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Colombia, England and Germany secured spots in the Round of 32 at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar Monday at the Aspire Zone.South Korea, Switzerland and Venezuela also impressed with wins. Elsewhere, Indonesia made history by recording their first World Cup triumph of any kind, while Brazil struck late to rescue a draw against Zambia.Egypt 0-3 EnglandReigan Heskey’s double powered England into the Round of 32 as they overcame already-qualified Egypt. The Manchester City man fired a thunderous drive home to give his team a first-half lead, before racing forward to slot in and make it 2-0.Heskey had a golden chance to complete his hat-trick, but saw a penalty saved by Omar Abdelaziz, who then miraculously kept out Seth Ridgeon’s follow-up effort. England would grab a third through, with substitute Harrison Miles’ on target to put the result beyond doubt.Venezuela 4-2 HaitiVenezuela completed an unbeaten group stage by fending off a strong challenge from Haiti. Venezuela could not have asked for a better start, as Diego Claut used his chest to redirect in a cross from the left.It quickly became two when John Mancilla converted a penalty after being fouled in the area. The Caribbean side pulled a goal back shortly before intermission on a curling, right-footed shot from Da-Benz Jacquet. Haiti were brimming with belief and evened things up on Woodson Felix’s composed finish from Emerson Laisse’s slick pass. But the final word belonged to Venezuela, with David Garcia slotting home and then scoring a late penalty to secure the points.Switzerland 3-1 MexicoMladen Mijajlovic bagged a brilliant brace as Switzerland sealed top spot in Group F and left Mexico in third. The Swiss opened the scoring with one of the goals of the tournament, Mijajlovic lashing home left-footed from 18 yards at the end of a flowing move. Already rocking, Mexico received another blow when luckless keeper Santiago Lopez diverted an attempted clearance from Felix Contreras into his own net. Aldo De Nigris’ excellent flashing header early in the second half offered fleeting hope of a comeback but Mijajlovic extinguished it from the restart, sliding home clinically to send the Swiss through in style.South Korea 3-1 Cote d'IvoireAlready-qualified South Korea netted three to down Cote d'Ivoire. The Asian heavyweights opened the scoring when Kim Jisung's mishit cross lofted over Christ Kouassi in the Ivorian goal. The Little Elephants, who were eliminated before this match, hit back through a well-worked Allassane Toure strike. Korea Republic wouldn't be denied, though, with Jeong Hyeonung sweeping home just after the break, before Yi Yonghyeon sealed the win from the penalty spot.Colombia 2-0 North KoreaTwo first-half goals proved the difference as Colombia secured their passage to the last 32 versus already-qualified North Korea. Miguel Solarte gave the South Americans the lead as his left-footed effort deflected beyond the despairing dive of Kim Jong-hun. They tightened their grip on proceedings soon after, as Santiago Londono raced through and was felled by the goalkeeper. The striker dusted himself down and powered home the spot-kick to secure all three points.El Salvador 0-7 GermanyDefending champions Germany swept aside El Salvador to qualify for the Round of 32 as group winners. Clinical finishes from Jeremiah Mensah and Alexander Staff put them in control, before Wisdom Mike’s superb turn-and-finish made it 3-0 by half-time. They got their fourth soon after the break when Andrew Reyes deflected the ball into his own goal, before strikes from Mensah, Lasse Eickel and Christian Prenaj wrapped up the scoring.Honduras 1-2 IndonesiaA wonderful Fadly Alberto strike saw Indonesia claim victory over Honduras. It is the first World Cup victory of any kind for Indonesia. Two penalties brought the game to life, with Evandra Florasta putting Indonesia ahead, only for Luis Suazo to reply with a spot-kick of his own almost instantly. Both sides hunted for a winner and it was the Garuda who found it, with Alberto bringing the ball down outside the area, setting himself and rifling in a stunning half-volley. The result keeps Indonesia's faint hopes of qualifying alive, while Honduras are eliminated.Zambia 1-1 BrazilBrazil needed a late leveller to peg back Zambia and secure top spot in Group H, with the African side forced to settle for second. Jonathan Kalimina scored an audacious Olimpico as his low first-half corner evaded defender Arthur Ryan at the near post and left goalkeeper Joao Pedro stranded. But the South Americans pressed hard for an equaliser and eventually found one as Angelo’s cross evaded the previously excellent Christo Chitambala and allowed Dell to nod home.

Belgium, Japan, Senegal, Croatia and South Africa booked their places in the knockout stage of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 at the Aspire Zone Sunday, as Groups A, B, C and D came to a close.There remains hope for the hosts Qatar, Morocco and Tunisia, but they must wait and see if they progress as one of the eight best third-placed teams. Results also ensured Egypt, Venezuela, Switzerland, Korea Republic and Korea DPR will feature in the Round of 32.Despite a host of chances, hosts Qatar couldn’t break through a stubborn Bolivia backline. The result leaves the hosts’ last-32 hopes hanging by a thread, while the South Americans are out.Yazan Mohamed came close in the first half, as he tested Geronimo Govea with a fierce low drive. Captain Zaid Ktit then hit the bar in the second half, before sending a chip over Govea but just past the post. Mohamed came even closer in added time, as he powered an effort off the upright from five yards out.Italy 3-1 South AfricaSamuele Inacio hit a double as Italy beat South Africa to confirm top spot. Bafana Bafana, while beaten, have also qualified for the knockout phase, with their four points enough to seal second spot. Inacio’s slick finish opened the scoring, before Shaun Els bundled in a leveller. Antonio Arena’s header restored Italy’s advantage, before Inacio scored his second of the game and fourth of the tournament to wrap up victory.Morocco 16-0 New CaledoniaMorocco racked up the biggest victory in U-17 World Cup history to keep their hopes alive of progressing to the knockout phase. Spain’s 13-0 win over New Zealand was the previous biggest win, but the Atlas Cubs surpassed that with a relentless performance. Morocco captain Hamza Bouhaddi, said, “We’re delighted with this win and the spirit we showed today. This is our true level. We lost the first two matches, but we tried to put that behind us and we approached today’s game as if it were our first in the tournament.” New Caledonia had two players sent off during the first half, with Typhan Dreuko and Jean Canehmez given red cards.They were made to pay, with Oualid Ibn Salah, Abdelali Eddaoudi, Ziyad Baha, Nahel Haddani, Ismail El Aoud and Abdellah Ouazane all completing braces as Morocco steadfastly hunted the goals which could give them a better chance to progressing to the Round of 32. They finished behind Japan and Portugal in Group B, and will now have to wait to see if they qualify as one of the best third-placed sides.Portugal 1-2 JapanJapan recovered from a disappointing draw with New Caledonia by downing Portugal to top the standings. Takeshi Wada opened the scoring with a neat touch and finish. Mateus Mide thought he’d levelled just moments later, but his long-range effort went through two Portuguese players who had strayed offside. They were then stung by a Japanese sucker-punch, as Taiga Seguchi lasered in from distance.The game flipped with just under 20 minutes to go, as Kaiji Chonan was sent off for a kick out on Stevan Manuel. Portugal quickly halved the arrears from there, with Zeega bundling home from close range. Bino Macaes’ side pressed in the final ten minutes, but Japan held on to secure victory.UAE 0-5 SenegalA Bakary Sonko treble saw Senegal sink United Arab Emirates and advance as group winners. Malick Cisse got the ball rolling with an ice-cool stuttered penalty after Saad Mubarak had wiped out Alwaly Camara. It was the Sonko show from then on. First, he nodded home from beneath the crossbar, before lashing in his second. Mame Sow then crossed for the No8 to tap in for the match ball. Victor Mendy completed the scoring when he fired into the roof of the the net from close range.Croatia 3-1 Costa RicaCroatia also secured a last-32 berth with victory over Costa Rica. The Europeans broke the deadlock when Kresimir Rados got on the end of a devilish Karlo Pajsar cross to net for a second straight match. Raul Kumar doubled the lead with a back-post header from a corner. Costa Rica quickly got back into the match with Thiago Cordero firing in a low drive from outside the box, but Tino Kusanovic nodded in late from another Pajsar cross to seal victory. A delighted Croatia coach Marijan Budimir said, “I want to congratulate my boys. They played a very good game, they controlled the game from the first moment until the end. It’s a pity we didn’t score more goals. The team are very disciplined in defence and sharp in attack. We want to go as far as possible in the tournament.”Fiji 0-7 ArgentinaArgentina continued their 100-per-cent start to Morocco 2025 with a thumping win over Fiji. Uriel Ojeda looked to give the South Americans an early lead, but his penalty was repelled by Melvin Prakash. It was only a temporary reprieve, however, as Ojeda netted, before a fine brace from Mateo Martinez. Ojeda then netted a free-kick in the second half, and side-footed home from inside the box for the match ball. Santiago Silveira and Simon Escobar tacked on two late goals to complete the scoring.Belgium 2-0 TunisiaNoah Fernandez set Belgium on their way to victory over ten-player Tunisia and a spot in the last 32. The mercurial midfielder picked up a slack pass from goalkeeper Slim Bouaskar, skipped inside and netted inside 52 seconds. Tunisia’s task was then made doubly difficult on 17 minutes as Saifedin Haj Abdallah was sent off for a high tackle. Ali Camara made the game safe in the second period with a stunning drive from the edge of the box.

The drama and excitement continued at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 Saturday as several nations booked their spots in the knockout rounds, while others kept their dreams alive with hard-fought results. At the Aspire Zone, USA, Austria and Ireland confirmed qualification with comeback wins, while Burkina Faso edged Czech Republic in a thriller, and Uganda celebrated a historic first-ever point at a FIFA tournament. Elsewhere, Saudi Arabia stunned New Zealand, France and Canada shared the spoils, and Paraguay outlasted Panama in a tense encounter. Czech Republic 1-2 Burkina Faso Mohamed Zongo was the architect of Burkina Faso’s vital victory, opening the scoring with a stunning long-range strike after his side won the ball thanks to a high press. Czechia levelled almost immediately as Adam Novak released Vit Skrkon to finish calmly, only for Zongo to then provide the corner delivery for Loukman Tapsoba to power home the winning header. USA 2-1 Tajikistan USA overcame a shock early setback to book their place in the round of 32. Tajikistan took an unexpected lead when Muhammad Nazriev exchanged passes with Mehrubon Odilzoda before producing a smart finish, but USA levelled as Nimfasha Berchimas headed home a corner. After heavy pressure, Cavan Sullivan executed a textbook Panenka penalty to complete the comeback. Paraguay 2-1 Panama Pedro Villalba played a central role as Paraguay overcame 10-man Panama. Jossimar Insturain was dismissed after receiving his second yellow for a challenge on midfielder Villalba, with the South Americans then taking the lead as a smart exchange between Carlos Franco and the No20 allowed Thiago Aranda to strike. Villalba then burst into the box to fire a low strike through Adamir Aparicio from close range, before Aldo Sanabria's late own-goal set up a tense finish. Ireland 2-1 Uzbekistan Ireland rallied from an early deficit to defeat Uzbekistan and book their spot in the Round of 32. Uzbekistan broke the deadlock when a parry from goalkeeper Alex Noonan fell right to Abubakir Shukurullaev, who volleyed in. But Ireland levelled as Grady McDonnell rose above a pair of defenders and steered a header home. After chances for both sides to start the second stanza, the Irish wrestled away the lead, with Michael Noonan thumping in a header. **media[379207]** Uganda 1-1 Chile Substitute Derick Ssozi scored Uganda’s first-ever goal at a FIFA tournament to snatch a vital point for the African nation. Chile captain Bruno Torres’ glancing header from Antonio Riquelme’s curling free-kick looked set to be the winner, until a corner deep into added time caused chaos in the box and allowed Ssozi, who had been on the pitch for a matter of seconds, to fire home. France 0-0 Canada France and Canada had to settle for a share of the spoils in their Group K outing, a result that leaves the duo in pole position to progress. France's Pierre Mounguengue came closest to breaking the deadlock in the closing moments as he jinked into the area and beat Jonathan Ransom, only to see his effort come back off the outside of the post. Mali 0-3 Austria Austria delivered an impressive team display to beat Mali and qualify for the U-17 World Cup knockout phase for the first time. They took a first-half lead through Johannes Moser’s penalty. Mali’s task was made all the more difficult when Samba Konare was sent off for a reckless challenge. Hasan Deshishku’s fine finish made it 2-0, before Nicolas Jozepovic’s stoppage-time header added some gloss to the scoreline. Saudi Arabia 3-2 New Zealand Saudi Arabia breathed fresh life into their campaign with a thrilling victory over New Zealand, who have been eliminated. Saudi Arabia took an early lead in fortunate circumstances when a New Zealand defensive clearance bounced off Abdulrahman Sufyani and looped into the net. The OFC side levelled through Matias Nunez’s deflected strike, but Sabri Dahal then raced clear to score for the Saudis. Jack Perniskie’s wonderful backheel made it 2-2, but Saudi Arabia were to have the last word, with Thari Saeed rifling in a stoppage-time winner.

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

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.

The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar officially kicked off on Monday with eight matches held across the Aspire Zone competition complex, marking a memorable start to the first-ever 48-team event.Hosts Qatar narrowly lost 1-0 in their opening match against Italy at the Mansour Muftah pitch, one of eight venues recently renamed to pay tribute to Qatari football legends.The U-17 World Cup will run until November 27, featuring 48 nations competing across twelve groups. A total of 104 matches will be played across eight pitches within the Aspire Zone, culminating with the final at Khalifa International Stadium.The expanded format welcomes five nations making their debut: Fiji, Republic of Ireland, Zambia, El Salvador and Uganda. Qatar will be looking to improve on their best finish, when they claimed fourth place in the 1991 edition of the tournament that took place in Italy – becoming the first Qatari team to reach the third-place playoff.HE Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani, Local Organising Committee (LOC) Chairman, said: "We are proud to host the first-ever 48-team FIFA tournament, which will showcase football’s exceptional emerging talent and celebrate the sport’s power in uniting people from all around the world.”“As the first of five U-17 tournaments that Qatar will host, this event is another testament of the country’s enduring commitment to advancing football at all levels. It will witness the rise of football’s stars of tomorrow, and hosting it at Aspire Academy is a continuation of the facility’s long-standing track record in producing elite athletes across multiple sports,” Sheikh Hamad added.“The FIFA U-17 World Cup will be another chapter in our rich football legacy and will further our position as a global sporting destination that constantly sets new standards in player and fan experiences,” Sheikh Hamad said.Tickets can be purchased exclusively from www.roadtoqatar.qa. Fans must download the RoadtoQatar mobile app to present purchased tickets and access tournament venues.Tickets are available as a Day Pass, enabling fans to attend multiple matches a day as well fan zone activities. 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 seat requests must be sent to:[email protected] U-17 World Cup Fan Zone will provide ticketed fans with an immersive experience celebrating the tournament's global diversity. Available exclusively on match days from 1:30pm through the final whistle, the Fan Zone features live match screenings, festive activations, a trophy display and diverse food and beverage offerings. Live stage performances showcasing cultural acts, talented youth and musical performances will be presented from 4pm to 8pmThe U-17 World Cup Qatar 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.

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

In recognition of Qatar’s long legacy of young footballers who have achieved numerous successes, FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 matches will be played on Aspire Zone pitches named in their honour. The players chosen to reflect the rich history of Qatari football and will inspire a new generation of young stars.The footballers chosen are:Pitch 1 - Mohammed GhanimMohammed Ghanim is recognised as one of the most talented footballers in Qatar’s history. He rose to prominence in the 1970s when he was chosen as the Most Valuable Player during the third edition of the Gulf Cup held in Kuwait in 1974.On the club level, he was part of the Al-Ahli team where he was the first captain to lift the coveted Amir Cup trophy in 1972, when he led his team to an emphatic 6-1 win over Al Rayyan at the historic Doha Stadium.Pitch 2 - Ibrahim KhalfanKnown as an artist on an off the pitch, Ibrahim Khalfan played for Qatar’s national team in different age groups. Most notably, Khalfan played a crucial role in leading the country to its historic second-place finish at the 1981 FIFA World Youth Championship. As a player for Qatari side Al-Arabi, Khalfanwas recognised as the midfield mastermind behind three consecutive Amir Cup titles between 1977 and 1979.Pitch 3 - Bader BilalThe former striker was also part of the famous Qatari side that claimed runners up at the 1981 FIFA World Youth Championship. Bilal also played a critical role in leading club side Al Sadd to an Asian Club Championship title in 1988-89, scoring several times throughout the tournament.Pitch 4 - Khaled SalmanKhaled Salman is recognised as one of the most prominent Qatari footballers. In the 1981 FIFA World Youth Championship, Salman scored a famous hat-trick against powerhouses Brazil, earning Qatar a spot in the final. Salman also represented Qatar at the 1984 Summer Olympics, andscored two goals against France. Salman also led club side Al Sadd to their first ever Asian Club Championship title in 1988-89.Pitch 5 - Khaled BallanThe late Khaled Ballan marked a notable debut with the Qatar national team in the 1970 Gulf Cup in Bahrain, where he was awarded the Player of the Tournament title. Ballan played throughout the 1970s and spent his entire career at Qatar Sports Club, formerly known as Al-Esteglal, winning the Qatari league several times.Pitch 7 - Mansour MuftahMansour Muftah is regarded as one of the best Arab goal scorers in his era, becoming the first player to win the Arabian Golden Boot twice in 1981–82 and 1985–86. Muftah is also recognised as the all-time leading goal scorer in the Amir Cup and in the Sheikh Jassim Cup, earning the nickname “The Fox” for his speed and technique. With a record score of 317 goals in 324 matches for both club and country, the top goalscorer award for Qatar Stars League, was renamed to the “Mansour Muftah Award” in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Qatari football.Pitch 8 - Mahmoud SoufiThe late Mahmoud Soufi is celebrated as the country's top scorer in the history of FIFA World Cup™ qualifiers with 12 goals in 20 matches. Soufi was instrumental in leading Qatar to their first ever Arabian Gulf Cup title in 1992. Soufi also played for several prominent clubs in Qatar, earning the title for top goal scorer in various seasons.Pitch 9 - Adel MallalaThe stalwart defender Adel Mallala represented Qatar in various international competitions throughout the 1980s, most notably the Arabian Gulf Cup, Summer Olympics and AFC Asian Cup. Malalla played for Qatari side Al Ahli throughout his entire career, helping them win several Amir Cup titles along the way.A total of 104 matches will be played across the eight pitches during the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 set to take place from 3-27 November.Tickets can be purchased exclusively from www.roadtoqatar.qa. Fans must also download the RoadtoQatar mobile app to present purchased tickets and access tournament venues.Tickets are available as a Day Pass, enabling fans to attend multiple matches a day as well fan zone activities. 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.

Since its inaugural edition in China in 1985, the FIFA U-17 World Cup has featured 84 national teams. The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025, marking the tournament’s 20th edition, will kick off this Monday at Aspire Zone and run until November 27, culminating with the final at Khalifa International Stadium.The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 will be the seventh time the tournament is staged in Asia. Previous Asian editions were held in China (1985), Japan (1993), South Korea (2007), the UAE (2013), India (2017), and Indonesia (2023).Thirteen Arab nations have reached the finals throughout the tournament’s history: Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Oman, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Algeria, Sudan, and the UAE.Arab teams from Asia have delivered standout performances, including four major successes. Saudi Arabia won the title in 1989 in Scotland, while Oman, Qatar, and Bahrain each reached the semi-finals once.The Qatari national team, winners of the 1990 AFC U-17 Championship, has qualified for the FIFA U-17 World Cup seven times, with its last appearance in 2005. The team now returns for its eighth appearance on home soil, opening the tournament against Italy this Monday at Aspire Zone’s Pitch 7.Qatar participated in the inaugural edition alongside Saudi Arabia, with its best performance coming in the fourth edition, when it reached the semi-finals and contested third place against Argentina, ultimately losing 4–1 on penalties.While Qatar has appeared in the finals more often than any other Arab nation, the greatest achievement for Arab teams came in 1989 when Saudi Arabia captured the FIFA U-17 World Cup title. After edging Bahrain 1–0 in the semi-finals, Saudi Arabia triumphed over hosts Scotland in a dramatic final, winning 5–4 on penalties following a 2–2 draw in regular time. This historic victory made Saudi Arabia the first Arab and Asian team to win a FIFA-organized tournament.Saudi Arabia advanced from the group stage with four points, drawing twice (2–2 vs. Portugal and Guinea) and defeating Colombia 1–0. The team then overcame Nigeria in the quarter-finals on penalties after a goalless draw.Bahrain finished fourth after losing the third-place match to Portugal 3–0. The Bahraini national team topped its group with five points from two wins against Cuba (3–0) and Ghana (1–0), and a draw against Scotland (1–1). Bahrain also achieved a historic quarter-final victory over Brazil, winning 4–1 on penalties after a goalless draw, before falling to Saudi Arabia 1–0 in the semi-finals.Oman also had a remarkable run in the 1995 edition hosted by Ecuador, finishing fourth after losing the third-place match to Argentina 2–0.In total, Arab teams have played 112 matches across previous editions of the FIFA U-17 World Cup, recording 35 wins, 25 draws, and 52 losses. They have collectively scored 137 goals. In the 2009 edition hosted by Nigeria, Algeria was the only Arab team that failed to score, exiting after three defeats.Tunisia has won six matches and lost five in its three appearances at the FIFA U-17 World Cup finals, reaching the Round of 16 twice and exiting in the group stage once.The 20th edition of the tournament, FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025, will feature six Arab teams: Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt.According to the draw, hosts Qatar — fourth-place finishers in the 1991 edition — are in Group A alongside Italy, South Africa, and Bolivia. Morocco, quarter-finalists in 2023 in Indonesia, are in Group B with Japan, New Caledonia, and Portugal. The UAE, whose best achievement was reaching the Round of 16 in 2009 in Nigeria, will compete in Group C with Senegal, Croatia, and Costa Rica.Tunisia joins Group D along with Argentina, Belgium, and Fiji. Egypt, hosts in 1997 and quarter-finalists in their last appearance, are in Group E with England, Venezuela, and Haiti. Saudi Arabia, champions in 1989, are placed in Group L with Mali, New Zealand, and Austria.The teams participating in the FIFA U-17 World Cup will play 104 matches over 25 days at eight stadiums within Aspire Zone, with the final taking place at Khalifa International Stadium.This edition of the FIFA U-17 World Cup, hosted by Qatar, marks the first time the tournament will feature 48 teams. They are divided into 12 groups of four, with the top two teams from each group — along with the eight best third-placed teams — advancing to the Round of 32.The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 is the first of five consecutive editions scheduled to be held in Qatar.

The second edition of the Gulf Padel Championship, organized by the Qatar Padel Federation, concluded today at the Padel In courts in Aspire Zone with great success.The tournament featured teams from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman. It was held in a round-robin format, with each team playing three matches in the men's, women's, and junior categories.The Qatari men's team finished second and won the silver medal after defeating Bahrain 2-1 in the final match.The UAE team finished first and won the gold medal, while the Kuwaiti team finished third and won the bronze medal.In the women's category, the Kuwaiti team won first place and won the gold medal, followed by the UAE team in second place and silver medal, and the Saudi team in third place and bronze medal.In the junior category, the Kuwaiti team finished first and won the gold medal, followed by the UAE team in second place and silver medal, and the Saudi team in third place and bronze medal.The coronation ceremony took place amidst a special atmosphere at the main court.Sultan Khalfan, the tournament director, praised the success achieved. Talking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), he stated that they were pleased with the tournament's success on all levels.He mentioned that the national team secured second place and earned silver medals following a strong performance throughout the tournament. The competition was incredibly intense, serving as a motivation to continue pushing for further growth and advancement in Padel in the future.He continued by saying that this tournament precedes Qatar's hosting of the Asian Padel Championship next month, looking forward to continuing their efforts to further emphasize Qatar's distinguished organizational capabilities and its constant endeavor to organize tournaments in the best possible manner.For his part, Mohammed Sadoun Al Kuwari, a Qatari padel player, emphasized that Qatar succeeded in organizing the Gulf Championship in an honorable manner.

Qatar men’s team will start their Arab Gulf Padel Championship campaign against Oman at the Padel In - Aspire Zone Monday. The draw ceremony of the championship, which is being organized by the Qatar Tennis, Squash, Padel and Badminton Federation (QTSPBF), was held Sunday in the presence of the participating teams representatives. Saudi Arabia will take on the UAE while Bahrain will meet Kuwait. The five-day tournament will be held in three categories – men’s, women’s and juniors and conclude on September 19.In the women’s section, Bahraini will start against Oman Monday. The Saudi Arabia women will meet Kuwait, while in the third match of the opening day, Qatar women will play against the UAE.In a statement issued Sunday, QTSPBF Secretary General Tariq Zainal said the tournament will be a platform for strong competition and will reflect the significant development witnessed by padel in the region.Qatar teamsMen’s: Mohammed Saadoun al-Kuwari, Khaled Saadoun al-Kuwari, Mohammed al-Khenji, Hassan Wali, Rashid Nawaf, Meshari Nawaf, Rayan al-Jafari and Ali al-Saadi.Women’s: Hanan al-Abdulrahman, Maha Farmarzi, Salma Wali, Rawda al-Abdullah, Maryam al-Sulaiti, Hessa al-Mutawa, Atlal al-Abdulrahman, and Dana al-Mudhahka.