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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

HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser al-Misnad, met with ambassador of South Sudan Lily Adhieu Martin Manyiel. Discussion during the meeting, focused on co-operation relations between the two countries and ways to support and develop them, in addition to the situation of displaced persons from Sudan.HE the Minister of State for International Cooperation emphasized the importance of adhering to the protection of civilians and ensuring the provision of essential services to them, especially in light of the deteriorating humanitarian situation in conflict-affected areas. She stressed the need to strengthen international and regional efforts to coordinate the humanitarian response and support the most vulnerable groups. HE al-Misnad also reiterated Qatar's unwavering support for the Sudanese people and its continued support for all initiatives aimed at achieving peace and alleviating the suffering of civilians in Sudan and neighbouring countries.

The Embassy of Turkiye in Qatar marked Wednesday the 102nd anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Turkiye. The event was hosted by the Turkish ambassador Dr Mustafa Goksu in the presence of a number of Qatari and other dignitaries.HE the Shura Council Speaker Hassan bin Abdullah al-Ghanem, HE the Minister of State and Qatar National Library president Dr Hamad al-Kawari, HE the Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs Ghanem bin Shaheen al-Ghanem, HE the Minister of Labour Dr Ali bin Saeed bin Smaikh al-Marri, HE the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi, Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ protocol director HE ambassador Ibrahim bin Yousuf Fakhro, Eritrean ambassador and the Diplomatic Corps dean Ali Ibrahim, alongside other dignitaries, heads of diplomatic missions and senior members of the Turkish community in Qatar were present.Dr Goksu stressed that “our brotherly relationship with Qatar holds a truly exceptional and special place. Thanks to the wise leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, this brotherhood has evolved into a model strategic partnership. In recent years, relations between Turkiye and Qatar have developed rapidly, reaching an exemplary level of regional and international co-operation. Within this framework, the High Strategic Committee was established as the institutional foundation of our partnership. The committee convenes annually, alternately in both countries, and its 11th meeting was held last week in Doha under the leadership of our two heads of state.“To date, more than 120 agreements and memoranda of understanding have been signed between our countries, covering all areas of life. Turkish companies have become reliable partners in Qatar’s development projects, while Qatari investors contribute to growth and job creation in Turkiye. Our economic co-operation has extended beyond our borders, encompassing joint projects in various parts of the world — spreading prosperity to other regions as well. Turkiye and Qatar have always stood by each other in difficult times.“Turkiye — as in the past — will continue today and in the future to stand by our friendly State of Qatar, supporting its sovereignty and security with all our capabilities in the face of any threat or aggression.”Further, he stressed the joint Qatar-Turkiye co-operation and efforts to enhance regional and world peace and stability in several areas including Palestine, Gaza, Syria, Sudan, Pakistan and Afghanistan, and other international issues that both countries help resolve peacefully.The ambassador reiterated that today, Turkiye — with its rich history, robust institutions, strategic geographic location, qualified human resources, dynamic economy, and active diplomacy — stands as a responsible actor in its region and beyond, working for peace, justice, and stability.

HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan al-Thani met with Turkish Minister of National Defence Yasar Guler in Ankara Tuesday. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the inauguration of the BMC armoured vehicles and heavy engines factory in the Turkish capital. The two ministers discussed issues of mutual interest and ways to strengthen and expand defence co-operation between their countries. Senior military officials from both sides attended the meeting.

HE the Special Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs ambassador Faisal bin Abdullah al-Hanzab met Monday with the visiting Special Envoy of the European Union for Afghanistan, Gilles Bertrand. The meeting discussed co-operation between Qatar and the European Union, particularly joint efforts in Afghanistan.

Djibouti’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation and Government Spokesperson Abdoulkader Houssein Omar has said that the two memorandums of understanding (MoU) signed between Qatar and Djibouti regarding the establishment of a joint committee for co-operation and holding political consultations on issues of common interest represent an important step towards strengthening the strategic partnership and bilateral co-operation between the two countries in various fields. In an interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA) during his visit to Qatar, he said that the two MoUs aim to establish an institutional framework for co-operation through a joint committee and periodic consultations between the two foreign ministries. This will enhance communication and co-ordination and provide a platform for monitoring the implementation of joint agreements and initiatives, thus supporting fraternal relations between the two countries at all levels. He explained that the areas of infrastructure, energy, health, and education represent priorities for co-operation between Djibouti and Qatar in the coming period. He noted that investment in major development projects and the exchange of technical expertise constitute a fundamental pillar for achieving sustainable economic growth and comprehensive development in Djibouti. In his assessment of the level of political relations between the two countries, the minister stressed that these relations are strong and distinguished, reflecting mutual respect and a shared desire to develop the partnership. He noted that the next steps will include enhancing political co-ordination through periodic consultations, exchanging visits by senior officials, and expanding areas of co-operation on regional and international issues of common interest. Regarding developments in the Horn of Africa and Red Sea region, he stated that Djibouti appreciates the positive role played by Qatar in supporting stability and development in the region, whether through humanitarian and development initiatives or mediation and conflict resolution efforts. He emphasised that co-operation with the State of Qatar contributes to strengthening economic and political security and supporting joint development projects. He expressed Djibouti’s pride in the strong fraternal relations with Qatar, looking forward to continuing to develop bilateral co-operation in the developmental, economic and political fields in a way that serves the interests of the two brotherly peoples and embodies the spirit of brotherhood and solidarity between the two countries.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani stressed that the historical relations and exemplary cooperation between Qatar and Turkiye are steadily progressing toward broader and promising horizons, in light of the significant achievements of the Supreme Strategic Committee between the two countries.In a post on his official X account, His Highness the Amir said that the historical relations and exemplary cooperation between Qatar and Turkiye are progressing toward broader and promising horizons, in light of the significant achievements of the Supreme Strategic Committee between the two fraternal countries. His Highness expressed his pleasure in meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Doha, where they co-chaired the committee's eleventh session.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and President of the Republic of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan co-chaired Wednesday the 11th meeting of the Qatari-Turkish Supreme Strategic Committee at the Amiri Diwan. At the outset of the meeting, His Highness the Amir welcomed the Turkish president and his accompanying delegation, wishing them a pleasant stay in Qatar and wishing the strategic relations between the two countries continued development and growth across all areas of partnership to achieve the interests of the two fraternal peoples. He pointed out that the 11th meeting of the Supreme Strategic Committee reflects the strength of the relationship between the two countries, stressing his keenness to strengthen and develop relations to broader horizons. **media[372048]** For his part, the president of Turkiye voiced his thanks and appreciation to His Highness the Amir for the warm welcome and generous hospitality, noting that bilateral relations between the two countries are witnessing remarkable development in various fields, and looking forward to strengthening them to achieve the supreme interests of the two fraternal peoples. During the meeting, they discussed strategic cooperation relations and ways to enhance and develop them across several areas, especially in defence, trade, investment, energy, and information technology. **media[372045]** They also discussed key regional and international issues and developments, as well as the current situation in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories, particularly those related to consolidating the ceasefire, supporting peace, and the flow of humanitarian aid to the Strip. HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, HE Chief of the Amiri Diwan Abdullah bin Mohammed al-Khulaifi, along with a number of ministers and senior offcials attended the meeting. **media[372534]** On Turkiye's side, the meeting was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan, along with a number of members of the official delegation accompanying the president. Earlier, His Highness the Amir and the president of Turkiye held a bilateral meeting, where they exchanged views on a number of topics and issues of common concern. **media[372532]** His Highness the Amir held a luncheon banquet in honour of the president of Turkiye and his accompanying delegation. President Erdogan was accorded an official reception ceremony upon arrival to the Amiri Diwan.

HE the Minister of State for International Co-operation Dr Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser al-Misnad conferred with Egyptian Minister of Social Solidarity Dr Maya Mursi, during her visit to Egypt.The meeting explored bilateral relations and ways to support and develop them, particularly in providing humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip. It also discussed opportunities for implementing future joint projects between the two countries, besides topics of common interest.

Several member states of the Executive Board of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) have commended Qatar's role in promoting peace in the region, in co-ordination with Egypt, Turkiye and the US.The praise came during the closing session of Unesco's 222nd Executive Board meeting, where representatives from countries including Turkiye, the United Kingdom, South Africa and Oman highlighted Qatar's role in promoting peace during discussions on agenda items related to the Gaza Strip.In a statement delivered during the session, Qatar's Permanent Representative to Unesco, HE Dr Nasser bin Hamad al-Hanzab, emphasised that education is a shared responsibility of the international community and a critical pillar for stability and peace in Gaza, underscoring the role of Unesco in this regard.In a related development, the Committee on Conventions and Recommendations, chaired by HE Dr al-Hanzab, held two public sessions to review items related to the implementation of Unesco's legal and regulatory instruments. The committee addressed mechanisms for enforcing and monitoring these conventions and recommendations among member states, with HE Dr al-Hanzab presenting a report to the Executive Board.The committee also worked to ensure the monitoring of all Unesco-related agreements and recommendations was fully implemented.Furthermore, the committee discussed several human rights issues within Unesco's mandate and examined ways to strengthen international human rights protections, in accordance with the Executive Board's resolutions and Unesco's legal instruments on human rights.

HE the Minister of Finance, Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari met separately with the Minister of Finance of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Ahmed Shide; the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Jamshid Kuchkarov; and the Minister of Oil and Gas of the State of Libya, Dr Khalifa Rajab Abdulsadiq.The meetings were held on the margin of the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group, held in Washington, DC. During the meetings, bilateral relations were discussed, areas of joint co-operation were explored, and key economic, investment, and trade developments were discussed, in addition to a number of topics of common interest.

Qatar and Bhutan have signed a joint communiqué establishing diplomatic relations.The communiqué was signed at the Qatar's Permanent Mission to the UN in New York by HE Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif al-Thani, Qatar's Permanent Representativeto the UN, and Bhutan's Permanent Representative Pema Lektup Dorji.Following the signing ceremony, the two sides affirmed their desire to strengthen and develop friendly and co-operative relations between both countries.They emphasised the importance of being guided by the principles of the Charter of the UN and international law, respecting and promoting international peace and security, equality among states, and due respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity.