tag

Only 30 days remain for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025. Taking place from 3-27 November, the tournament will bring together 48 young teams from across the globe to compete for the coveted trophy. Hosts Qatar have been drawn into Group A, alongside Italy, South Africa and Bolivia. The young Maroons will kick off their campaign against Italy on 3 November, 6:45pm. The team will look to improve on Qatar‘s highest achievement in the competition, when they finished in fourth place in 1991. For Qatar’s U-17 national team player, Zaid Faisal, the tournament is an important milestone for young players. “It’s a matter of pride to play for your country in the World Cup. This is a wonderful opportunity for us as future generations to showcase our talents, and the opportunity to play with international teams from all over the world will provide invaluable experience. I hope we make Qatar proud.” “Our goal is to qualify from the group stage. It is important that we give it our best. The world will be watching us. We will be competing against strong teams. This is a big opportunity that will open new doors for players like me,” said Omar Al Marzouqi, who also plays for Al Sadd SC.For Ahmed Saber Aboueitah, who plays his club football for Qatar Stars League side Al Arabi SC, being part of the Qatari U-17 national team is a dream come true. “It has been my dream to represent Qatar at the World Cup. This exposure is important to grow as a player. Playing against stronger teams and players makes you much more confident. I am ready to give my best and make the team proud. Someday, I hope to play for the first team at the World Cup.”All 104 matches of the tournament will take place at the at the state-of-the-art Competition Complex at Aspire Zone, where fans will be treated to an electrifying football festival-like atmosphere. Tickets for the tournament are available at: www.roadtoqatar.qa. Fans can purchase a Day Pass for QAR 20, which will enable them to attend multiple matches a day as well as cultural and entertainment activities taking place around matches. Fans can also purchase a Prime Pass, which will enable them to reserve seats for high demand matches. Supporters of the Qatar national team can avail the Follow My Team ticket, which will enable them to attend all matches of the Qatari U-17 team during the group stage. The Final will take place on 27 November, 7pm, at Khalifa International Stadium. Tickets for the Final are available in two categories, with prices starting from QAR 15, and also include accessible seating options. 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.All tickets will be digital and will include wheelchair accessible seating options for disabled fans. Accessible tickets will also include a parking pass to enable easy access to tournament venues. Disabled fans can request accessible seats by sending an e-mail to: [email protected]. Qatar’s spectacular line-up of mega-sporting events will kick off with the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 from 3-27 November, followed by the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 from 1-18 December. In addition, the country is also set to host the second edition of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025, which will take place on 10, 13 and 17 December.

Saudi Arabia have been crowned champions of the AGCFF U-17 Gulf Cup Qatar 2025, after claiming a 2-0 win against the UAE in the final match held at Grand Hamad Stadium in Doha.The tournament brought together young football talents from the region to compete for the coveted trophy. This was the first time that the competition was held under the auspices of the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation (AGCFF).“Over the past two weeks, we witnessed the phenomenal talents of young players from the Arabian Gulf. The successful delivery of this tournament once again showcased Qatar’s commitment towards supporting emerging football talents from the region, while uniting fans to celebrate our shared passion for football. Congratulations to all the players who took part, and to Saudi Arabia for clinching the trophy,” said Jassim Sultan al-Rumaihi, AGCFF Secretary General.The AGCFF U-17 Gulf Cup is a precursor to a spectacular line-up of tournaments scheduled for this winter. Hosts Qatar, along with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, have qualified for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 that will take place from November 3-27 at the state-of-the-art Competition Complex at Aspire Zone. This will be followed by the second edition of the FIFA Arab Cup from 1-18 December. Fans can purchase tickets for both tournaments at www.roadtoqatar.qa. In addition, Qatar is also set to host the AGCFF U-23 Gulf Cup Qatar 2025 from December 4-16, and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025, which will take place on December 10, 13 and 17.

England flexed their muscles in their Women's World Cup opener with a ruthless 10-wicket demolition of South Africa in Guwahati on Friday.After bowling out the Proteas for a paltry 69 in just 20.4 overs, England's openers Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones made light work of the chase, cantering home in 14.1 overs.Electing to bowl first, England rolled the dice early by tossing the new ball to spin, a move captains often shy away from in the power play. But left-arm tweaker Linsey Smith turned out to be the ace up their sleeve, exploiting a tacky surface that had South Africa groping in the dark."To get that start was very special. I only found out Friday that I was opening the bowling and I was excited for the challenge. The conditions suited me well," said Smith.It was just Smith's fifth ODI, but the 30-year-old is no stranger to international cricket, having been part of England's T20 side since 2018. Now a permanent fixture in the 50-over team, her willingness to bowl in the danger zone of the power play could be a trump card for England going forward in this campaign.Smith struck in each of her first three overs and was unlucky not to bag a fourth when a stumping chance off Sinalo Jafta went begging. Jafta clung on grimly for 22, the lone South African to reach double figures in a sorry tale of collapse.It was the Proteas' third lowest total in ODIs and their worst against England.The chase was little more than a formality, though Jones survived a let-off on 31 when Masabata Klaas spilled a return catch. She finished unbeaten on 40 with Beaumont on 21 not out."Not the way we wanted to start the tournament. We've shown resilience in the past and we'll bounce back," South African skipper Laura Wolvaardt insisted as her batters were left searching for answers.England's dominance was such that Heather Knight, marking her 150th ODI appearance wasn't required to bat or bowl as her team-mates were so dominant against South Africa. She became only the second player from England to feature in 150 women's ODIs.The emphatic win vaulted England to the top of the points table with all eight teams now having played one game each.BRIEF SCORES:England 73 for 0 (Jones 40*) beat South Africa 69 (Jafta 22, Smith 3-7, Sciver-Brunt 2-5) by ten wickets

Ticket sales for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 will begin today, 3pm, Doha time at www.roadtoqatar.qa, with an exclusive presale opportunity for Visa cardholders. General sales will begin on 7 October 2025, 8am, Doha time. Tickets for the tournament will be available as a Day Pass, which will enable fans to attend multiple matches a day as well as cultural and entertainment activities taking place around matches, in what will be an electrifying football festival-like atmosphere. The price of a Day Pass is QAR 20. A maximum of 6 tickets per person can be purchased per match day. The tournament, taking place at the state-of-the-art Competition Complex at Aspire Zone from 3-27 November, will see as many as eight matches a day, for a total of 104 matches. Fans can also purchase a Prime Pass, which will enable them to reserve seats for high demand matches. Supporters of the Qatar national team can avail the Follow My Team ticket, which will enable them to attend all matches of the Qatari U-17 team during the group stage. All tickets will be digital and will include wheelchair accessible seating options for disabled fans. Accessible tickets will also include a parking pass to enable easy access to tournament venues. Disabled fans can request accessible seats by sending an e-mail to: [email protected]. Hosts Qatar have been drawn into Group A, alongside Italy, South Africa and Bolivia, and will play their first match against Italy on 3 November, 6:45pm. The Final will take place on 27 November, 7pm, at Khalifa International Stadium. Tickets for the Final are available in two categories, with prices starting from QAR 15, and also include accessible seating options. 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. Qatar’s spectacular line-up of mega-sporting events will kick off with the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 from 3-27 November, followed by the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 from 1-18 December. In addition, the country is also set to host the second edition of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025, which will take place on 10, 13 and 17 December.

Iraqi football legend Nashat Akram looks forward to Qatar hosting the FIFA Arab Cup for the second time as tickets go on sale With the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 set to take place from December 1-18 in Qatar, Iraqi football legend Nashat Akram spoke about the tournament’s ability to showcase the region’s passion for football, in particular for fans of the Lions of Mesopotamia. Speaking to the tournament’s Local Organising Committee (LOC), the former Qatar Stars League player, said: “Iraqi fans will be the life of the Arab Cup. Fans in Qatar witnessed the fervour and passion that Iraqi supporters brought to the stadiums and beyond in previous tournaments. This time will be no different. Our Lions of Mesopotamia will hear the roar of fans at every match, they will have our full support.”Fans can purchase FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 tickets exclusively on: 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. All tickets are digital and include accessible seating options for disabled fans.For Akram, who famously led Iraq to AFC Asian Cup glory in 2007, the FIFA Arab Cup has become the pinnacle of Arab football and a tribute to the rich culture of the region: “Qatar has been successful in celebrating Arab and Islamic identity through all the tournaments it has organised. It is a matter of pride to see our culture celebrated on such a global stage.”Known as “The Maestro” for his exceptional vision and excellent passing ability throughout his career, Akram looks to the new generation of Iraqi players to make their country proud. “The Arab Cup will be a huge opportunity for participating teams and players. It's an honour to play for your country, for your national team,” said the former playmaker, who is recognised as one of Iraq’s best all-time players.In the upcoming FIFA Arab Cup, Iraq has been placed in Group D, alongside defending champions Algeria, and will be joined by the winners of Bahrain v Djibouti and Sudan v Lebanon.“Our players are going to play in World Cup stadiums in Qatar, and will have access to state-of-the-art facilities that are not available even in some of the most football-developed countries. Qatar has truly set a benchmark in football infrastructure,” said Akram.A total of 16 teams will have a chance to lift the coveted FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 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. The opening match will take place on December 1, 7:30pm, at Al Bayt Stadium featuring hosts Qatar and the winner of Palestine v Libya. The Final will be held on 18 December, 7pm, at the iconic Lusail Stadium. Other stadiums that will host matches during the tournament are Ahmad Bin Ali, Education City, Khalifa International Stadium and Stadium 974. Throughout the competition, fans will also be treated to a variety of entertainment and cultural activities. All venues are connected seamlessly by public transport and will offer a barrier-free experience to disabled fans.The FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 is part of several tournaments that Qatar will be hosting up until the end of the year, including the 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.In addition to this year’s edition, Qatar will be hosting the FIFA Arab Cup again in 2029 and 2033.

Substitute Mohammed al-Khalaf scored a goal and made an assist as Saudi Arabia beat hosts Qatar 2-1 in the semi-finals of the U-17 Gulf Cup in Doha Tuesday.Despite an early goal from Qatar’s Adam Friakh in the 28th minute, Saudi Arabia, reduced to ten men after a red card, fought back. Al-Khalaf, coming as a sub in the 77th minute, scored and assisted, securing the win.

Ticket sales for the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025™ will begin today, 3pm, Doha time, at www.roadtoqatar.qa.Fans can purchase tickets in three categories, with prices starting from QAR 25. 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. A maximum of 6 tickets per person can be purchased at one time. Disabled fans wishing to request accessible seats can do so by sending an e-mail to [email protected] opening match will take place on 1 December, 7:30pm, at Al Bayt Stadium featuring hosts Qatar and the winner of Palestine v Libya. The Final will be held on 18 December, 7pm, 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. A total of 16 teams will have a chance to lift the coveted FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025™ 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 25-26 November in Qatar, with ticket prices starting from QAR 15.Qatar’s spectacular line-up of mega-sporting events will kick off with the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™ from 3-27 November, followed by the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025™ from 1-18 December. In addition, the country is also set to host the second edition of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025™, which will take place on 10, 13 and 17 December.For the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025™ match schedule, visit: www.roadtoqatar.qa.For all tournament updates, follow @arabcupqa on all major social media platforms.

Pakistan captain Salman Agha said India had “disrespected cricket” while Indian counterpart Suryakumar Yadav complained his side were denied the trophy after winning a fraught Asia Cup overshadowed by ill feeling on both sides.The two teams did not shake hands for the third Asia Cup match running as India won a thrilling final by five wickets in Dubai on Sunday.Suryakumar’s men then refused to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, the president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), who is also chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board and Pakistan interior minister.The Indian players instead celebrated retaining their regional crown by mimicking holding a trophy.Suryakumar told reporters: “I think this is one thing which I have never seen since I started playing cricket that the champion team is denied the trophy.“We took the call on the ground about not taking the trophy.”The Twenty20 tournament in the UAE was the first time the Asian cricket giants had met since a deadly military conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbours in May.Tensions had been running high after the two previous matches in the competition saw political posturing and a series of flashpoints between the two teams.“If you tell me about the trophies, my trophies are sitting in my dressing room - all the 14 players and support staff. They are the real trophies for me,” said Suryakumar.“It appeared on the big screen that India is Asia Cup 2025 champion. It was a great journey and moment for us as a team.” The presentation ceremony was delayed for an hour before announcer Simon Doull said: “I have been informed by the ACC that the Indian cricket team will not be collecting their awards tonight. So that does conclude the post-match presentation.”Pakistan’s Agha said India’s actions during the tournament had been “bad for cricket”.“I think what has happened in this tournament is very disappointing,” Agha told reporters.“If they think they disrespected us by not shaking hands, then I say they disrespected cricket.“What they did today, a good team doesn’t do that. Good teams do what we have done. We waited for our medals and took them.“It’s been seen for the first time. I do not know where it will stop. What has happened in this tournament is bad for cricket.”In Sunday’s final, India’s third win over Pakistan in as many matches, India pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah bowled Haris Rauf for six and celebrated the dismissal with a crashing-plane gesture.Rauf had made a similar motion in the previous meeting between the two teams, appearing to mock India’s military action.Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan previously mimicked a gun celebration after hitting a half-century.Tensions spill into cricket India and Pakistan only meet in cricket on neutral territory in international tournaments because of long-simmering tensions between the arch-rivals.Both countries claimed victory in the four-day conflict in May that killed more than 70 people in missile, drone and military fire on each side.India tagged its military action against Pakistan “Operation Sindoor”, the Hindi word for vermilion, which married Hindu women wear on their foreheads.The name was seen as a symbol of Delhi’s determination to avenge those widowed in the April 22 attack in Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which sparked the hostilities.“#OperationSindoor on the games field,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X after Sunday’s win.“Outcome is the same - India wins! Congrats to our cricketers.”Naqvi was quick to respond, saying: “If war was your measure of pride, history already records your humiliating defeats at Pakistan’s hands.”

The Qatar Football Association (QFA) has announced ticket sales for the fourth round of Group A matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers to be held in Doha from October 8 to 14, 2025.Group A brings together Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Oman, with all fixtures to be held Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. The opening match on October 8 will see Qatar face Oman at 8pm, followed by the UAE against Oman on October 11 at 8:15pm, while the final match on October 14 will pit Qatar against the UAE, also at 8:15pm. Group B matches, involving Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Indonesia, will be staged in Jeddah during the same period.The QFA confirmed that tickets for Qatari fans for the clash with Oman will go on sale on September 29, while tickets for the UAE fixture will be available from October 9. Prices have been set at QR60 for first category and QR25 riyals for second category, with a maximum of six tickets permitted per person. Tickets can be purchased exclusively online at tickets.qfa.qa, while fans with disabilities can request access via [email protected] for Emirati fans are being handled by the UAE Football Association, with a limited number for the UAE-Oman encounter to be released on October 1. Allocations for Omani fans, handled by their federation, have already sold out.The QFA also issued important instructions, confirming there will be no ticket sales points at the stadium and warning that ticket distribution near the venue is prohibited in order to ensure fan safety and avoid congestion. For inquiries, supporters can contact [email protected] top team from each group will qualify directly for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The second-placed teams will meet in a two-leg playoff on November 13 and 18, 2025, with the winner advancing to the intercontinental playoff.Match Schedule – Group AOctober 8: Qatar vs Oman (20:00)October 11: UAE vs Oman (20:15)October 14: Qatar vs UAE (20:15)

Haseef (Al Mourtajez x Ghazwa), carrying the Wathnan Racing’s silks, won the UAE President Cup - Central European Derby (Gr3 PA), run over 2000m at Sluzewiec, Poland, on Sunday, 28 September. Ridden by FalehBughenaim, the four-year-old colt scored for trainer Damien de Watrigant, decisively pulling clear in the closing stages of the race reserved for four-your-old and up Purebred Arabians. Katrain de Ghazal (Gazwan), trained by Élisabeth Bernard for Helal Alalawi and ridden by Mickaël Forest, managed to hold off Power Bolt (Al Mourtajez) for second place. Haseef had previously finished second in the French Arabian Breeders’ Challenge Sprint (Gr3 PA), narrowly beaten by the smart Al Wakrah (TM Fred Texas), owned by Al Shaqab Racing. Before that, he had recorded a commanding success in the Prix Damas (Gr3 PA). Damien de Watrigant said: “The fast ground and strong pace suited him. Under these conditions, he remained calm and was able to see out the 2,000 meters. As for the next stage of his campaign, we’ll need to discuss it with the Wathnan team, but today he showed us that traveling does not unsettle him. He could therefore travel abroad this winter. I am pleased to see their colours shine. He keeps on improving. Last time, he was beaten because the 1,400 meters were too short.”

India beat Pakistan by five wickets in the final to retain the Asia Cup title on Sunday, capping a remarkable unbeaten run with their third victory against their arch-rivals at this year's tournament.Put into bat, Pakistan could not capitalise on an 84-run opening stand between Sahibzada Farhan (57) and Fakhar Zaman (46) and were bundled out for 146 with five deliveries still left in their innings.Pakistan lost their last nine wickets for 33 runs in a spectacular meltdown with India's left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav (4-30) being the wrecker-in-chief.Tilak Varma anchored India's nervy chase with an unbeaten 69 and Shivam Dube (33) provided some support as they overwhelmed the target with two deliveries to spare at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium."Pretty amazing," India vice-captain Shubman Gill summed up their feeling after clinching their ninth Asia Cup title."(Finishing) the whole tournament unbeaten - it's pretty amazing to be in this position."Emotions ran high around the contest between the neighbours who engaged in a military conflict in May and Gill said India's ability to absorb pressure stood the reigning 20-overs world champions in good stead."The conversation was to take it as deep as possible," he said of India's chase."The target was not much but important to soak in the pressure. Losing three wickets early, never easy. The partnership with Sanju and Tilak, and then how Dube hit those big sixes - it was very important."Earlier, Pakistan got off to a strong start with Farhan leading their charge against an Indian attack weakened by the absence of their injured all-rounder Hardik Pandya.Pakistan scored 45 runs in the first six powerplay overs but soon stepped up on the gas.With Farhan in full flow and Fakhar playing the second fiddle to perfection, there was no inkling of the collapse lurking around until spinner Varun Chakravarthy (2-30) dismissed Farhan in the 10th over.Kuldeep then took over, tying the batters in tangles while Axar Patel picked up a couple of wickets to hasten Pakistan's collapse. Jasprit Bumrah also finished with two wickets.India's start was rather wobbly as they lost their in-form opener Abhishek Sharma, also the tournament's leading scorer, and skipper Suryakumar Yadav inside the first 10 deliveries of their innings.They slumped to 20-3 after Gill's exit but Varma and Sanju Samson (24) decided to rebuild the innings.Even that recovery would not have been possible but for the reprieve Samson, then on 12, got when Hussain Talat dropped him in the deep.Abrar Ahmed dismissed Samson to break the 57-run stand but Dube combined with Varma to take India closer to the target before falling in the penultimate over.Needing 10 runs from the last over from Haris Rauf, Varma hit the second ball for a six to effectively seal India's thrilling victory and triggering wild celebration in the Indian camp.

The Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025 presented by Aramco and FIFA have announced that Qatar will host the final three matches of the prestigious club competition in December of this year. The annual competition will crown the best club in world football for 2025, with teams vying for the FIFA Derby of the Americas™, FIFA Challenger Cup™ and FIFA Intercontinental Cup™ trophies. Matches will take place on 10, 13 and 17 December. Qatar has successfully hosted the annual club showpiece three times before, in 2019, 2020 and most recently in 2024 when Real Madrid were crowned club champions in front of a sell-out crowd at theiconic 80-000-seater Lusail Stadium, host of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ final match. The following matches will be played in Qatar: Match 3: 10 December 2025, Doha, Qatar | FIFA Derby of the Americas™ Concacaf Champions Cup 2025 winners, Cruz Azul (Mexico) vs Winners of the CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores 2025 Match 4: 13 December, 2025, Doha, Qatar | FIFA Challenger Cup™ CAF Champions League 2025 champions, Pyramids FC (Egypt) vs Winners of Match 3 Match 5: 17 December, 2025, Doha, Qatar | FIFA Intercontinental Cup™ UEFA Champions Leagues 2025 champions, Paris Saint-Germain (France) vs Winners of Match 4 The FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025™ adds to an exciting two months of world-class football in the country. Qatar is also set to host the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™ from 3 - 27 November 2025, as well as the FIFA Arab Cup 2025™, the second edition of the regional tournament, from 1 - 18 December 2025. The FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025 will take place during the rest days of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, showcasing Qatar’s ability to host multiple sporting events at the same time. All tournament venues will be connected seamlessly to public transportation and will offer barrier-free experience to disabled fans. For all tournament related updates, follow @RoadtoQatar on all major social media platforms.