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The FIFA Arab Cup qualifiers kicked off in Qatar Tuesday with Palestine, Kuwait and Syria reaching the group stage on a thrilling day of action. Less than a week out from the start of the second edition of the tournament proper, Palestine needed penalties to beat Libya after a goalless draw, while Mohammad Daham dazzled as Kuwait eased past Mauritania 2-0 and Syria comfortably dispatched South Sudan by the same scoreline.At the Al Gharafa Stadium, Palestine enjoyed the better run of play in the first half and had the best looks at goal, first through a left-footed effort from Oday Dabbagh that missed the target, followed by Mustafa Zeidan hooking a right-footer wide of the mark from inside the area.Libya found their footing in the second half and nearly had an opener when Ezzeddin Elmaremi swung a shot wide, followed later by a gilt-edged chance for Mahmoud Alshalwi that was spoiled. Back came Palestine and Libya goalkeeper Ayman Altihar was called on to save a well-struck volley from Hamed Hamdan.Libya made a notable switch right before the full-time whistle, as Altihar made way for Abdelhadi Yassin with penalties looming, but it was Palestine’s Rami Hamada stealing the show by saving a spot kick before a missed attempt from Maruwan Alhibeeshi secured their progress. The field is now set in Group A of the regional showpiece, which contains hosts Qatar, Tunisia, Syria and Palestine.At the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, Daham stole the show in the first qualifier as the electric winger scored one and created the other in Kuwait’s fairly straightforward win over Mauritania. The winger was on hand to nod home the opener at the back post in just the eighth minute, following a deflected Rashed al-Dousari cross.Then it was the 25 year-old’s teasing cross that lured Mauritania defender Nouh Mohamed into a touch that flew past his own goalkeeper to send Kuwait to the break with a two-goal advantage. Mauritania had a Hacen El Id effort ruled out for offside just shy of the hour but an organised Kuwait saw things out to set up Group C dates with Egypt, Jordan and United Arab Emirates.Meanwhile, Syria continued their excellent form this year by comfortably defeating a plucky South Sudan team to reach the group stage. South Sudan bravely held off the Syria attack in the opening half. But they fell a goal behind in the 52nd minute after brilliant play down the right wing from Mahmoud al-Aswad, who crossed for Mohammad al-Hallak to convert from close range.That goal immediately changed the trajectory of the game, with captain Mahmoud al-Mawas doubling the lead seven minutes later with an exquisite strike into the top corner. Syria twice came close to extending their advantage late on through al-Aswad and al-Hallak as South Sudan's wait to qualify for their first major tournament continued.

Doha will host the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 from December 1 to 18, offering a renewed opportunity to deepen ties among Arab nations and reaffirming that the tournament's significance extends far beyond the football pitch.Bringing together 16 Arab national teams in the finals and 14 in the preliminary qualifiers, the event stands as a vibrant platform for strengthening cultural and historical connections among Arab peoples. It underscores sport's role as a unifying force that reinforces shared identity, values, and traditions, and reflects the organizing committee’s commitment to cultural and sporting cooperation that nurtures a deeper sense of belonging to a unified Arab world.Since hosting the previous edition in 2021, Qatar has positioned the Arab Cup as a meaningful space for renewing inter-Arab bonds and building bridges of friendship and cultural understanding.The tournament has gained added significance under Qatar's hosting, as the country has become a model for staging major global events. Qatar offers an environment that celebrates Arab identity, honors heritage and history, and provides world-class infrastructure capable of accommodating an event of this scale -- uniting nations bound by a shared past and a common future.Notably, Qatar succeeded in bringing the Arab Cup under the official FIFA umbrella for the first time in 2021, transforming it from a traditional regional competition into a comprehensive Arab gathering. The tournament brings together fans from across the region not only to support their national teams but also to celebrate the richness of Arab culture -- through language, dress, music, customs, and traditions. These scenes of unity, vividly reflected in Qatari stadiums, highlight the strong bonds shared by the peoples of the region despite geographical and social differences.The 2025 edition will further reinforce Arab identity through a wide range of cultural and artistic activities. Planned events include musical and artistic performances, fan zones showcasing diverse elements of Arab culture, and interactive spaces that bring communities together.The organizing committee said fans across the country will enjoy a rich program of cultural and entertainment activities throughout the tournament, supported by seamless transportation services ensuring easy access to all stadiums and venues.One of the tournament's most distinctive features is its enthusiastic fan engagement. Stadiums and fan zones become vibrant meeting points where Arabs interact, wear traditional attire, exchange chants and songs, and share their national and cultural expressions. This festive atmosphere has become as central to the event as the matches themselves.This unique cultural exchange strengthens social bonds among Arab fans and adds a profound human dimension to the tournament. The experience extends beyond football, creating shared memories that will endure in the collective Arab consciousness for years to come.The State of Qatar is always keen to utilize its capabilities to deliver impressive organizational standards. Following the 2022 World Cup and, before that, the 10th edition of the Arab Cup in 2021, Qatar is set to host the 11th edition of the FIFA Arab Cup, to be held from Dec.1-18.Qatar's commitment to strengthening cultural and historical ties among Arab peoples has been evident in the upcoming edition of the Arab Cup and was reflected in statments made by HE Minister of Sports and Youth and President of the Organizing Committee for the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al-Thani who emphasized that the tournament holds a special place in the region and carries significance that extends beyond football matches.In his remarks about the tournament, His Excellency said that the tournament, "celebrates the positive values of Arab football and once again highlights sport's ability to bring people together and build bridges of communication."His Excellency added that the Arab Cup is a platform that brings together players and fans alike, a forum for entrenching the values of unity and solidarity, and enhancing feelings of belonging and a shared identity. It also reflects the Arab youth's passion for sport.HE Minister of Sports and Youth said the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 carries a message calling for Arab unity and represents a window for introducing our authentic culture and ancient heritage. It is also a platform to highlight the unlimited potential of Arab youth in sports and various other fields.For his part, Algerian international Baghdad Bounedjah, a player for Al-Shamal SC, affirmed that the significance of the Arab Cup extends beyond competition on the pitch. He stressed the tournament's value in introducing the world's people to Arab and Islamic culture and in promoting Arab identity on the global sports stage.Bounedjah said in statements published by the tournament's organizing committee the Arab Cup is a grand celebration that reflects the unity of the Arab peoples and their passion for football, while also highlighting the region's capabilities and its ability to host world-class sporting events.For his part, Jordan national team star Yazan Al Naimat praised the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 as a gathering that celebrates Arab talent.The Al-Arabi SC player said the event contributes to the development of football in the Arab world and introduces nations to the region's passion for the sport. He also commended the remarkable success of the previous edition hosted by Qatar in 2021, which provided a major opportunity for Arab players to appear on the global stage.The Arab Cup has not only attracted regional attention. It is also followed by audiences from around the world. Hosting the tournament in Doha reaffirms Qatar's pivotal role in uniting the Arab world both athletically and culturally, and its ability to present an honorable Arab model in tournament organization, one that reflects the civilized image of the Arab world before the international community.For Arab fans, the Arab Cup is no longer just a sporting competition. It is a message of unity, solidarity, peace, and connection. It affirms the shared heritage and deep-rooted history of all Arab peoples and offers an opportunity to strengthen historical bonds across generations, highlighting the importance of enhancing Arab cooperation to leave a positive impact on the cultural, sporting, and social levels across the Arab world.

The Ministry of Municipality has launched an extensive inspection plan ahead of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, set to take place from December 1 to 18, aimed at ensuring the highest standards of safety and quality across food and service establishments. The plan seeks to promote a healthy and safe environment for the public while developing an efficient monitoring system capable of keeping pace with major sporting events.In a press release issued Monday, the Ministry affirmed that these efforts align with the directives of HE Minister of Municipality Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiyah, which aim to enhance quality of life and well-being and ensure a healthy and safe environment for all.In this context, Doha Municipality has launched a comprehensive two-week inspection campaign targeting 156 hotels, with 30 inspectors working around the clock. The campaign focuses on food establishments, salons, and massage centers, in accordance with the health requirements outlined in Ministerial Decision No. (38) of 2025. Samples of food products are also being collected and analyzed at the government laboratory to ensure they are safe and suitable for human consumption.The campaign covers key tourist and high-traffic areas, including Souq Waqif, Doha Port, The Pearl-Qatar, and Msheireb Downtown Doha, in addition to food stalls and mobile carts in parks and public spaces, with the participation of 24 inspectors.These monitoring activities will continue throughout the tournament and the National Day celebrations, ensuring a comprehensive regulatory framework that reflects the Ministry's commitment to providing a healthy and safe environment for all.Meanwhile, Al Rayyan Municipality announced the intensification of its inspection campaigns across tourist establishments within its jurisdiction in preparation for the tournament. The campaigns target restaurants, hotels, shops, and other facilities frequented by visitors and tourists to ensure full compliance with approved health requirements and provide a safe and healthy environment during this major sporting event.The Ministry stressed the importance of public cooperation and encouraged residents and visitors to report any observations or complaints related to food establishments as part of ongoing efforts to enhance service quality and maintain public safety. 

Fourteen national teams willl compete in the qualification stage to secure seven spots for the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, which will be hosted in Doha from Dec. 1 to 18. The teams will compete for these spots through qualification matches held in the Qatari capital.The seven qualification matches will take place on Nov. 25 and 26. The opening match will feature Mauritania against Kuwait tomorrow at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium at Al Sadd Sports Club. It is an unpredictable encounter between two teams with strong players, each aiming to book a place once again in this major Arab competition.The Kuwaiti national team enter the qualifiers relying on their history in the Arab Cup, having participated in eight of the previous ten editions. They aim to bounce back from failing to qualify for the most recent edition, hosted by Qatar in 2021, after losing to Bahrain 2-0 in the qualifiers, as well as from exiting the third round of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 2026 . Meanwhile, Mauritania aim to secure what would be their third appearance in the tournament, having featured in the 1985 edition in Saudi Arabia and the 2021 edition in Qatar, while also seeking to bounce back from missing out on qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations to be held in Morocco at the end of December.In another match, Syria will face South Sudan at Grand Hamad Stadium at Al Arabi Club. On paper, Syria holds the advantage given the strong quality of the players, in addition to the expected large support from Syrian fans in Doha, who enjoyed the atmosphere of the tournament's previous edition.South Sudan, on the other hand, hope to qualify for the Arab Cup for the first time and to overcome the disappointment of failing to reach the previous edition after their 3-0 loss to Jordan in the qualifiers.Syria seek not only to qualify but also to achieve strong results in the upcoming edition after exiting the group stage last time. The team finished third in their group with three points from a single victory over Tunisia (2-0) and two losses to the UAE and Mauritania by identical scorelines (1-2).Meanwhile, Palestine will face Libya Tuesday at Thani bin Jassim Stadium at Al Gharafa Club in another unpredictable match, given the close level between the two teams and their shared determination to secure a qualifying spot.Libya hop to return to the Arab Cup after failing to reach the finals in the last edition, following a 1-0 loss to Sudan. The team looks to build on the strong performances shown during the African qualifiers for the World Cup 2026, despite not succeeding in reaching the tournament.Palestine, in turn, seeks to qualify for the finals once again after reaching the previous edition by defeating Comoros in the qualifiers. However, they exited in the group stage after a 0-4 loss to Morocco and 1-5 to Jordan, and a 1-1- draw with Saudi Arabia. Four matches will be held on Wednesday, as part of the qualifiers for the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, which will be hosted by Doha from Dec.1-18.The first match will see Oman face Somalia at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, a repeat of their encounter in the qualifiers for the previous edition of the tournament, which ended at that time in a 2-1 victory for Oman.The Somali national team seeks to achieve the goal it failed to reach in the last edition, while the Omani team aims to qualify for the second time in its history after securing a place through the previous qualifiers.Oman delivered satisfactory results in the 2021 Arab Cup, advancing to the second round with four points after defeating Bahrain (3-0), drawing with Iraq (1-1), and losing to Qatar (1-2), before being eliminated by Tunisia (1-2) in the quarterfinals.At Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, Djibouti will face Bahrain in a match where Djibouti seeks to make its first-ever appearance in the Arab Cup, after failing to qualify in the previous edition following a 1-0 loss to Lebanon. In contrast, Bahrain hopes to return to the tournament and go further than it did in the previous edition after it exited in the group stage with just one point from a goalless draw with Iraq and two losses to Qatar and Oman (0-1 and 0-3 respectively).Although the odds are in Bahrain's favor due to its greater experience and capabilities, Djibouti dreams of causing an upset to secure its first-ever appearance in the upcoming edition.Grand Hamad Stadium will host another match between Comoros and Yemen, with both sides sharing a single aim: qualifying for the tournament. Comoros hopes to make its first Arab Cup appearance and to redeem its failure in the previous qualifiers when it lost to Palestine.On the other hand, the Yemeni national team seeks victory and a return to the Arab Cup atmosphere after failing to qualify for the last edition held in Doha in 2021, where it lost against Mauritania 2-0.The Arab Cup Qatar 2025 qualifiers will conclude with a strong match between Sudan and Lebanon at Thani bin Jassim Stadium, a match expected to feature fierce competition between two teams eager to secure their place in the major Arab event. 

Brazil and Portugal headline today’s FIFA U-17 World Cup semi-finals in Doha, a meeting of two continental champions with everything on the line. The match kicks off at 7:00pm at Aspire Zone.Portugal continue their chase for a first-ever U-17 world title, while Brazil look to edge closer to a record-equalling fifth trophy.Portugal’s creative spark Mateus Mide remains central to their hopes, with four goals and two assists so far. Intelligent, sharp and decisive in tight spaces, he was on target again in the 2-0 quarter-final win over Switzerland. Brazil, however, lean on the tournament’s most feared finisher: Dell, whose power and precision have drawn comparisons to Erling Haaland.His brace against Morocco took him to five goals, firmly placing him in the Golden Boot race.Brazil will have to cope without suspended trio Vitor Hugo, Luis Eduardo and Arthur Ryan, though coach Dudu Patetuci brings experience – he was assistant coach during Brazil’s 2019 triumph. His counterpart, Bino, carries history of his own, having been part of Portugal’s squad the last time they reached this stage back in 1989.**media[385330]**Austria vs Italy Earlier at 4:30pm, Austria and Italy meet in a showdown between two teams that have won all six of their matches so far – an unprecedented run that has brought both nations to the brink of their first U-17 World Cup final.Austria’s talisman Johannes Moser has taken Qatar 2025 by storm with six goals, making him joint-top scorer.Captain Jakub Pokorny couldn’t hide his admiration, calling Moser “just incredible... like something I haven’t seen before.” Their momentum is fierce, having swept past England before surviving a gruelling quarter-final against Japan. “It was the toughest match we ever played in our lives,” Pokorny admitted. “Japan is a very good team... but we are together and I feel like nobody can stop us.**media[385331]**I think we can go all the way.”Italy, disciplined and composed, have been anchored by captain Luca Reggiani, a defender who has put in three consecutive Player-of-the-Match displays in the knockout rounds. Calm and commanding, he is Italy’s heartbeat. Suspensions, however, hit both sides: Ifeanyi Ndukwe for Austria and David Marini for Italy. “We know that they are a very good team,” Reggiani said. “The fact that they are in the semi-finals says it all.But we’re going to work hard to prepare... and keep pushing ourselves. We’re really looking forward to it.” Austria are also chasing national history - no Austrian team, at any age level, has ever reached a World Cup final. Italy bring their own storylines too, including the background of rising star Samuele Inacio, whose Brazilian father Pia played professionally for clubs such as Atalanta, Napoli and Torino.Today’s winners will advance to Thursday’s final at Khalifa International Stadium, setting the stage for one more chapter in a tournament that has already delivered drama, discovery and a new generation of global stars.

Inspired by arguably the most popular character from the history of Arab literature, Juha embodies the rich folkloric traditions of the region. Often depicted as a clumsy and slow-witted man who finds himself in humorous situations due to his strange antics, Juha’s tales, wildly popular across generations in the Arab world, always ends up in a revelation of profound wisdom.The beloved folklore hero will come to life, joining in the festivities of the FIFA Arab Cup, that will once again unite Arab fans for a unique celebration of the region’s vibrant culture and shared passion for football. A total of 16 teams will have a chance to lift the coveted Arab Cup trophy.Nine of the highest FIFA ranked teams have qualified automatically, while 14 teams will vie for the remaining 7 spots in a series of qualifiers. The qualifying matches will be held ahead of the tournament on November 25-26 in Qatar. Arab Cup ticket are available at: www.roadtoqatar.qa, with prices starting from QR25.Supporters can also purchase a Follow My Team ticket, which will enable them to attend all matches of their team of choice during the group stage. Throughout the competition, fans will also be treated to a variety of entertainment and cultural activities.All tickets will be digital and will include accessible seating options for disabled fans. Disabled fans wishing to request accessible seats can do so by sending an e-mail to [email protected]. The opening match will take place on 1 December at Al Bayt Stadium featuring hosts Qatar and the winner of Palestine v Libya.The Final will be held on 18 December at the iconic Lusail Stadium. Other stadiums that will host matches during the tournament are Ahmad Bin Ali, Education City, Khalifa International and Stadium 974. The Arab Cup is part of several tournaments that Qatar will be hosting up until the end of the year, including the ongoing FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 from November 3-27.Qatar will also be hosting the second edition of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup on December 10, 13, and 17.

The Arab Cup boasts a rich history spanning more than six decades, from its inaugural edition in 1963 to its eleventh edition, which will be hosted in Doha from Dec. 1 to 18.The Arab Cup was conceived as a unique sporting event aimed at bringing together Arab national teams in a competitive atmosphere, fostering Arab unity through sport, and projecting a positive image of the Arab region to the world.The tournament has consistently drawn the attention of Arab fans for its nationalist significance and as an opportunity to showcase Arab football talents beyond the global spotlight. However, the tournament has faced irregularity over the nine editions held from the first in Lebanon to the ninth in Saudi Arabia in 2012, under the direct supervision of the Arab Football Federation. Various circumstances prevented the tournament from maintaining a consistent schedule, with fluctuating numbers of participating teams.The tenth edition, hosted by Doha in 2021, marked a historic turning point for the Arab Cup, serving as a distinctive step toward global recognition after the tournament received FIFA’s official acknowledgment for the first time.FIFA’s decision to recognize the Arab Cup sought to create a unique and high-quality experience to test the facilities that Qatar had built to host the FIFA World Cup 2022, including stadiums and infrastructure, as it was the first World Cup held in the Middle East and the Arab region. The remarkable success of both the Arab Cup and the World Cup finals prompted FIFA to formalize the tournament under its umbrella for three upcoming editions: beginning with the next edition in 2025, followed by 2029 and 2033. All three tournaments are planned to be hosted in Qatar to ensure the same momentum and success achieved during the tenth edition and the World Cup 2022.The idea of the Arab Cup originated with the Lebanese Football Federation in 1962, aiming to create an Arab sporting tournament that would bring together young Arab athletes and elevate the level of football in the region. The concept was embraced by other Arab countries such as Tunisia, Syria, Jordan, and Kuwait, alongside Lebanon, all of which expressed interest in establishing the first edition.The inaugural tournament was held in a single-stage league format, with Tunisia claiming the title after earning seven points from four matches, becoming the first champions in the competition’s history. Syria finished as runners-up, while the host nation, Lebanon, secured third place.The second edition was held in Kuwait in 1964, marking the first participation for teams such as Libya and Iraq, while Lebanon, Kuwait, and Jordan took part for the second time. The tournament featured five teams again and was organized in the same single-stage league format as the first edition, with Iraq claiming the title after collecting seven points.The third edition took place in Iraq in 1966, with wider participation as the number of teams increased to ten. The tournament adopted a new format, dividing the teams into two groups.Libya, Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon advanced to the semi-finals. Syria defeated Lebanon 1-0, while Iraq overcame Libya 3-2. In the final, Iraq won the title for the second consecutive time by beating Syria 2-1, and Libya secured third place after a 6-1 victory over Lebanon.The tournament then went on a hiatus of nearly nineteen years, returning with the fourth edition in Saudi Arabia in 1985. This edition saw the debut of Qatar national team, alongside five other teams, forming a total of six teams divided into two groups.Qatar reached the semi-finals alongside Bahrain, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. Iraq defeated Saudi Arabia 3-2, while Qatar lost to Bahrain in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in regular time.Iraq claimed its third consecutive title by defeating Bahrain 1-0 in the final, and Saudi Arabia secured third place by beating Qatar on penalties following a goalless draw.The fifth edition was hosted in Amman, Jordan, in 1988, featuring ten teams divided into two groups. Jordan, Syria, Egypt, and Iraq advanced to the semi-finals. Iraq defeated Jordan 3-0, while Syria overcame Egypt on penalties after a goalless draw.In the final, Iraq triumphed over Syria on penalties to win its fourth consecutive title, with Egypt finishing third following a 2-0 victory over host nation Jordan.The sixth edition took place in Syria in 1992 with only six teams, divided into two groups. Egypt, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Syria advanced to the semi-finals, where Saudi Arabia defeated Kuwait 2-0, and Egypt overcame Syria on penalties after a goalless draw.In the final, Egypt beat Saudi Arabia 3-2 to claim its first Arab Cup title, while Kuwait finished third by defeating Syria 2-1.Qatar made history as a host for the first time when Doha welcomed the seventh edition in 1998, featuring a record number of 12 Arab national teams. The teams were divided into three groups for the competition.Al-Annabi advanced to the semifinals alongside Kuwait, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. Qatar then reached the final after defeating the UAE 2-1, setting up a meeting with Saudi Arabia, which had overcome Kuwait by the same score. In the championship match, Qatar fell 3-1 to finish as runners-up, while the UAE claimed third place with a 4-1 victory over Kuwait.A four-year gap returned between the seventh and eighth editions, with the latter held in Kuwait in late 2002 and featuring ten teams divided into two groups. Jordan, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain qualified for the semifinals. Saudi Arabia defeated Morocco 2-0, while Bahrain edged Jordan 2-1.In the final, Saudi Arabia clinched the title with a golden goal after the match ended goalless in regular time.After a decade-long hiatus, the tournament returned with its ninth edition, hosted by Saudi Arabia in 2012. This edition featured 11 teams, grouped into three pools for the first time.Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Libya, and Iraq reached the semifinals. Libya beat Saudi Arabia 2-0, while Morocco defeated Iraq 2-1. The final brought together Libya and Morocco, with Morocco securing its first-ever title after winning on penalties following 1-1 draw in regular and extra time. Iraq finished third after 1-0 victory over Saudi Arabia.A new chapter unfolded in the history of the Arab Cup when the tournament returned after a nine-year absence, re-emerging in a completely new form that lifted it out of its previous cycle of irregular appearances and inconsistent organization. The competition had long struggled with recurring crises, logistical challenges, a lack of sponsors, and the absence of a fixed structure or format.The tenth edition, hosted by Doha in 2021, marked the tournament's transformation from a regional event into a global one. Qatar secured official recognition from FIFA, making it the first Arab Cup to be held under the umbrella of world football's governing body.This edition introduced sweeping changes in format, regulations, and overall structure. For the first time, the scale of participation required a qualification stage to narrow the field to 16 teams. Fourteen teams competed in the preliminary qualifiers, from which seven advanced to join the nine highest-ranked Arab teams who qualified directly, based on the FIFA World Ranking ahead of the draw.The tournament's matches were held across six stadiums that would later host FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 games, drawing exceptional crowds and showcasing a remarkable level of footballing quality.Algeria claimed the title after defeating Tunisia 2-0 in the final, while host nation Qatar secured third place with a 5-4 penalty shootout win over Egypt following a goalless draw in regular and extra time.The tournament marked the first-ever use of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in the Arab Cup. It also recorded unprecedented attendance levels, with stadiums - whose minimum capacity stood at 40,000 - reaching an average occupancy of nearly 80 percent. The event saw the highest single-match attendance in the tournament's history: 63,439 spectators for Qatar-UAE quarterfinal at Al Bayt Stadium.In the all-time records of the Arab Cup since its launch in 1963, Iraq stands as the most successful team, winning the title on four occasions (1964, 1966, 1985, and 1988). Saudi Arabia follows with two titles, earned in the 1998 and 2002 editions. Four other nations have each lifted the trophy once: Tunisia in 1963, Egypt in 1992, Morocco in 2012, and Algeria in 2021.Jordan is the tournament's most frequent participant, appearing in nine out of ten editions and playing 38 matches in total. It is followed by Kuwait and Lebanon, each of which took part in eight editions and played 30 matches. Saudi Arabia and Syria both appeared in seven editions, with Saudi Arabia holding the edge in total matches played (29 compared to Syria's 28).  

Taymoor Al Shahania displayed impressive grit to capture the Qetaifan Cup, a Purebred Arabian Conditions race for three-year-old+ run over 1200m at Al Uqda Racecourse Saturday. The four-year-old bay colt, owned by Al Bida Racing and trained by Ibrahim Khaled Elahmed, shadowed the longtime leader before unleashing a perfectly timed run under Alberto Sanna, snatching victory in the final strides by a short head from a valiant Naseeb Zakhir. Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club’s (QREC) Racing Manager Abdulla Rashid al-Kubaisi presented the trophies to the winning connections.The meeting witnessed a total of nine thrilling races with action set to resume on Wednesday at Al Rayyan Racecourse featuring the Ras Laffan Cup.RESULTS 14th Al Uqda Race Meeting -Qetaifan Cup WINNERS: (Horse, Trainer, Jockey) 1 - Qetaifan Cup - Purebred Arabian Conditions (Class 2) Taymoor Al Shahania, Ibrahim Khaled Elahmed, Alberto Sanna 2 - Local Thoroughbred Handicap (0-65) Moharb, Jassim al-Ghazali, Marco Casamento 3 - Purebred Arabian Handicap (65-85) Duke Of Monlau, Mohammed al-Ghazali, Damien Morin 4 - Thoroughbred Handicap 55-75 Mawhob, Mohammed Ahmed al-Hajri, Salman Fahad al-Hajri 5 - Thoroughbred Handicap (55-75) Far Shot, Mohammed Hassan al-Matwi, Salman Fahad al-Hajri 6 - Local Purebred Arabian Handicap (0-65) Thahan, Saeed al-Shafi, Tomas Lukasek 7 - Local Thoroughbred Rated Maiden Plate Muraykh, Owaida Salem Al Hajri, Abdulla Rashid Al-Hajri 8 - Thoroughbred Handicap (0-60) Thunder Valley, Hadi al-Ramzani, Damien Morin 9 - Thoroughbred Handicap (0-70) Ghassan, Eng. Osama Omer al-Dafea, Gavin Matt Ryan

The Round of 16 at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar promises another thrilling day, headlined by tournament heavyweights Brazil and France clashing at the Aspire Zone in Doha. Their meeting is one of the most eagerly awaited clashes of the competition, with Brazil arriving in confident mood after showing remarkable resilience — playing over 80 minutes with ten men against Paraguay before ultimately prevailing on penalties. Last edition’s runners-up France also had to work hard to overcome Colombia, and now hope to claim what would be their third victory over South American opposition at these finals. Italy enter the next stage with growing confidence following a controlled win over Czech Republc, having conceded only once so far. They now face Uzbekistan, who recovered impressively after conceding a late equaliser to Croatia, ultimately booking their place through penalties. Uganda’s remarkable debut World Cup run also continues, as they prepare for a tough all-African contest against Burkina Faso. The Burkinabe arrive with high momentum after eliminating reigning champions Germany. Coach Oscar Barro said: “Uganda have made it to the Round of 16, which shows what a quality side they are, so we need to prepare accordingly. We played them in a friendly match, but every team has changed its style and appearance since then.” **media[383124]** Mexico remain one of the most dramatic stories of the tournament, with goalkeeper Santiago Lopez scoring the decisive penalty against Argentina. They next face Portugal, whose attacking threat is led by the tournament’s top scorer, Anisio Cabral. Switzerland continue their impressive unbeaten streak at U-17 World Cups and face a confident Republic of Ireland side embracing their first-ever appearance. Switzerland coach Luigi Pisino said: “They’re a team we know well. They have an impressive system and outstanding individual talents. This is the kind of match that makes a World Cup special.” North Korea meet Japan in an all-Asian showdown featuring the creativity of Kim Yu-jin against Japan’s strong defensive unit and standout goalkeeper Shuji Muramatsu. Austria, one of the tournament’s most efficient teams, challenge an England side growing stronger with each match. After England’s win over South Korea, captain Seth Ridgeon said: “We’re building momentum and improving with each round.” Morocco complete the lineup after a dramatic late comeback against the USA, setting up an all-African battle with Mali, who advanced by defeating Zambia.

The Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament in Doha will witness its marquee clash today as India ‘A’ takes on Pakistan ‘Shaheens’ at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium.This Group B fixture is a crucial determinant of the group winner, with both sides having started their campaigns with comprehensive victories on Friday.India ‘A’, captained by the experienced T20 specialist Jitesh Sharma, brings an intimidating batting lineup into the contest.Their opening win over the UAE was characterised by an astonishing display of power-hitting, anchored by 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s sensational 144 off just 42 balls, and Sharma’s blistering 83 not out.This performance saw India post a near-record 297/4, crushing the UAE by 148 runs.While the young team has showcased their devastating potential, the question remains whether they can maintain that same aggressive tempo against a far more skilled and disciplined Pakistan bowling unit on a pitch generally expected to be more balanced. Spinner Gurjapneet Singh and pacer Yash Thakur will be key to India’s bowling success.Standing against them are the Pakistan Shaheens, led by Irfan Khan. The Shaheens started with a dominant 40-run victory over Oman, where their performance was built on the all-round efforts of players like Maaz Sadaqat, who smashed 96 not out, and a strong collective bowling performance led by the pace of Ubaid Shah.Unlike India’s focus on top-order fireworks, Pakistan relies on a more balanced batting card and a bowling attack that features internationals like fast bowler Ahmed Daniyal and spinner Sufiyan Muqeem.Skipper Khan has stressed the importance of discipline, agreeing that a total of 160-170 is a par score for the venue, suggesting Pakistan will look to contain rather than compete in a free-for-all run fest.The battle for victory, however, will likely be won in the early overs today.Can the Shaheens’ pacers and experienced spinners breach the defence of the in-form Indian top three?Or will India’s batting powerhouses like Suryavanshi, Sharma, and Nehal Wadhera continue their onslaught? The team that adapts best to the pressure of this historic rivalry and executes a measured game plan — as opposed to relying solely on momentum — will secure the win and an almost guaranteed semi-final spot.The fifth match of the Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament will feature a crucial Group B battle between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman at the West End Park Stadium today.Both sides enter this fixture determined to secure their first points after suffering comprehensive defeats in their opening games on Friday.In the two matches played Saturday, Bangladesh ‘A’ beat Hong Kong by 8 wickets. Hong Kong scored 167 for the loss of 8 wickets batting first. In reply, Bangladesh reached 171/2 off 11 overs only, thus winning the game by 8 wickets (with 54 balls remaining).In the day’s second match, Afghanistan ‘A’ beat Sri Lanka ‘A’ by three wickets.Batting first, Sri Lanka A scored 170/9 in their 20 overs. In reply, defending champions Afghanistan scored 171/7 and ended the match with 1 delivery to spare.

Maysara delivered a strong performance to claim the Al Noof Cup at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club’s Al Uqda Racecourse Saturday. The five-year-old mare, in the colours of Mohammed Abdulhadi al-Hajri and trained by Hamad al-Jehani, showed admirable versatility to win the 1300m Local Thoroughbred Open Race for the three-year-old+. Under a well-judged ride from Arnaud De Lepine, Maysara advanced from mid-pack before surging to the front in the closing stages, securing victory by ½ a length and giving her owner a second win on the day. Breaking cleanly from barrier five, Maysara was settled towards the rear as Doghan cut out the early fractions, tracked by Mutamarrid and the race favourite Harb. Midway through the race, Messaouda swept forward to take over, with Doghan and Harb keeping close tabs on the new leader. **media[382073]** The complexion of the race changed dramatically in the home straight. From the middle of the pack, Maysara unleashed a decisive turn of foot, slicing through her rivals and driving past Harb in the final strides to land the spoils. Harb, trained by Ibrahim Saeed Ibrahim al-Malki for Al Rabban Racing and ridden by Tomas Lukasek, kept on well for second, three lengths ahead of Lulwat Al Faisal, trained by Khalifa Hamed Nasser al-Sawai for Al Emadi Racing and ridden by Lukas Delozier, who stayed on to secure third. Axis edges a thrilling finish to break his maiden Axis was finally rewarded for his consistency, capturing his maiden victory on his ninth career start, and second appearance this season, with a determined, narrow success in a gripping opener, the Thoroughbred Maiden Plate for three-seven-year-olds over 1200m (Class 6), which attracted 13 runners. The three-year-old bay gelding, owned and trained by Ibrahim Saeed Ibrahim al-Malki, built on his second-place finish a week ago and delivered a perfectly judged effort under jockey Tomas Lukasek to prevail by a short head, with only a neck separating the runner-up and third. Axis broke alertly from barrier one and settled in a handy position behind the early pace, which was initially shared by Breakout Star and, shortly after, Megalithic. Torgot then assumed control and set the tempo until the home bend where Axis began to make his decisive move. Once in the straight, he swept to the front, but immediately faced fierce challenges from North Audley and Boss Dog, both finishing strongly on either side of him. The three contenders flashed past the post almost inseparable, but the photo finish confirmed Axis as the winner. Boss Dog, representing Aldeebl Racing for trainer Mohammed al-Ghazali under Alberto Sanna, took second by a neck from North Audley, giving trainer Ibrahim Saeed Ibrahim al-Malki a 1–3 finish through the ride of Lukas Delozier.

India ‘A skipper Jitesh Sharma and rival captain Irfan Khan of Pakistan feel a total of ‘160’ would be par score at the Asia Cup Rising Stars cricket tournament which starts today.Pakistan open their campaign at the eight-team T20 tournament for emerging players in Asia with a match against Oman today.Also today, India ‘A’ will take on the UAE in the second match of the day at West End Stadium in Asia Town. Defending champions Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong and Bangladesh complete the roster at the 10-team tournament being staged in Doha for the first time by Qatar Cricket Association (QCA).“We have got some data from the games already played here, and most of the scores have been around 150–160,” Sharma, who has played 12 T20Is for India, said Thursday. “So, based on that, we are preparing and assuming that these wickets will play like typical Asian wickets,” the 32-year-old added.“But you know T20 is an uncertain game – you never know what you are going to face, you just have to react. We want to go with the flow and see how the wickets behave, but at the back of our minds we know that the pitches might be quite challenging if scores are around 150–160,” he added.When asked if teams with stronger batting or stronger bowling line-ups would dominate in Doha, Sharma said: “I think batsmen win you games, but bowlers win you tournaments – that’s what I believe. Whichever team bowls well will have the best chance to win the tournament. We are blessed to have a very good support staff, media team and video analysts.”Pakistan skipper Khan, just 22, said his team have also studied the playing conditions in Doha where the opening match will be played during day time today.“We have adequate information on the conditions here. We plan according to our opposite number. You will see our performances when we reach the ground. We feel 160-170 runs is a good target to defend. If you bowl well, you can defend easily,” Khan, who has played 9 ODIs and 14 T20Is for Pakistan, said Thursday.Khan said his team is raring to go with roles clearly defined for each of the players of the squad.“I feel I don’t have to boss around like a captain because the players around me know their roles well. They take responsibility well. I don’t have to guide them all the time as all of them are keen to do well and the atmosphere around the dressing room is really good. You will see good results,” Khan added.“We have good combinations in batting, bowling and even fielding is good,” he added.When asked about the India-Pakistan clash on Sunday, Khan said Thursday: “Right now we are only looking at the match on Friday (against Oman). We don’t have pressure. We have faith in our abilities. We let our instincts take over when the match starts.”India ‘A’ skipper Sharma added: “We are not looking at any particular match. All three league matches are important and then hopefully the semi-final and the final. We should respect all the opponents and play fair cricket.”Sri Lanka captain Dunith Wellalage said Thursday: “We came here after finishing as runners-up last time, so we know what it takes to go deep in a tournament. The conditions in Qatar are quite similar to what we have at home, and that gives us confidence. We have a group of experienced players and a strong support staff. Our focus is simple: cut down on mistakes, trust our plans, and try to deliver our best in every game.”Wellalage, who has played 1 Test and 31 ODIs for Sri Lanka, added: “I have been playing with most of these boys since the Under-19 level for more than three years, so the understanding in the team is very good. Ramesh Mendis, Nishan Madushka, Nuwanindu Fernando, Sahan Arachchige – all of them are experienced and I am sure we will get good support from them. Every team here is a challenge and we respect all our opponents, but we believe in our squad. The environment is really good, we have been given an excellent ground to train on, and we want to make full use of these conditions.”“I am grateful to the Asian Cricket Council and to Qatar for hosting this event,” the 22-year-old Sri Lankan captain said.Sensational Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a 14-year-old Indian left-handed batsman, is also part of the India ‘A’ squad.The prodigious talent, who plays domestic cricket for Bihar and represents the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, achieved a historic debut in the T20 franchise league this year by becoming its youngest player.Suryavanshi further etched his name in the record books by smashing a 35-ball century against the Gujarat Titans, making him the youngest and fastest Indian centurion in the competition’s history.UAE captain Alishan Sharafu said at a press conference Thursday: “I think we’ve got a relatively young bunch of boys in this side you know with lots of talent and you know they’re all super excited to be here and most of them, having grown up in the UAE, grew up in diverse cultures. So we’ve never really looked at people coming from different places. And we’re just proud to represent the UAE and hopefully have a good tournament here.”GROUPS AND FIXTURESGroup A: Afghanistan A, Sri Lanka A, Bangladesh A, Hong KongGroup B: India A, Pakistan Shaheens, UAE, OmanNov 14 - Oman vs Pakistan; India ‘A’ vs UAENov 15 - Bangladesh vs Hong Kong; Afghanistan vs Sri LankaNov 16 - Oman vs UAE; India ‘A’ vs PakistanNov 17 - Hong Kong vs Sri Lanka; Afghanistan vs BangladeshNov 18 - Pakistan vs UAE; India ‘A’ vs OmanNov 19 - Afghanistan vs Hong Kong; Bangladesh vs Sri LankaNov 21 - Semi-finals: A1 vs B2; B1 vs A2Nov 23 - FinalVenue: West End Stadium, Asian Town, Doha