After days of crisis in Qatar, the Finalissima may still happen

After a brutal stretch in Qatar — days marked by nonstop tension as Qatari armed forces intercepted missiles and drones launched from Iran — there’s finally a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. And with that, hope is growing that the Finalissima in Doha, now just 20 days away, might still go ahead as planned.

Iran announced it will halt strikes on neighboring countries, though it maintains the right to retaliate if attacked. Even so, the announcement has sparked cautious optimism in Qatar, and early reactions have been encouraging.

First flights leave Doha as airspace begins to reopen

In the early hours of the morning, Qatar reopened its airspace for limited repatriation flights. The first plane to depart since the conflict began took off from Doha bound for Madrid. On board were players including Joselu and Javi Martínez, along with several family members — including the wife of Raúl de Tomás and their three‑month‑old baby, who, as previously reported, had been stranded in the country. Also on the flight was the wife of Pablo Sanz, who needed medical care in Seville. Spain’s ambassador to Qatar, Álvaro Renedo, played a crucial role in securing their departure.

Soccer returns — a key sign for the Finalissima

In the coming hours, Qatar may reopen its airspace to regular commercial flights, mirroring the gradual normalization already underway in nearby countries such as the United Arab Emirates. Another major indicator that the Finalissima could still be held in Doha is the return of domestic soccer. Starting Thursday, Qatar’s federation will resume competitions that had been suspended indefinitely after the US strike on Iran and Iran’s regional response.

UEFA and CONMEBOL’s timeline still intact

The timeline still fits within the window UEFA and CONMEBOL set for making a final decision on the Finalissima’s venue. Even if holding the match in Doha once seemed reckless, the rapid return to pre‑conflict activity suggests Qatar may now hold the upper hand. There’s a lot of money at stake, and with the country steadily regaining a sense of normalcy, contractual obligations become harder to ignore.

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