@globeandmail: Qatar brought a heavy security presence for their World Cup appearance in Vancouver. A large squad of Qatari security officers, accompanied by camouflaged SUVs and light armoured vehicles, arrived in the city ahead of Thursday’s FIFA World Cup match against Canada. A video posted to multiple Qatari government accounts states the Lekhwiya unit, an elite counter-terrorism squad also in charge of protecting VIPs, is there to co-ordinate with local authorities because of its expertise gleaned from policing the 2022 World Cup. Andrew DiRienzo, a spokesperson from the RCMP’s Ottawa headquarters, said in an e-mailed statement that the Qatari police are not allowed to carry their firearms within Canada and that the Mounties are closely collaborating with their foreign counterparts to ensure they are abiding by established protocols prohibiting them from enforcing any laws. “Their activities are limited and carefully managed to ensure they align with Canadian law and respect Canada’s sovereignty,” the statement said. Qatar’s embassy in Ottawa did not respond to multiple requests for comment this week. Video by The Globe's Mike Hager and Alex Migdal. #Qatar #FIFA #WorldCup #Vancouver

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Friday 19 June 2026 19:14:25 GMT