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Qatar’s Abdulaziz al-Kuwari and Polish rider Konrad Dabrowski topped the times in the car and motorcycle categories on the afternoon’s Prologue stage before the 2025 Qatar International Baja was officially flagged away at the ‘Way to the World Cup’ landmark on Doha Corniche in the evening. Forty-three cars, 53 motorcycles and four quads graced the official start lists for the penultimate rounds of the FIA World and Middle East Cups and the FIM Bajas World Cup. While the afternoon’s Prologue to the north-west of Lusail sorted the starting order for today’s opening desert stage, the highlight of the day was the ceremonial start at the ‘Way to the World Cup’ landmark with the stunning backdrop of Doha’s spectacular hi-rise West Bay skyline. Cars were flagged away by Abdulrahman al-Mannai, President of the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF), and the QMMF’s general secretary Abdulrazzaq al-Kuwari in the presence of distinguished guests and senior officials from both the FIA and FIM. Czech duo of Martin Prokop and Viktor Chytka were initially fastest in the FIA category with a run of 6min 46.0sec. That enabled the Ford Raptor driver to win the Prologue by just four-tenths of a second from last year’s event winners Denis Krotov and Konstantin Zhiltsov (X-Raid Mini). But both drivers were later handed time penalties that dropped them down to 18th and sixth positions, respectively. The QMMF Team’s Abdulaziz al-Kuwari and Khalifa Saleh al-Attiyah eventually finished first and second in the car category after numerous time penalties were imposed on their rivals. Sweden’s Mattias Ekstrom was third in a Can-Am and the current FIA World Baja Cup leader Juan Cruz Yacopini finished fourth in his Toyota Hilux with his championship rival Miroslav Zapletal in fifth. **media[378368]** Yacopini said: “We were the first car on the road. It was a tricky Prologue between the flags. We made it properly. We have the chance of a good starting position for this race. We will have a clear road and some lines (to follow). Let’s see what happens.” Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah had been the fastest driver at the mid-stage split before losing time late on with a fuel pump issue on his Taurus T3 Max. The Qatari finished the Prologue down in 25th position. Al-Attiyah said: “We had a good run and then we had a small issue with the fuel pump and we stopped for one minute. We will try to do our best tomorrow. It will be a long day.” A dominant Dabrowski clocked a time of 7min 02.8sec on the Prologue on his KTM 450 Rally to beat British Husqvarna rider Alex McInnes to the win by 39.3 seconds in the motorcycle category. Frenchman Jean Loup Lepan (KTM), Slovenian Simon Marcic (Kove) and regular Indian factory Sherco rider Harith Noah rounded off the top five. The FIM Bajas World Cup’s front-running Mohammed al-Balooshi and Rafic Eid were classified in sixth and ninth. Emirati Abdulaziz al-Ahli was the quickest of the quad riders and faster than all but four of the bikers. **media[378369]** Al-Balooshi said: “Not a good result for us. This is not the way we wanted to start the race. Tomorrow is a new day. I am happy that we are here safe. Hopefully we make the most of tomorrow.” Title rival Eid added: “It was super hot and super rocky. It was a tricky ride with tight corners. Now I am position 10 (including leading quad) and that means I will open the road for everybody. With Qatar’s difficult navigation this will be a good training for me for Dakar 2026!” Qatar’s Mohammed al-Kubaisi and Abdulrahman al-Sheeb finished the Prologue in 43rd and 49th positions in the two-wheel contingent, the latter suffering niggling electrical issues on his Fantic XEF. Jordan’s Eyad Salmirza (Yamaha) was a non-starter and received a 30-minute penalty. On Friday, competitors face a revised opening stage of 220.31km. This will be split into three shorter timed sections. The first bike is scheduled to get the action underway at 07.45hrs. Prologue result: Cars (top 20 only) 1. Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari (QAT)/Stéphane Duplé (FRA) Taurus T3 Max 6min 50.3sec+ 2. Khalifa Saleh Al-Attiyah (QAT)/Bruno Jacomy (ARG) Taurus T3 Max 6min 51.8sec+ 3. Mattias Ekström (SWE)/Emil Bergkvist (SWE) Can-Am Maverick R 6min 53.6sec 4. Juan Cruz Yacopini (ARG)/Dani Oliveras (ESP) Toyota Hilux IMT Evo 6min 58.7sec* 5. Miroslav Zapletal (CZE)/Marek Sykora (SVK) Ford F-150 Evo 6min 59.8sec* 6. Denis Krotov (KGZ)/Konstantin Zhiltsov (KGZ) Mini John Cooper Works Rally 3.0i 7min 01.4sec 7. Mitchel van den Brink (NED)/Bart van Heun (NED) Can-Am Maverick R 7min 02.8sec* 8. Hamed Al-Wahaibi (OMA)/Ilka Minor (AUT) Can-Am Maverick R 7min 06.3sec* 9. Lionel Baud (FRA)/Lucie Baud (FRA) Mini John Cooper Works Rally 3.0D 7min 09.1sec 10. Eugenio Amos (ITA)/Paolo Ceci (ITA) Can-Am Maverick R 7min 12.5sec* 11. Nouef Al-Suwaidi (QAT)/Aisvydas Paliukenas (LTU) Taurus T3 Max 7min 17.5sec+ 12. Sergei Remennik (UAE)/Aleksei Ignatov (KGZ) Taurus T3 Max 7min 17.9sec* 13. Hamza Bakhashab (KSA)/Marcin Pasek (POL) Can-Am Maverick R 7min 20.4sec+ 14. Dania Akeel (KSA)/Sébastien Delaunay (FRA) Toyota Hilux 7min 21.0sec+ 15. Amerigo Ventura (ITA)/Erika Mingozzi (ITA) Yamaha YXZ 1000R Short Shift 7min 21.7sec* 16. Erik van Loon (NED)/Martin van den Brink (NED) Can-Am Maverick R 7min 23.6sec* 17. Ronan Chabot (FRA)/Xavier Panseri (FRA) Toyota Hilux 7min 28.9sec 18. Martin Prokop (CZE)/Viktor Chytka (CZE) Ford Raptor 7min 31.0sec 19. Paul Severn (GBR)/Delphine Denfino (FRA) Polaris RZR Pro R Sport 7min 34.7sec* 20. Khalid Al-Feraihi (KSA)/Candido Carrera (ESP) Toyota Hilux IMT Evo 7min 35.6sec *denotes registered for the FIA World Baja Cup + denotes registered for the FIA Middle East Baja Cup Bikes (Top 20 only) 1. Konrad Dabrowski (POL) KTM 450 Rally 7min 02.8sec 2. Alex McInnes (GBR) Husqvarna Rally Replica 7min 42.1sec 3. Jean Loup Lepan (FRA) KTM 450 Rally 7min 50.6sec 4. Simon Marcic (SLO) Kove Rally EX 7min 53.0sec 5. Harith Noah (IND) Sherco 450 SEF 7min 55.2sec 6. Mohammed Al-Balooshi (UAE) KTM 450 RR 8min 19.5sec 7. Abdullah Lanjawi (UAE) Kove 450 Rally 8min 20.0sec 8. Michael Anderson (POR) KTM Rally Replica 8min 23.0sec 9. Rafic Eid (LBN) KTM 450 Rally 8min 25.3sec 10. Abdullah Abu Aisheh (JOR) Yamaha WR 450F 8min 26.2sec 11. Leoncio Sosa (MEX) KTM 350 ECX 8min 29.3sec 12. Andrew Houlihan (AUS) Husqvarna FR450 Rally 8min 30.1sec 13. Ehab Al-Hakeem (LBN) Yamaha WR450 8min 30.6sec 14. Robbie Wallace (GBR) Honda CRF 450R 8min 30.7sec 15. Mauricio Sosa (MEX) Kove 450 Rally 8min 37.8sec 16. Makis Rees-Stavros (GBR) KTM EXC 450 8min 39.3sec 17. Oran O’Kelly (IRL) KTM Rally 450 8min 46.6sec 18. Philip Horlemann (GER) KTM Rally Replica 450 8min 50.1sec 19. Hans Christian Dovland (NOR) Husqvarna FR450 8min 51.1sec 20. Frederic Fontarosa (FRA) Husqvarna FE450 8min 57.0sec Quads 1. Abdulaziz Ahli (UAE) Yamaha Raptor 700R 7min 50.9sec 2. Hani Al-Noumesi (KSA) Yamaha Raptor 8min 52.8sec 3. Yaghoob Azadi (QAT) Yamaha Raptor 700R 45min 00.0sec 4. Abdulaziz Al-Atawi (KSA) Yamaha Raptor 700 45min 00.0sec

With the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2025 taking place in Qatar, world and football industry leaders have congregated at the Aspire Zone to take in the action from what is regarded as one of football’s premier youth tournaments. This included Annalena Baerbock, President of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly, who is in Qatar for the Second World Summit for Social Development taking place from 4-6 November. Speaking to the tournament’s Local Organising Committee, Baerbock stressed on the role of sports in bridging nations and promoting social justice: “The global community has convened in Qatar to highlight the importance of social justice in building stronger societies. The same applies to sports – you only win when you play as one team,” said Baerbock, who has previously served as Germany’s Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs from December 2021 until May 2025. With 48 teams coming together to compete for the coveted FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 trophy, Baerbock believes that this tournament is a testament to the power of sports in uniting players and fans alike and celebrating global diversity. **media[378328]** “The U-17 World Cup showcases the power of playing as a team. On a football pitch, your socio-economic background doesn’t matter. What matters is that you score well and play as a team. It is through sports that the youth learn to embrace diversity and overcome challenges together. The world of politics could also learn from sports that you either win together or lose together,” said Baerbock. “With FIFA talent academies established around the world, and with the U-17 World Cup now turning into an annual event, more children and families will have access to football and sports. I believe sports, especially football, teaches children to honour rules. If we adopted the same mindset in international diplomacy, and played by the rules, we would have more peace in the world. Combining impactful social policies with sports is a win-win situation for all,” added Baerbock. The Second World Summit for Social Development is taking place in Qatar, thirty years after the landmark 1995 World Summit for Social Development in Copenhagen. The Summit brings world leaders together to redefine strategies for social progress, strengthen global partnerships, and promote inclusive policies that foster equitable opportunities for all. The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 is taking place from 3-27 November at the state-of-the-art Competition Complex in Aspire Zone. Tickets and match schedule are available at: www.roadtoqatar.qa

With the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 now in full swing, young fans from around the world shared their excitement about what the tournament means to them. For Croatian aspiring footballer Viktor Karlo, 13, the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 makes his dreams feel real and within reach: "My passion is to become a professional footballer and compete on the world's biggest stage. Being here shows me what the real standards are, because these players demonstrate the commitment and competitive level you need to succeed.” Attending matches with her family, Bruna Bohrt Lijeron, 11, said that she enjoys being a part of something with the people she cares about most: "The atmosphere is exceptional. There's continuous cheering throughout and just when I think I can sit down, we stand up again to cheer.” Claudio Conte, 11, who trains with both Juventus Academy in Qatar and Al Rayyan Club, watched the opening match cheering for both sides: "I live in Qatar but I'm from Italy, so I support both. Coming here and watching these players, seeing how good they are, it makes me believe I can do it. I really hope I can make it like these players one day. Whether it's for Italy or Qatar,” said Conte. Gabriel Aguiar, 14, from Portugal, shared his excitement to be watching the future of football unfold in Qatar: "These players will be the future stars. When older players retire, they will be the fresh ones ready to give new hope and aspirations to their countries," he explained. The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 is the first of five consecutive editions that Qatar will be hosting. As the first FIFA World Cup to feature 48 teams, this will be the biggest-ever edition of the youth tournament that saw the likes of Gianluigi Buffon, Luis Figo, Xavi Hernandez, Eden Hazard, Andres Iniesta, Neymar, Ronaldinho, Son Heung-min and Francesco Totti appear on the world stage for the first time. Tickets can be purchased exclusively from www.roadtoqatar.qa. Tickets are available as a Day Pass, enabling fans to attend multiple matches a day, as well as fan zone activities. Fans can also purchase a Prime Pass, which enables them to reserve seats for high demand matches. Supporters of the Qatar national team can avail the Follow My Team ticket, which enables them to attend all matches of the Qatari U-17 team during the group stage. All tickets are digital and include wheelchair accessible seating options for disabled fans.

Her Excellency Minister of State for International Cooperation Dr. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad met Wednesday with the Minister of Social Solidarity of the Arab Republic of Egypt Dr. Maya Morsi, on the sidelines of the Second World Summit for Social Development, currently held in Doha.Discussion during the meeting focused on cooperation relations and ways to support and strengthen them, in addition to several issues of mutual interest.

Jordan's Minister of Social Development, Wafa Bani Mustafa affirmed that the Second World Summit for Social Development, currently underway in Doha, holds great importance not only for the Arab region but for the entire world, serving as a reminder of the social development agenda, which is often overshadowed by other global priorities.In remarks to Qatar News Agency (QNA) on the sidelines of her participation in the Second World Summit for Social Development, Jordan's Minister of Social Development explained that this session comes at a time not far from the completion of the implementation of the Sustainable Development Agenda, through which countries of the world are expected to achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by all United Nations member states.She highlighted the importance of the State of Qatar's hosting of the Summit and of issuing, according to the agreement of the participating countries, a Doha Political Declaration. She noted that the discussions focused on key issues related to social protection, employment opportunities, youth care, empowerment of women and persons with disabilities, in addition to the importance of early preparedness for social responses to crises and shocks. She emphasized that this summit represents a true opportunity to learn from various experiences and to develop national mechanisms for social response.Regarding her country's efforts in the issue of persons with disabilities, she told QNA that Jordan is one of the pioneering countries in integrating persons with disabilities into society. She pointed out that Jordan hosted the Third Global Disability Summit (GDS 2025) earlier this year, which resulted in the "Amman-Berlin Declaration," one of the declarations that highlighted the importance of inclusion, integration, and the allocation of budgets within national development programs.She underlined that the Jordanian Ministry of Social Development works on disability issues as part of an integrated national system, specializing in the transition from institutional and residential care to family and community-based alternative care. This approach, she said, is at the core of the integration process and aims to prevent the exclusion and isolation of persons with disabilities.She also referred to Jordan's Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities of 2017, which led to the creation of a national strategy and a ten-year plan aimed at ending institutional care by the end of 2027.She noted that, as a leadership of the National Social Protection Strategy, the Ministry of Social Development oversees an important pillar called "FORSA" (Opportunity), which includes an executive plan for the employment of persons with disabilities. This initiative focuses on qualifying and training this group for decent and empowering job opportunities, enabling them to achieve the main goal of living independently, she added.Jordan's Minister of Social Development, Wafa Bani Mustafa, stressed the importance of early investment in enhancing social services and in training and rehabilitating persons with disabilities, with the aim of reducing future costs and empowering this group to have independent sources of income and to live just like any other segment of society.

Her Excellency Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad met on Wednesday with the Minister of Social Development and Acting Minister of State for Relief Affairs of the State of Palestine Dr. Samah Hamad, on the sidelines of the Second World Summit for Social Development 2025, currently taking place in Doha.The meeting reviewed the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and explored mechanisms to meet basic needs and accelerate their delivery. The two sides also discussed several issues of mutual interest.

The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 continued Tuesday with some impressive team performances, including Brazil finding the net seven times against Honduras, while Venezuela beating fancied England in style.Egypt, North Korea, South Korea, Switzerland and Zambia also enjoyed winning debuts, while Colombia and Germany served up the most exciting encounter on the day in a share of the spoils.In Group E, Venezuela produced an exceptional all-round display to earn a famous 3-0 win over England. The South Americans hit the front when captain Roman Davis rifled home from a tight angle. If that goal was good, their second was even better, with Dioner Fuentes curling a wonderful strike into the top corner. Substitute Eider Barrios made it three late on with a close-range finish.England coach Neil Ryan was naturally frustrated with the result. Ryan said: “We’re very disappointed with the scoreline. We created five or six clear chances to score and of course that comes back to haunt you. But it’s only the first game of the group stage. We’re going to keep really positive and work hard to go into the next game and make things right.”Egypt sailed past Haiti 1-4. The Young Pharaohs made a triumphant return to the competition for the first time since a 2-1 quarter-final loss to Xavi and Spain in 1997. Belal Attia, Abdelaziz Elzoghby and Hamza Abdelkarim all sparkled and scored for Ahmed Elkass’s side, while Nikolai Pierre’s sumptuous curler gave Haiti hope before the break. Egypt’s victory was sealed when Omar Kamal headed home a devilish Attia delivery.Egypt coach Ahmed El Kass said: “I am very happy with the result today for two reasons: first we have always had slow starts in past tournaments, and also because we feel that we have made the Egyptian people happy – both here and at home.”In Group H Brazil thrashed Honduras 7-0. Dell struck a predatory double, while wonder goals from Ruan Pablo and Felipe Morais had Brazil cruising at the break. Thereafter, a Vitor Hugo header, a glorious strike from Angelo and an admirable Gabriel Mec effort ensured the four-time champions made an emphatic statement of intent.Felipe Morais, Brazil midfielder, said: "Our goal was to start well in the tournament and that's what we did. We executed everything we trained since our preparation until here. I'm very happy for the goal. This gives me even more confidence for the next matches."Zambia capped their inaugural match in the global finals with a thrilling comeback 1-3 victory over Indonesia, highlighted by a quickfire brace from Abel Nyirongo. Indonesia, the 2023 hosts, took an early lead through an opportunistic strike from Zahaby Gholy. But Zambia quickly fought back thanks to two goals in as many minutes from Nyirongo, with Lukonde Mwale ensuring the triumph just before the break.Defending champions Germany were held to a 1-1 draw by Colombia in a Group G tie. Marc-Patrick Meister’s Mannschaft and Fredy Hurtado’s Tricolor played out an exciting, evenly-matched stalemate. Just 16 seconds were on the clock when Toni Langsteiner scored the third-fastest goal in the tournament’s 40-year history. Criss Macias almost equalised following a swashbuckling surge through the German defence, before Juan Catano did grab Colombia a point by fizzing home a loose ball from the edge of the box.Colombia coach Freddy Hurtado was pleased with a draw against the holders. He said: "We began the match and got behind early. The opener is the hardest match, and more so against Germany. The guys competed well and we are happy with this point. Obviously we wanted more, but now our focus is on the next game."North Korea routed El Salvador 2-0 as Ri Kang-rim and Kim Yu-jin each bagged braces. Korea started on the front foot and broke the deadlock on a slashing run from Ri, whose shot deflected in off the fingertips of El Salvador goalkeeper Oliver Alegria.El Salvador tried to respond, but a late first half penalty following a video review saw Kim double the lead for the Asian side. They added some insurance in the second stanza when El Salvador failed to clear a free-kick and Ri easily tapped home, followed by late goals from Kim and Han Il-bok.In Group F, Switzerland recorded an 4-1 impressive victory in their opening fixture, with two goals in each half against Cote d'Ivoire. Captain Gil Zufferey opened the scoring when he tried his luck from long range with a dipping strike that evaded opposing skipper Christ Kouassi.Adrien Llukes doubled the advantage before the interval, following up to convert after his own penalty had been saved by the unfortunate Kouassi. Giacomo Koloto was released to calmly convert the third, with Jill Stiel smashing home a spectacular fourth before Hubert Yao’s consolation for the African side.South Korea edged out Mexico 2-1 in a compelling Group F clash. Koo Hyeonbin put his team in front with an instinctive finish, before Aldo De Nigris headed Mexico level. The Koreans went back ahead early in the second half when Nam Ian netted after a fast counter-attack, and then defended resolutely to secure maximum points.South Korea’s goalscorer and Player of the Match Koo Hyeonbin said: “Playing as one team was the key to winning the game. Although Mexico had a good start to the game, we had very good communication between ourselves and we overcame those problems.”

From the first minute to the last of Qatar’s FIFA U-17 World Cup showdown with Italy on Monday, the home fans backed their team with incessant noise and passion, creating an intoxicating buzz at the Aspire Zone complex.The match concluded a thrilling opening day at the newly-expanded tournament, which featured eight matches and 27 goals. The hosts ultimately went down 1-0 to their illustrious opponents, who mixed class, steel and poise to bank a hard-fought win. Samuele Inacio netted the game’s only goal and, speaking to FIFA, explained why the carnival atmosphere ensured it was an occasion to savour.“It was amazing,” said the Borussia Dortmund striker, fresh from being presented with his Player of the Match prize. “We were playing against the home team, so it was crazy. To play in this fantastic atmosphere and win makes us very proud. The key was the focus. We stayed together. We have a lot of confidence for this tournament. We did a great EURO (reaching the semi-finals), and we are ready to have a great World Cup.”Italy captain Benit Borasio wore a beaming smile as he reflected on his U-17 World Cup debut. “The atmosphere was incredible,” he said. “Even if the fans are against you, it gives you energy. That emotion transmits to you. The pitch was also perfect. It was great.”Qatar coach Alvaro Mejia witnessed his team go toe to toe against a top-quality outfit. The host nation steadfastly hunted an equaliser following Inacio’s strike, but could not find a way through Italy’s well-drilled backline. Mejia declared the squad’s collective hunger to reward their vibrant support when they return to action against South Africa tomorrow“Here in Qatar, everyone loves football,” he said. “They love to be part of it. The atmosphere was beautiful. It was colourful all around. For the people to watch players at this age – who very soon are going to be on TV and will be stars – it’s something amazing.“I am happy with how we performed against one of the strongest teams. The idea was to go out and compete. We competed. I am proud of the players and now we are going to come back against another strong team in South Africa. Let’s try to give the best of ourselves for all the people who are coming here to support. We have to push ourselves to the limits.”The game’s winning goal was fitting for the stage. Centre-back Borasio arrowed a sensational defence-splitting pass into the path of Inacio, who finished clinically into the bottom corner. “It was a good assist from Benit,” said Inacio of his skipper’s contribution. “I didn’t expect it, to be honest! It was a great pass. To have a captain like him is fantastic. He has a lot of responsibility, and he takes us with him.”Borasio, who plays his club football for Juventus, was a towering presence in the Italy backline throughout the contest. His comfort in possession was also eye-catching, and it came as little surprise to learn he formerly played higher up the pitch. “In the past, I played in the middle, like a CDM (defensive midfielder). Now I play centre-back. I like to play there, because I can drive with the ball and pass through the lines to my mates.”On the honour of leading his nation out at Qatar 2025, Borasio added: “It’s amazing to be captain for Italy, especially in the World Cup. You feel the responsibility for your team and for your country. It is a great feeling.” (fifa.com)

The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 is underway, with 48 teams battling it out in the exciting group stage. With fans making their way to Aspire Zone to cheer on their teams, the tournament is offering a barrier-free experience for disabled fans to be part of the football celebrations. Here are three key accessibility features allowing disabled fans to be part of the tournament experience: Wheelchair-accessible seating across all pitches **media[377310]** All eight pitches of the Competition Complex in Aspire Zone include wheelchair-accessible seating options. The Final will take place at Khalifa International Stadium, also located in Aspire Zone, featuring accessible seating options for fans with disabilities and/or limited mobility. **media[377311]** Audio descriptive commentary available through smartphone app Audio descriptive commentary in Arabic and English is available for select matches, including all Qatar national team matches, for blind and partially sighted football fans. Fans can download the 3annak app, enter the code U17, and select the audio channel of their choice. Using personal headphones, fans can listen to a detailed commentary of match details, including important information about the ambience in the stands and even the players’ facial reactions. The service enables blind and partially sighted fans to experience the football action in a barrier-free manner. Sensory room at the fan zone A dedicated sensory room is available in the fan zone for fans with neurodivergent needs. Operating in partnership with Qatar Foundation Pre-University Education, the sensory room allowsfans with sensory needs to watch matches in a quieter space, equipped with assistive technology and managed by expert staff. How to apply for accessibility tickets? Fans can apply for an accessibility ticket by sending an email to: [email protected]. Tickets are priced at QAR 10. A dedicated team is set up to manage all accessibility ticket requests. Accessibility tickets will allow disabled fans to attend multiple matches a day as well as cultural and entertainment activities taking place at the fan zone. The fan zone will operate from 1:30 PM until the final whistle, on match days only. Ticket holders must carry their Proof of Eligibility when entering the Aspire Zone and Khalifa International Stadium.Companion tickets are available for people assisting an accessibility ticketholder.

Qatar’s passionate fans created a raucous atmosphere at Mansour Muftah Pitch at Aspire, urging their team forward from start to finish, but Italy held firm to claim a hard-fought 1-0 victory in their opening match of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025.A fine first-half strike from Samuele Inacio — who finished coolly after a precise through ball from Benit Borasio — proved decisive for the Azzurrini.The young Maroons battled bravely to level the score, showing greater attacking intent after the break. Omar al-Marzouki came close with a powerful shot that was cleared off the line in the 50th minute, while Issa Walid narrowly missed an equaliser with a late effort in the 87th. Despite Qatar’s spirited second-half display, Italy’s disciplined defence ensured all three points stayed with the European side.Qatar's next match is against South Africa on Thursday, while their last group tie is against Bolivia on Sunday.In another Group A match, South Africa beat Bolivia 3-1. Goals from Emile Witbooi, Neo Bohloko and Shaun Els earned 10-player South Africa a superb win. Bafana Bafana were dealt a significant blow when Sive Pama was sent off midway through the first half, but Witbooi soon fired them in front before Bohloko added a second from close range. Bolivia pulled one back through Jesus Maraude's Panenka-style penalty, but Shaun Els’ late breakaway effort put the result beyond doubt.Meanwhile, Japan and Tunisia collected impressive wins while both Argentina and Portugal rallied for hard-fought victories.In Group B, Japan opened a sixth straight U-17 World Cup with 2-0 victory over Morocco. The Asian giants looked to have opened the scoring in the first half when Anthony Motosuna headed home, but he was adjudged to have fouled goalkeeper Chouaib Bellaarouch.They wouldn't be denied for long, though, as Hiroto Asada drove through the heart of the Morocco backline and set up Taiga Seguchi, who unleashed a terrific first-time effort into the far corner. Minato Yoshida thought he'd netted a second soon after, only for play to be pulled back for handball. They would eventually make the game safe in the dying embers, with Daigo Hirashima rifling in from just inside the box.Portugal overcame a sluggish start to thrash New Caledonia 6-1. New Caledonia jumped out to a shock lead when a video review led to a penalty, and Ezekiel Wamowe converted the spot-kick. But Anisio Cabral spearheaded the comeback, equalising via a header and then giving his side the lead early in the second half with an easy finish. Stevan Manuel, Mateus Mide, Mauro Furtado and Jose Neto tacked on goals as well to complete the scoring.In Group C, ten-player Costa Rica claimed a hard-fought 1-1 draw against United Arab Emirates. The game sparked into life just after the half-hour, as Isaac Badilla was sent off for a last-player tackle on Faysal Mohammed.UAE made use of their numerical advantage shortly after the break, as Mayed Adel bundled home a corner. That lead lasted barely three minutes, though, with Yerlan Sosa's centre causing chaos in the UAE box, allowing Nick Bennette to lace home from just beyond the penalty spot.In another Group C match, Senegal and Croatia played out a goalless draw. The Europeans dominated the first half and ought to have taken the lead deep into it. Patrik Horvat saw his shot from the edge of the area parried by Vincent Gomis straight to Jona Benkotic, who cleared the crossbar with the goal gaping. Both pushed in the second period, but neither side could find the breakthrough.In Group D, Argentina squeezed past Belgium 3-2 in an early contender for match of the tournament. Diego Placente's men hit the front through a neat Ramiro Tulian finish, only for Arthur De Kimpe to strike back with a rasping drive.A well-worked Stan Naert goal then gave the Belgians the lead on the hour mark, as Ali Camara squared for the forward to tap in. The game was turned on its head inside four crazy minutes, though, with Facundo Jainikoski netting before fellow substitute Felipe Esquivel drilled in another fine goal. Belgium sub Rene Mitongo then passed up two great chances to level, allowing the South Americans to collect all three points.Tunisia delivered a commanding performance to cruise past Fiji 6-0. The North Africans hit their stride beginning at the half-hour mark, with Wassim Slama beating the goalkeeper at the near post with a clever shot and then a superb strike from Fedi Tayechi.Slama got his second by pouncing on a rebound, followed by a powerful right-footed finish from Anisse Saidi. Saifedin Haj Abdallah made it five with a composed curler from inside the area and Tayechi put on the finishing touches with a strike in the waning minutes.What they said..."When we were one man down, we still kept pushing each other. It’s all about teamwork. For me, it’s a dream come true to be here. I always wanted to reach this stage, and I am chasing my dreams."-Kamohelo Mareletse, South Africa midfielder and player of the match"The team did very well, we managed to hold on despite being a man down and we're ready to keep competing. The next match will be a close contest against Senegal, but we'll compete well".-Nick Bennette, Costa Rica goalscorer"As we expected, it was a tough match where we knew that a single goal could greatly influence the outcome. We managed to score the opener and then add another, which allowed us to control the game in a good way."-Nozomi Hiroyama, Japan coach"The players need to stop thinking about this defeat, even though it's a tough one. We'll make amends against Portugal. We have confidence in these players; they are capable of getting through this group."-Nabi Baha, Morocco coach"We knew it was going to be the most difficult match in the group because Belgium play very well, as well as being physically and technically outstanding. I'm happy for the team because they showed character on two occasions to come back from behind and win."-Diego Placente, Argentina head coach"We had a lot of opportunities and the lack of efficiency made us get to half-time with the game tied. But we kept calm to start strong in the second half and it didn't take long for us to be in front."-Bino Macaes, Portugal coach

In the lead-up to the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2025, Lusail International Circuit (LIC) is set to bring the thrill of the race beyond the track with mall activations designed to engage fans of all ages. Motorsport enthusiasts across Doha will have the chance to experience the excitement of Formula 1 first hand through interactive and visually stunning installations.At Place Vendome Mall, ground floor by Paul Cafe, the Qatar GP Village will welcome visitors, from November 2 to 30, during mall operating hours with a variety of interactive experiences free of charge for kids and adults. Fans can test their racing skills in the VR Pit Stop Challenge, compete on F1 simulators, explore hologram boxes, solve racing-themed puzzles, design their own helmets via the “Build Your Helmet” app, and capture memories at dedicated photo booths. The Cheer Wall will allow visitors to celebrate the passion of Formula 1, creating a truly participatory fan experience.Fatima al-Qaedi, Marketing and Communications Manager at Lusail International Circuit, commented, “Our off-track activations are designed to bring the excitement of Formula 1 closer to fans across Doha. We aim to tap into different segments in our activation: education, art, technology, and fun as this is what F1 is all about, and we want to make sure that Doha, and everyone coming to Doha, celebrates this with us. With interactive and immersive racing experiences, these initiatives celebrate the passion for motorsport, making the countdown to the Grand Prix an unforgettable experience for everyone.”Tickets for the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix 2025 continue to sell rapidly. Fans can still secure limited grandstand and hospitality packages in addition to single day tickets for Friday and Saturday. Friday tickets offer a chance to enjoy opening festivities and the vibrant Fan Zone starred by the iconic British singer, Seal’s performance, while Saturday provides the exclusive Sprint Race with the F2 as support races, and the full 3-day experience promises nonstop racing, entertainment, and fan activities. Tickets can be purchased via Lusail International Circuit’s website at tickets.lcsc.qa.With city and mall activations even running through race weekend, LIC has invited fans to immerse themselves in the world of Formula 1 and experience the thrill, technology, and culture that defines the Qatar Grand Prix.

The State of Qatar, represented by the Ministry of Municipality, participated in the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors' Forum, held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, under the theme: Collaborate. Inspire. Transform.The Ministry was represented by a delegation that included Director General of Al Rayyan Municipality Mansour Ajran Al Buainain, Director General of Al Wakrah Municipality Jaber Hassan Al Jaber, Director General of Al Daayen Municipality Rashid Mishlesh Al Khayarin, and Director of the Technical Affairs Department at Al Rayyan Municipality Khalifa Al Khayarin.During the summit, participants reviewed leading international practices in smart urban planning and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation among municipalities and cities across the region in the areas of sustainability, transportation and resource management. The discussions also explored opportunities for technical and environmental partnerships among the participating cities.