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Aspire Academy has launched its new football season with a series of residential training camps for its various age groups. The opening week featured players from the 2011 and 2012 generations, followed by the 2010 generation, before the 2013 and 2014 squads completed the programme.The week-long camps were designed to help players refocus on key areas, including rebuilding fitness after the summer break and returning to the rhythm of regular coaching sessions. Living on site at Aspire Academy during the camps gave the players the opportunity to socialise, strengthen team relationships, and adapt to time away from home.The camps also enabled the coaching staff to identify focus areas as they develop their training plans for the season ahead. Ahead of the new season, Aspire Academy has also welcomed Mikel Antia as Technical and Methodology Manager. Antia returns for a second spell at the Academy, having previously worked there from 2012 to 2016.He brings extensive experience and expertise from a professional playing career and coaching roles at several clubs, including working alongside Rafa Benitez at Newcastle United and, most recently, at English Premier League side Leeds United. The Spanish coach explained why he chose to return to Aspire Academy and Qatar for the next chapter of his career.“I had a very positive experience during my four years here at Aspire Academy, and now they have offered me an opportunity that I could not turn down,” he said. “I know this place very well. I know the quality of work we can deliver, and I am confident that I can help the organisation continue to evolve and improve.”Antia believes that Qatar hosting the next four editions of the FIFA Under-17 World Cup can provide a major boost to the country’s football development. “The most important thing is that everyone - from the organisation to the coaches and players - understands what it takes to compete against the best,” he said.“The players need the right tools, and it is our responsibility to provide those tools so they are ready.” “These competitions are valuable because they help players understand the level of effort and commitment required - not only from them, but from the entire system.”“It is excellent to have this level of competition here in Doha because it reinforces the belief that we can compete, while also reminding us that we must continue improving every year.” Antia said his message to players and fellow coaches is simple: “one more”.“If we want players to grow and develop, we as coaches must lead by always giving ‘one more’ - asking what more we can do, change, or offer to help them improve. We cannot simply say, ‘It is done.’”“We must keep thinking about what else we can do. If players see that commitment from us, they will add it to their own habits - one more effort, one more repetition, one more sprint, or whatever is required. It starts with us as coaches, creating a culture that supports the development of a competitive mentality.”The student-athletes returned to full-time study and training at the Academy on 6 September, with additional local and international training camps, as well as friendly match series, planned for the coming months. The Academy’s pitches will once again host the FIFA Under-17 World Cup from 19 November to 13 December, with Qatar’s squad expected to include Aspire Academy student-athletes and graduates. 

Aspire Academy brought together fencers from six nations for a training camp ahead of the upcoming season. Fencers from the Netherlands, Greece, Argentina, Malaysia, Thailand and Saudi Arabia joined local Qatari fencers alongside Aspire Academy student-athletes and graduates.Among the 66 fencers who gathered were Saudi Arabia’s Khalifah al-Omairi, who won bronze in the epee at the recent World Championships in Hong Kong, and Dutch athlete Tristan Tulen, who has competed at the Olympics and won the Doha Grand Prix in January.The week-long training camp featured 12 sessions totalling 36 hours, overseen by 16 coaches from both Aspire Academy and overseas. It included work on footwork, technical skills, as well as strength and conditioning.In addition to the coaching sessions, several social activities were organised for the visitors, including a meal at Souq Waqif, a trip to the cinema, and badminton and swimming sessions. Hugo Dergal, Senior Fencing Coach for epee at Aspire Academy, said there had been very positive feedback from the visiting fencers and coaches as well as the local athletes.“We are delighted that they have been able to enjoy the Aspire Academy facilities: from our fencing hall to our gyms for physical preparation and the recovery centre,” he said. “My hope is that we can build on this camp, make it bigger, and invite more fencers from not just the Middle East but from around the globe.”He added that the Aspire Academy student-athletes have learnt many valuable lessons from the training camp. “During the training sessions, the professionals are very disciplined and always engaged; this is an area our student-athletes can learn from,” he explained.“Even if we are tired, even if it's a long session, we need to keep our focus and maintain that discipline, as that will help us in competition. This is a chance for our student-athletes to get a first-hand look at exactly what it means to be a top-class fencer.”“They can see how some of the very best train, how they are always discussing their sessions and taking ideas from those around them. All of this means they can understand the sport better and hopefully means they can progress to the highest possible levels.”Dutch fencer Tristan Tulen was impressed with the potential of the Aspire Academy fencers. “I was really happy to accept the invite, especially because the Aspire facilities are really first-class, so I accepted without hesitation,” he said.“They're (Aspire Academy fencers) very professional in many ways at such a young age. So I think they have strong potential to develop into international players in the future. They have the same personality as me; I also get flared up when I lose a match, and I use it to evaluate what I have done and use it as motivation for my next encounter. I would encourage them to do the same.”Among the local fencers taking part in the training camp was Qatar’s top fencer Ali Turki Owaida, who ended last season by becoming the first Qatari to reach the last 64 at the World Fencing Championships.His next challenge is competing for Qatar at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, which begin on 19 September, and he is determined to build on his recent success.“It’s easy for a person to see one result and be happy and satisfied, but my goal and those of Aspire Academy and the national team are always to improve,” he insisted. “I am now determined to improve my understanding of how to read the sport better and how to approach a match with a better mentality. These are the things that differentiate world-class players from others.”Ali Turki Owaida will be joined by five other Aspire Academy graduates and two current student-athletes for a training camp in Japan starting on September 13 ahead of the fencing competition at the Asian Games, which begins a week later. 

As part of the Qatar Stars League’s (QSL) commitment to ongoing communication, co-ordination and co-operation with clubs, and aligning with preparations and arrangements for new 2026-2027 football season, QSL’s Competitions and Football Development Department held a Co-ordination Meeting with coaches and captains of Doha Bank Stars League and QSL 2 clubs at the Aspire Academy. The meeting was attended by Dr. Ahmed Khellil Abbassi, Executive Director of Competitions and Football Development, Mr. Mohammed Ahmed Al Abdullah, Director of Professional Players Affairs, Mr. Ahmed Salman Al Adsani, Director of Competitions, Mr. Antero Henrique, Sporting Director at QSL, and representatives from National Teams and Referees Departments, Aspetar and Aspire. The meeting was held as part of preparations ahead of the start of new football season and aimed to enhance development through co-operation and co-ordination between QSL, clubs’ technical staff and players. The meeting also addressed several key aspects of competition, including a review of regulations and organisational guidelines for the new season, and operational mechanisms designed to ensure optimal conditions for a successful tournament. The meeting discussed new season’s calendar, aiming to achieve a balance between match schedule and preparation periods. The importance of morning training sessions in enhancing player readiness was also discussed, along with best practices in recovery and nutrition. These practices are crucial for improving player performance and minimising fatigue and injuries. The meeting also explored ways to optimise training intensity to meet competitive demands and enhance players’ technical and physical readiness throughout the season. Commenting on the meeting, Dr. Abbassi said, “I extend my thanks and appreciation to all technical, administrative and medical staff, and players for their vital and important roles, in addition to our partners (Qatar Football Association,  Aspetar, Aspire, National Teams Department, Referees) as they are a fundamental element in implementing the league’s development plan, and are among the main pillars of our football system.”

Aspire Academy student-athlete Hassan Waly, playing alongside Spain’s Javier Bolumar, won the under-18 title at the FIP Promises Oeiras event in Portugal. This is not only Waly's first FIP Promises title but also the first for a Qatari player at a European event.FIP Promises events are the International Padel Federation’s (FIP) tournaments for various age groups from under-12 to under-18, designed to develop young players through high-level international competition.Waly and Bolumar, who were seeded sixth, impressed throughout the tournament, winning three matches against higher-seeded opponents.They were given a bye in the first round, then beat the Spanish duo of Mario Brocal and Jaime Rodriguez 6-2, 6-2 in the last 16.In the quarter-finals, Waly and Bolumar won the first set against second seeds Francisco Goncalves Da Silva and Goncalo Liberato Costa, before the Portuguese pair had to retire.Then in the last four, they overcame fourth seeds Lautaro Dos Santos Sueyro and Valentin Villalba, from Argentina, 6-4, 6-3.Their toughest test came in the final against the Spanish top seeds, Juan Carlos Gutierrez Guerrero and Mario Martinez Guerrero, and they eventually needed a tiebreak to clinch the title.Aspire Academy’s Head Padel Coach, Mariano Amat, was thrilled with the way Waly played in the deciding moments of the final. “The final was a long and closely contested match, ultimately decided by a lengthy tiebreak,” he said.“Hassan showed real composure under pressure, making a decisive impact at the net and with his overhead play during the key moments of the match. “This result reflects not just talent but the kind of competitive maturity we have been working as coaches to develop: the ability to manage tight situations and make the right decisions when it matters most.”“The other good news is that Hassan’s development is continuing, and he has room to improve even further going forward. Next up for Hassan is the FIP Promises Athleticans II tournament in Cairo, Egypt, which starts on 20 April, and again he will be playing with Javier Bolumar.”“These few weeks allow Hassan to take part in two international competitions to increase his tournament exposure, and to combine those with structured training periods.”“While this is a significant milestone for Aspire Academy’s padel programme, our goal is not just a single result; we will keep working.”“We want to build complete players who are capable of competing at the international level on a consistent basis.”As Waly prepares for his next tournament, several of Aspire Academy’s other padel players are set to travel to Spain to train at the Sompadel academy in Madrid, alongside some of the best Spanish players in their age categories.

The second edition of Aspire Academy’s annual Spread Your Wings Football Cup has successfully concluded with two more champions, one from government schools and one from private schools.The tournament was launched in 2024 as part of Aspire Academy’s 20th Anniversary celebrations, with the winners of the inaugural edition crowned in April 2025.This year’s event featured players from the 2017 generation, and each tournament featured eight squads of up to 10 players competing in five-a-side matches on a knockout basis.Joining hosts Iqra Academy Muaither at the event for private schools were Al Jazeera Academy, Al Maha Academy for Boys, Royal International School, Awfaz Global School, Edison International Academy, Al Andalus Primary Private School and Arab International Academy.Former professional players Mohammed Mubarak and Fuhaid Al-Shammari were among the spectators at the event. They presented the medals to the winners, Arab International Academy, and the runners-up, Awfaz Global School.Abdullah Bin Zaid Almahmoud hosted the event for government schools. It featured seven other schools: Ali Bin Abdullah, Bilal Bin Rabbah, Abi Hanifa, Al Muthana Bin Haritha, Saad Bin Abi Waqqas, Othman Bin Afan and Al Ikhlas.Aspire Academy’s Football Administration Director, Saeed Al-Marri, attended the tournament and was on hand to give out the winners' medals to Ali Bin Abdullah, while Al Ikhlas received silver ones as runners-up.“We are delighted that this second edition of the Spread Your Wings Football Cup has been a success, as we offer these young players a chance to not only enjoy themselves but also to compete against one another,” he said.“Once again, it gives us at Aspire Academy the chance to discover new talent from both across government and private schools.”“We are excited to identify the possible stars of the future and at the prospect of nurturing some of them to become future champions.”“Thanks to the efforts of Aspire’s Talent Centre Department, who ensured this whole event ran smoothly.”The tournaments highlight the Academy’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of athletes and provide an opportunity to showcase sport as part of a healthy lifestyle and to promote the values of teamwork, inclusivity, and social cohesion.The events provided an opportunity for the youngsters to demonstrate their talent in a competitive environment. They gave Aspire Academy’s football scouts a valuable platform to identify promising young players who could potentially join the Academy’s football program.The Spread Your Wings Football Cup was named after the slogan used to officially open Aspire Academy in 2005.The tournament reinforces Aspire Academy’s mission of offering platforms that help young athletes unlock their potential and pursue their dreams on and off the field. 

Aspire Academy, in cooperation with the Referees Department of the Qatar Football Association (QFA), launched on Monday, 9 February 2026, the “Qatar Player App for Referees” at the Academy’s headquarters.The launch was attended by Hani Taleb Ballan, Chairman of the QFA Referees Committee; Ivan Bravo, Director General of Aspire Academy; and Professor Valter Di Salvo, Director of Football Performance and Science at the Academy. They were joined by several elite referees, coaches, assessors, experts, and Aspire Academy officials. This new step aims to support and enhance the physical and technical performance of elite referees through advanced technology.**media[414750]**Hani Taleb Ballan, Chairman of the QFA Referees Committee, confirmed that this initiative represents an important milestone in the development of refereeing in Qatar. He noted that the application delivers real added value for referees and reflects a strong belief in leveraging technology to serve the game. He expressed his gratitude for the ongoing cooperation with Aspire Academy and praised its significant efforts in developing all aspects of football. He added that he is confident the application will make a significant difference, both technically and in performance, particularly because it provides all the necessary tools to support referees throughout their careers. He emphasised that believing in this technology and investing in it properly is a key factor in ensuring the success of the application.**media[414753]**For his part, Ivan Bravo, Director General of Aspire Academy, praised the efforts of the QFA Referees Committee and Ballan in developing referees’ performance. He expressed his appreciation to the Referees Department for its partnership with the Academy, affirming that referees are among the most important partners within the football ecosystem. Bravo explained that the nature of referees’ work and the significant pressures they face on the field require continuous support, noting that the application will be highly beneficial to them. He added that Aspire Academy is building a comprehensive archive of data, knowledge, and scientific expertise to transfer this experience to future generations and ensure sustainable development.Professor Valter Di Salvo, Director of Football Performance and Science at the Academy, explained how the application's features work.**media[414751]**The “Qatar Player App for Referees” was developed by the Football Performance and Science Department and the Information Technology Department at Aspire Academy to meet the individual needs of each referee. The application provides referees with immediate access to their personal performance data, along with analytical video clips of matches and training sessions, enhancing technical evaluation and decision-making.**media[414752]**The application includes several features, most notably the ability to view video clips of referee-specific incidents from past games, as well as monitoring physical performance data during matches. These indicators help assess a referee’s ability to meet match demands and maintain game flow. The app also allows access to daily training data and enables referees to provide feedback on their physical condition, helping fitness coaches design training sessions tailored to each referee’s individual needs. In addition, it integrates results from specialised performance tests and body composition assessments conducted at Aspire Academy, enabling referees to track their individual, continuous development over the long term using precise scientific principles.The launch of the “Qatar Player App for Referees” reflects the commitment of Aspire Academy and the Qatar Football Association to harness the latest technologies and sports sciences to support the refereeing system, elevate its standards in line with global best practices, and strengthen the position of Qatari football at all levels.

Aspire Academy’s Omar Farag was victorious at the Slovenian Junior Squash Open in Ljubljana in the boys under-15 category. The event, organised by the European Squash Federation and featuring players from around the globe, was the first of 2026 for the Academy’s players. There were also podium finishes for student-athlete Aly Ouda, who won bronze in the under-17s, while pre-academy player Maaz Bin Fahad was the runner-up in the under-13s. His triumph saw him go one step better than last year, when he finished as the runner-up.**media[413328]**Aspire Academy’s Senior Squash Coach, Francesco Busi, said all the players showed strength in body and mind. “This tournament has been a very good experience for all our players, all of them delivering great performances and results,” he explained.“Our players showed both physical and mental strength in this tournament, and it gives us high hopes for the upcoming tournaments.”Omar Farag dropped just one game on the way to the final, which came in a 3-1 semi-final victory, before he enjoyed another 3-0 win in the final as he beat Noam Dror from Israel.**media[413325]**There was also a strong performance by Hassan Alian as he finished 5th overall. At the same time, Abdulla Al Sharshani came through an extra qualifying round and managed to beat his fellow student-athlete Hamad Al Rayahi in the 11th/12th place play-off.The other Aspire Academy participant at the tournament was Khalifa Al Emadi, who managed 17th place overall.In the under-17 category, Aly Ouda won all three of his group matches to progress to the semi-finals, where he was edged out 3-2 by the top seed and eventual runner-up Fabijan Duran of Croatia. **media[413326]**The grade 12 student-athlete then recovered to secure a bronze medal by overcoming Hungary’s Mate Sali 3-1. Despite turning 11 during the tournament, pre-academy player Maaz Bin Fahad competed in the under-13s for the first time.The youngster was unfazed by the step-up in age and won all three of his pool matches to reach the final four. In the semi-finals, he took on the top seed from Croatia, and a near‑perfect display from Maaz Bin Fahad saw him hold his nerve to eventually secure the victory.  In a tight final, he lost 3-2 to Malta’s Tom Agius to finish with a silver medal. There was an outstanding win for Aspire Academy-trained Zoe Makaryous, who is just 10 years old, as she won three matches to claim the girls under-15 title. Not only did she win all her matches 3-0, but she also allowed only 19 points while securing the 99 points needed for the emphatic victory.The players will continue their development and training at Aspire Academy throughout February, before competing internationally again in the coming months.

The organizing committee of the Doha Fencing Grand Prix 2026 has unveiled the particulars of the new edition of this tournament, slated to be held at Aspire Hall from January 23 to 25, 2026. The announcement came during a press conference held at Aspire Academy, in the presence of President of the Qatar Fencing Federation Abdullah Ali al-Ghanim, Deputy Director General of Aspire Academy Ali Salem Afifa, Director of the Championship Khalid Suwaidi, and Deputy Director of the Championship Hamad Saad al-Jassim, alongside members of the Federation. Al-Ghanim underlined that this 21st edition of the tournament is one of the largest Federation-organized Grand Prix championships. For his part, al-Jassim highlighted that this year's edition is set to witness the participation of around 433 athletes, comprising 254 men and 179 women, representing 53 countries. The lineup will be led by the top three globally ranked fencers in both categories, alongside Olympic champions, including Japan’s Koki Kano, gold medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the Tokyo Olympic medalists, and Belgian fencer Naccer Layola, winner of the previous Doha Grand Prix. The competitions are expected to be highly competitive and exhilarating, he noted. Regarding Arab participation, al- noted that the championship will feature Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Kuwait, Tunisia, and the UAE. Qatar will field nine athletes, including Youssef Abdul Tawab, Mohammed Abdul Ali, Mohammed Al Hazzaa, Abdulrahman al-Jadra, and Ali al-Khalif, as well as four women, namely Fatima Al Maadid, Thikrayat al-Abdullah, Wadha al-Abdullah, and Sheikha Ali. The team prepared for the event through continental and Arab competitions, as well as domestic and international training camps, he said. The contest will also see 19 referees overseeing the competitions, including three from Qatar: Mohammed al-Tiri, Mohammed Basahal, and Bashir El Shourbaji. Al Jassim further noted the crucial role of volunteers in ensuring the success of the event, with over 150 volunteers contributing in this edition, applauding their indispensable support in organizing the competitions. He invited fans to attend the three-day Doha 2026 Fencing Grand Prix at Aspire, promising excitement and close encounters with world and Olympic champions. Afifa, for his part, expressed pride in hosting the event, noting the academy’s student participation and annual partnership with the Qatar Fencing Federation to develop players and provide full support. The championship offers $22,000 in prize money, with $11,000 each for men and women, rewarding the top three finishers in both categories. This prestigious annual tournament attracts top-ranked fencers worldwide, influencing global rankings. 

Aspire Academy has signed a collaboration agreement with the Romanian Football Federation (FRF), making it the 51st member of the Aspire in the World Fellows programme. The partnership highlights the growing ambition of Romanian football and marks a significant step toward strengthening technical capabilities and football infrastructure. Prof Valter Di Salvo, executive director of Aspire in the World Fellows and director of Football Performance and Science at Aspire Academy, was in Romania to sign the agreement.“We are excited to welcome the FRF to the Fellows as just the fourth European federation to join this global network of elite clubs, football associations, and leagues. Our members have been fostering innovation, development, and knowledge exchange in football, with an emphasis on youth players, since 2014. “Joining us will see Romanian football gaining access to cutting-edge best practices in training methodology, performance management, sports science, data analysis, and nutrition. We are also looking forward to hearing how Romania approaches football development and what we can learn from them,” Di Salvo said. The first major joint project will see Romania hosting The Workshop Tour 2026 Europe in Bucharest from 20-22 April. This will mark the Workshop Tour’s first stop in Europe after previous editions in South America (Buenos Aires) in 2024 and in Asia (Singapore) in 2025. The tour is part of Aspire Academy’s ongoing commitment to supporting the development of global youth football through its worldwide programme, Aspire in the World Fellows.The event is dedicated to working with coaches to explore new ideas and innovations in youth football development nationwide. During the three days of the event, the sessions will cover a wide range of essential topics, including nutrition, psychology, sports science, as well as the technical and tactical aspects of the game. The workshop will bring together global experts and local practitioners through a series of theoretical presentations, practical on-field sessions and community initiatives. As part of the Aspire in the World Fellows, the FRF will also participate in the annual Aspire Academy Global Summit in the latter part of 2026. The event brings together all the members of the Fellows to explore the latest innovations in advancing player development, performance, and knowledge exchange. 

His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), paid an inspection visit to the Athletics Training Center Project at Aspire Academy for Sports Excellence.The project, which is being implemented through an integrated partnership between Aspire Academy, the Qatar Athletics Federation and Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital – aims to develop Qatari athletics and elevate it to new levels.During the visit, Sheikh Joaan toured the project's administrative building and reviewed the ongoing work and coordination between the three entities in training, medical preparation, and administrative support. The collaboration is designed to enhance athletes’ performance and support their aspirations for a successful season.He also met with members of the national athletics team, reviewed their training programs, and encouraged them to give their best and prepare thoroughly for upcoming competitions. His Excellency reaffirmed the Qatar Olympic Committee’s commitment to providing the best development environment for athletes.Accompanying the QOC President on the visit were high jump legend Mutaz Barshim, Ivan Bravo, Director General of Aspire Academy; Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid al-Thani, Director of the QOC Sports Sector, Mohammed Issa al-Fadala, President of the Qatar Athletics Federation; as well as several members of the federation’s board of directors. 

More than 2,000 people attended the opening day and the second day of the Aspire Academy Fan Zone, launched as part of the festivities surrounding the ongoing FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025.**media[380440]**The Aspire Academy Fan Zone, based in Aspire Park, was officially opened by the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 mascot Boma, alongside legendary coach Bora Milutinovic, the man who inspired the tournament's owl symbol.The Serbian coach is not only the only man in history to lead five different national teams at five consecutive FIFA World Cups; he has also played a significant role in Qatar’s football development and continues to serve in an advisory role at Aspire Academy.**media[380434]**That legacy as a talent scout and mentor is reflected in Boma’s character, a wise desert owl always on the lookout for emerging talent.The Aspire Academy Fan Zone will be open daily from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. until the day of the Under-17 World Cup final on 27 November.**media[380436]**The area will offer a fun and interactive experience for all and a chance to win prizes.Visitors will be able to put their footballing skills to the test across six exciting challenges designed to measure their power, accuracy, agility, and jumping ability—and win prizes.Aspire Academy’s Acting Marketing and Communication Director, Muneera Mohammed Hammam, said it was important for the Academy to mark such a landmark event.**media[380438]**“This FIFA Under-17 World Cup is a moment of history for Aspire Academy, as we are hosting 103 of the 104 matches at the finals,” she said.“This is the first time a single venue like ours has hosted an entire World Cup football tournament.”**media[380444]**“We are proud that all the matches are being played on Aspire Academy pitches, except November 27th’s final, which will be held at the neighbouring Khalifa International Stadium.”“Not only are we hosting this newly expanded event, but we are incredibly proud and excited that the entire Qatar squad for the tournament have been trained at Aspire Academy.”**media[380435]**“Eleven of the players are current student-athletes at the Academy, another six graduated in June, and four more are Aspire Academy-trained players.”“We want everyone coming to watch the matches to enjoy their time at Aspire Academy watching the tournament, and we want them to have some fun as they test their own footballing skills.”**media[380437]**“This Fan Zone promises to be fun for fans of all ages and offers them the chance to walk away with a prize if they can successfully complete all the challenges.”**media[380442]**The 2025 FIFA Under-17 World Cup is the first of five that Qatar will host as the event becomes annual rather than biennial.

The 20th edition of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 will kick off in Doha on Monday, running until November 27, with the participation of 48 national teams — the largest number in the tournament's history.This edition marks the first of five consecutive tournaments that Doha will host through 2029. Matches will take place across eight stadiums within Aspire Academy over 25 days, featuring a total of 104 matches, with eight games played daily throughout the various stages of the competition.The final match will carry special significance, as it will be held at Khalifa International Stadium, one of the iconic venues of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.The Qatar national team will officially open the tournament, facing Italy at 6:45 pm tomorrow (Monday) on Pitch No. 7 at Aspire, in Group A, which also includes South Africa and Bolivia.Al-Annabi is aiming for a strong start and a successful campaign, hoping to surpass its best-ever result — fourth place in the 1991 edition in Italy. That remains Qatar's standout achievement from its seven previous appearances in 1985, 1987, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1999, and 2005.Under the leadership of Spanish coach Alvaro Mejia, the Qatari squad has undergone a thorough preparation period, including participation in several tournaments and friendly matches.In the final stage of preparations, the Qatari U-17 team held an overseas training camp, where they played a series of friendly matches — losing 2–1 to Belgium, 3–0 to Croatia, and defeating Ukraine 2–1. The technical staff also utilized last month’s GCC U-17 Cup in Doha to give all players opportunities across different lineups in preparation for the World Cup.The opening day of the tournament will feature eight matches ahead of the official opening ceremony.The first match will see Bolivia, making its third appearance in the tournament, face South Africa, which is participating for the second time, at 3:30 pm on Aspire Field No. 3, as part of Group A fixtures.In the second match, Costa Rica, taking part for the 11th time, will meet the United Arab Emirates, marking the first Arab appearance in this year's edition and the UAE’s fourth participation overall. This match will kick off at 3:30 pm on Aspire Field No. 8, within Group C, which also features a clash between Senegal, making its third appearance, and Croatia, appearing for the fourth time, scheduled for 4:00 pm on Aspire Field No. 1.Meanwhile, Morocco, competing in the tournament for the third time, will start its campaign with a tough match against Japan, a team with a strong record of ten previous appearances, at 4:30 pm on Aspire Field No. 5, as part of Group B. In the same group, Portugal, the 2025 European champion, will take on New Caledonia at 6:15 pm on Aspire Field No. 4.Also on the schedule, Tunisia, which has appeared in three previous World Cups, will open its Group D campaign against Fiji, making its debut appearance in the tournament, at 6:45 pm on Aspire Field No. 8. The same group will also see a high-profile encounter between Argentina, third-place finisher in the 2003 edition, and Belgium, which finished third in 2015, set for 5:45 pm on Aspire Field No. 2.**media[376395]**The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 is being held in a single location, designed to create a football carnival atmosphere, as the areas surrounding the eight stadiums within Aspire Zone will serve as fan zones throughout the tournament.This year’s edition marks the beginning of a major transformation introduced by FIFA to its youth tournaments. The Doha U-17 World Cup is the first FIFA competition ever to feature an expanded lineup of 48 teams. It also introduces another significant change: the tournament will now be held annually instead of every two years, as was the case under the previous system.According to the new tournament format, the 48 teams have been divided into 12 groups of four. Each group will compete in a round-robin format, with the top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, advancing to the Round of 32 — for a total of 32 teams moving on to the knockout stage.The knockout rounds will follow a structured elimination format, beginning with the Round of 32, followed by the Round of 16, quarterfinals, and semifinals, culminating in the final match, which will take place on November 27 at Khalifa International Stadium.Prior to the draw, held in Doha at the end of May, FIFA allocated the 48 participating teams into four seeding pots based on their performances in the last five U-17 World Cups, with 12 teams in each pot. As the host nation, Qatar was placed in Pot 1 and seeded at the top of Group A.According to the draw, the teams were divided as follows:Group A: Qatar (hosts), Italy, South Africa, BoliviaGroup B: Japan, Morocco, New Caledonia, PortugalGroup C: Senegal, Croatia, Costa Rica, United Arab EmiratesGroup D: Argentina, Belgium, Tunisia, FijiGroup E: England, Venezuela, Haiti, EgyptGroup F: Mexico, South Korea, Côte d’Ivoire, SwitzerlandGroup G: Germany, Colombia, North Korea, El SalvadorGroup H: Brazil, Honduras, Indonesia, ZambiaGroup I: United States, Burkina Faso, Tajikistan, Czech RepublicGroup J: Paraguay, Uzbekistan, Panama, IrelandGroup K: France, Chile, Canada, UgandaGroup L: Mali, New Zealand, Austria, Saudi ArabiaThe Local Organizing Committee has made all necessary arrangements to ensure the tournament is presented in the best possible manner, with expectations that it will be highly successful, given Qatar’s extensive experience in hosting major international events.