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The Qatar U-18 National basketball team has departed for Yalova, Turkiye, to begin a training camp running from 6 to 15 July 2026. This camp marks the final stage of preparations for the Gulf U-18 Championship, which will be hosted in Doha from 17 to 22 July, serving as a qualifier for the FIBA Asia U-18 Championship. Organized under the Qatar Basketball Federation’s development plan, the camp aims to enhance the players’ technical and physical readiness, while providing the coaching staff with an opportunity to finalize the best lineup ahead of official competition. The program includes four friendly matches against Turkish clubs and the Turkiye U-18 national team, designed to give the players strong competitive exposure, improve team cohesion, and assess tactical readiness before returning to Doha. The delegation is headed by Khalid Ahmed al-Mughni. The technical staff is led by Turkish coach Cengiz Karadağ, assisted by Abdo Al-Harji, Hashim Zaidan, and Mounir Ben Ghalla, with Kenan as fitness coach and Saif Al-Din Al-Hamandi as physiotherapist. The administrative staff includes Omar Ahmed and Ayoub Lotfi. The squad features 11 players: Tamim Ashraf Abu Issa, Meshaal Khalid Al-Mughni, Moaz Omar Mousa, Azzam Mohammed Yaken, Ziyad Tamer Al-Johari, Mohammed Saeed Badri, Mahmoud Tamer Ibrahim, Amer Ibrahim Mousa, Owen Ikina, Youssef Walid Abdelqader, and Shahi Mohammed. The Gulf U-18 Championship will be staged at Al-Gharafa Sports Hall, with five teams competing: Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman. The top three finishers will qualify directly for the FIBA Asia U-18 Championship, to be held in India in August 2026. The continental championship carries significant importance as it serves as the qualifying stage for the FIBA U-19 Basketball World Cup, with the top four teams from Asia securing places in the global tournament, scheduled to take place in the Czech Republic.

His Excellency Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani received a written message from Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud Sunday, pertaining to bilateral relations.  HE the prime minister received the message during a meeting with Saudi Ambassador to Qatar Prince Saad bin Mansour bin Saad al-Saud. Separately, the prime minister held phone calls with the foreign ministers of Turkiye, Jordan and Ghana, reviewing bilateral co-operation and the latest regional developments.  In his call with Turkiye's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, they discussed ways to strengthen bilateral co-operation and exchanged views on regional developments, particularly diplomatic efforts to enhance security and stability following the signing of the memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran.  The call also touched on a number of issues of mutual concern.  The prime minister held a similar call with Jordan's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Safadi, in which they discussed bilateral co-operation and ways to further strengthen ties, along with regional developments and the diplomatic push for security and stability following the US-Iran memorandum, as well as other issues of mutual interest.  The PM also fielded a call from Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic Jean-Noel Barrot with the two discussing bilateral co-operation, the latest regional developments, particularly in Lebanon, and diplomatic efforts to promote security and stability in the region following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran as well as other issues of mutual interest.  He also spoke with Ghana's Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, with the two reviewing bilateral co-operation and the latest regional developments, particularly efforts to promote security and stability following the US-Iran memorandum, and other matters of mutual concern.

The United States conceded a stoppage-time goal to lose 3-2 to Turkiye on Thursday but ‌coach Mauricio Pochettino said there was ​little reason for ‌concern after his side still finished ‌top of their ‌World Cup group. The US ‌will face Bosnia and Herzegovina in Santa Clara in the round of 32 on Wednesday, and Pochettino was frustrated that much of the post-match discussion centred on the defeat rather than the co-hosts achieving their main goal of winning Group D. “At the moment no ​one congratulated us for finishing first in our group,” Pochettino said. “I congratulate the players, the staff ‌and the fans to finish first ​in a very difficult group.” Turkiye had ​already been eliminated before kickoff but the Argentine said the mood after the match was as if his team were the ones going home. “Our objective was to finish first, and we finished first,” he said. “I’m so positive and I’m happy. Your questions are a little bit weird.” Pochettino said the ‌defeat had to ‌be viewed in context, with the US already through to the knockout stage and making wholesale changes to their starting line-up after victories over Paraguay and Australia. “Whenever a team has already qualified and another team has already been knocked out, so many situations come into ​play,” he added. Pochettino said the performance reinforced his belief in the depth of the squad, with several players making their World Cup debuts. “We are a much better team now than before,” he said. “We qualified as number one and we went to the next round. I need ‌to remind ​you that we won the group.”  Montella says Turkey leave World Cup with heads held high Turkiye coach Vincenzo Montella said his side would return home with their chin ‌up after ending their World ​Cup campaign ‌with a last-gasp 3-2 victory ‌over the United ‌States in Los ‌Angeles. Montella praised the players for showing their skills, abilities and character despite the mental toll of already being eliminated and playing in front of a predominantly pro-US crowd.  “We can go back home with ​our chin up,” Montella said. “Football hurts, but I got emotional at the end of ‌the game... Today’s match matters ​much more than 1,000 victories.”​Montella said Turkiye had created enough chances throughout the tournament but had not been clinical enough, while stressing he would not blame individual players for missed opportunities. He said his side had been unfortunate in their opening two matches, ‌arguing that ‌even a draw from either game could have changed their fate, but accepted that “football is not always fair”. Montella said the team’s celebrations after the final whistle reflected their national pride and gave him confidence for ​the future. Turkiye were making their first World Cup appearance since 2002, and Montella said he hoped they would not have to wait another 24 years to return. “Hopefully we will do better, not in 24 years but ‌earlier than ​that,” he said. 

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi on Sunday discussed regional developments with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah Al Saud, Pakistani Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.The discussions took place during the 4th meeting of the foreign ministers of the quadrilateral group comprising Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkiye, held in Cairo on Sunday.In a statement, the Egyptian Presidency said that President El Sisi reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to continuing cooperation with Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Turkiye, and all Arab and regional states to support the implementation of the US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and ensure the success of the negotiation process between both sides.The Egyptian President also stressed the importance of reaching a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue, considering it a fundamental prerequisite for achieving comprehensive and lasting stability in the region.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan discussed efforts to strengthen bilateral relations during a phone call on Tuesday.The two leaders also reviewed regional issues of mutual interest, according to a statement from the Turkish presidency's Directorate of Communications.President Erdogan said that Turkiye was working to promote peace and stability in the region and emphasized that Ankara would continue to support all steps taken toward that goal.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Sudan's Chairman of the Transitional Sovereignty Council, Abdel Fattah Al Burhan, who is visiting Turkiye, discussed Tuesday bilateral relations between the two countries, along with regional and international developments.The meeting addressed ways to develop and enhance joint cooperation between the two countries across all fields were reviewed, in addition to discussing a number of regional and international issues of common interest. 

His Highness The Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani received today at his office in Lusail Palace Hakan Fidan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the brotherly Republic of Turkiye. During the meeting, the strategic cooperation relations between the two brotherly countries were reviewed, along with ways to support and strengthen them. The developments in the region were also discussed, particularly those related to the ceasefire between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran, as well as the efforts made to reduce escalation and consolidate the principle of a diplomatic solution in a way that contributes to strengthening international security and stability.

Qatar has strongly condemned attempts to target Turkiye with a ballistic missile and an airport in Azerbaijan using Iranian drones. In a statement Thursday, Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the incidents as a "dangerous escalation" and a "blatant violation of state sovereignty", warning that they threaten regional security and stability.  The ministry said the attacks were part of a series of "reckless" actions by Iran, adding that Iran's continued opening of new fronts and expansion of tensions with neighbouring countries represents a serious risk to the stability of the region.  Qatar called on Iran to immediately stop "irresponsible policies that undermine regional security", advising it to prioritise the interests of the region's people and adhere to the principles of good neighbourliness and international law.  The statement also reaffirmed Qatar's full solidarity with Turkiye and Azerbaijan, and its support for measures taken by both countries to safeguard their sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.

Governor of Istanbul in Turkiye Davut Gul met with Consul General of Qatar in Istanbul Dr Nayef bin Jassim al Abduljabbar. The meeting discussed co-operation between the countries. 

Qatar Chamber (QC) hosted on Monday a delegation from the Turkish Industry and Business Association (TUSIAD). QC and TUSIAD held a meeting where the Qatari side was headed by HE First Vice-Chairman of Qatar Chamber, Mohamed bin Twar Al Kuwari while the Turkish delegation was led by TUSIAD board member, Cagatay Ozdoru.The meeting was also attended by HE Second Vice-Chairman of QC Rashid bin Hamad Al Athba, and board members Dr Mohamed bin Jawhar Al Mohamed and Shaheen bin Mohamed Al Mohannadi.The meeting touched on trade and economic relations between the two countries and ways to develop them, in addition to reviewing key areas of cooperation between the Qatari and Turkish private sectors. It also highlighted the investment climate and opportunities available in both countries.Mohamed bin Twar stressed the strength of economic relations between Qatar and Turkiye, noting that recent years have witnessed rapid growth in bilateral ties, supported by mutual visits at the level of leaders, officials, and business delegations, as well as the shared commitment to building strategic partnerships that serve the interests of both countries and open new horizons for the private sector.He noted that Turkiye is an important trading partner for Qatar, with the volume of trade exchange between the two countries reaching around QAR 4.5 billion last year.He pointed out that hundreds of Turkish companies are operating in Qatar across various sectors, including construction, infrastructure, industry, services, and logistics. He also stressed that Turkiye represents a key investment destination for Qatari business owners, with Qatari investments expanding in sectors such as real estate, food, industry, and tourism.QC First Vice-Chairman emphasised that the meeting presents an important opportunity to enhance cooperation between Qatari and Turkish companies and explore new partnerships in sectors of mutual interest. He also affirmed the Chamber's keenness to strengthen cooperation with economic institutions in Turkiye and its readiness to provide all forms of support to enable the private sectors in both countries to benefit from the available opportunities.For his part, Cagatay Ozdoru praised the close relations between Qatar and Turkiye, noting that TUSIAD is the largest and most influential organisation representing the business sector in Turkiye, encompassing major industrial and financial companies and business families.He highlighted the Turkish side's interest in forming commercial alliances with Qatari companies to establish investments in Turkiye, stressing that the Association can serve as a key reference for information required by Qatari investors seeking to invest in the Turkish market. He also called on Qatar Chamber to organise a visit for a Qatari business delegation to Turkiye to explore the available investment opportunities.QC Second Vice-Chairman Rashid bin Hamad Al Athba stressed the deep relations between the two countries, noting that many Qatari investors own significant investments in Turkiye and are looking forward to further expanding them. He added that, on the other hand, there are numerous investment opportunities in the Qatari market that Turkish businesspeople can seize, especially given the many advantages and incentives offered by the State of Qatar to attract foreign investments.The meeting concluded with a discussion session between business representatives from both sides, during which they explored prospects for future cooperation and the investment opportunities available in Qatar and Turkiye. 

His Excellency Minister of State for Foreign Trade Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Sayed held talks here on Sunday with Mehmet Simsek, Minister of Treasury and Finance of the Republic of Turkiye, on the sidelines of the Doha Forum 2025, as the two countries explored ways to deepen their economic partnership.The discussions focused on expanding bilateral cooperation in trade and investment, with both sides reviewing key areas of mutual interest and identifying opportunities to broaden commercial links.Officials also exchanged views on issues featured on this year's forum agenda, which spotlights global economic stability, sustainable growth and geopolitical challenges.Relations between Qatar and Turkiye have grown steadily in recent years, particularly in finance, defence and trade. Sunday's meeting was described as part of a continued effort to strengthen the strategic economic ties that underpin the partnership between the two nations.  

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan discussed developments in the Gaza Strip, as well as ways to enhance bilateral relations, during their meeting on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa.The two ministers emphasised the importance of implementing the latest United Nations Security Council resolution on the Gaza Strip and enabling the International Stabilisation Force to carry out its duties.The meeting also reviewed Egypt's efforts to consolidate the Sharm El-Sheikh peace agreement and to support the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip. In addition, the ministers discussed a number of regional issues of mutual interest, ways to implement the outcomes of the recent Joint Planning Group meeting held in Ankara, Turkiye, and preparations for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's visit to Cairo to chair the second meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council, scheduled for 2026.