The value of Dublin is practical rather than glamorous.
That last point matters. For supporters crossing the Atlantic close to kickoff dates, smoother immigration processing is not a small advantage. It can turn Dublin from a stopover into a preferred route.
The report says Qatar used Dublin as its departure point for Los Angeles, travelling on a special Boeing 777-300ER operated by Qatar Airways. Even with cautious wording around a single-source update, the broader football point is clear: teams do not choose logistical routes casually.
When a national delegation appears to trust an airport for a tournament move, it reflects confidence in scheduling, handling and long-haul connectivity. That is the kind of detail that gives Dublin credibility as more than just a regional hub.
The airport is also reportedly preparing for its busiest summer on record, with projections of more than 11 million passengers between June and the end of August. The World Cup may not be the only driver, but it looks set to add serious pressure to an already stretched travel period.
As the tournament nears its 11 June opening, the next storyline is not only who starts well on the pitch. It is also which travel hubs keep supporters, staff and squads moving cleanly - and Dublin looks likely to be one of them.