden Hazard, Thierry Henry, Marcelo Vieira da Silva Júnior, and Diego Costa. Fans online celebrated the blend of football legends and internet stars.
Since its inaugural edition in 2024, Match for Hope has grown into a global phenomenon. The first edition drew over 34,000 spectators at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium and more than 22.5mn live viewers worldwide. Last year, the event reached 25.4mn viewers, with social media content amassing over 1.2bn views, extending the reach of the charitable mission far beyond Qatar.
Fans took to Instagram and Twitter throughout the day, sharing videos, highlights, and heartfelt messages. One fan wrote: “This isn’t just a game, it’s giving kids hope. Proud to be part of this! #MatchForHope2026”. Another tweeted: “The atmosphere at Ahmad bin Ali was insane! Best charity event ever”.
More than a football match, Match for Hope 2026 demonstrated the power of sport and global creators to unite people around a cause, raising millions while inspiring hope for a brighter future for children in need worldwide.