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Comoros, Oman, Bahrain and Sudan advanced in dramatic fashion on the final day of FIFA Arab Cup qualifiers in Qatar Wednesday. Comoros rallied from two goals down to edge Yemen on penalties, while Oman overcame 201st-ranked Somalia in a tense shootout. Elsewhere, Bahrain narrowly defeated Djibouti, and Sudan secured a hard-fought win over Lebanon despite playing much of the match with ten men. The tournament proper will start from December 1, with hosts Qatar taking Palestine, while Tunisia face Syria on the opening day.Oman 0-0 Somalia (4-1 Penalty Shootout)Oman have brushed off the disappointment of narrowly failing to secure a FIFA World Cup slot in October’s fourth round of AFC qualifiers by downing Somalia to reach the Arab Cup group stage.In front of a lively crowd at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, Oman’s Nasser al-Rawahi had the best of the limited early chances, seeing a first-half effort well blocked and then flashing a shot across the face of the Somalia goal early in the second term.Somalia entered the clash in a modest vein of form but came within inches of breaking the deadlock as captain Abdulsamed Abdullahi forced Ibrahim al-Mukhaini into a smart save as the hour approached.That was the end of the clear-cut chances as the contest went straight to penalties, where both teams opted to make a goalkeeper change just as regulation time expired.It was Oman’s Ibrahim al-Rajhi who played a starring role, saving the first and third spot-kicks and then watching on as Mohammed al-Ghafri converted the fourth to secure his nation a place in Group B alongside Morocco, Saudi Arabia and either Comoros or Yemen.Bahrain 1-0 DjiboutiBahrain secured their spot in Group D with a narrow victory over Djibouti at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium.They hit the front shortly before half-time when Mohamed Marhoon sent a low cross into the area which looked like a simple gather for Mouktar Youssouf, but he fumbled the ball into the path of Mohamed al-Romaihi to tap in. Djibouti's task was then made all the more difficult just seven minutes later as Ahmed Zakaria saw red for an off-the-ball elbow on Mahdi Abduljabbar.The Bahrainis came closest to doubling their lead with 15 minutes to go when Komail Al-Aswad crossed for al-Romaihi, but Youssouf redeemed himself with a fine diving save.Dragan Talajic's side will now head into Group D of the final tournament alongside Algeria, Iraq and one of Sudan or Lebanon.Sudan 2-1 LebanonSudan overcame incredible odds to secure an epic comeback victory over Lebanon and qualify for the Arab Cup group stage.The Falcons of Jediane, who went into the fixture having not won in their previous five outings, were reduced to ten men midway through the first half when frontman John Mano was sent off after picking up two quick yellow cards. Lebanon immediately capitalised on their advantage as Mohamad Safwan swung in a dangerous cross which Khalil Khamis converted from close range.Sudan refused to give up, however, and equalised just before the break when a powerful strike by Mustafa Karshoum was deflected by Lebanon captain Mohamad Haidar into his own net. Early in the second half, Sudan had two excellent chances blocked on the line and then took a deserved lead when Yaser Jobak beat Lebanon goalkeeper Mostafa Matar at the near post with a low drive into the net.Sudan goalkeeper then Monged Elneel pulled off a brilliant save in stoppage time from an Ali Kassas header to seal the improbable victory.Comoros 4-4 Yemen (4-2 Penalty Shootout)Comoros pulled off a comeback for the ages to defeat Yemen on penalties and advance to the group stage of the Arab Cup.It was a dream start for Yemen, as they broke the deadlock when Comoros goalkeeper Adel Anzimati failed to cleanly catch a corner kick and Harwan Alzuabidi pounced on the bobble to head home. But Comoros equalised when Zaid Amir was clipped in the area by Rami Alwasmani, and Housseine Zakouani tucked away the penalty.Yemen regained the lead in style, as Abdulwasea Almatari whipped in a cross that connected with the foot of Nasser Algahwashi for the goal. Almatari would then add a third for Yemen right before intermission by polishing off a counter-attack. Comoros pulled to within one when Zainou-Dine Mohamed’s shot deflected off Osamah Anbar and caromed into net. However, they were punished by a defensive miscue, allowing Almatari to slip in and tally his second of the night.Facing a two-goal deficit with just minutes remaining, Comoros surged late, with Amir as the hero. First, he calmly converted a penalty after a handball, and then equalised in dramatic fashion by running onto a deflected header from a Yemen defender to score and force penalties. From the spot, Anzimati was decisive in making two saves, while Comoros converted all four of their attempts, the winning one fittingly by Amir, to clinch victory. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FIFA has confirmed that the FIFA Series 2026 will take place during the international match window in March and April next year, offering national teams from different continents a unique platform to compete and connect beyond their traditional confederation boundaries.Building on the success of the pilot edition held in March 2024, the FIFA Series 2026 marks the first full-scale implementation of this initiative, featuring more Participating Member Associations (PMAs), more hosts and, for the first time, a dedicated women's iteration. The expanded format is designed to facilitate more meaningful international matches and contribute directly to global football development.The FIFA Series is aligned with FIFA's Strategic Objectives for the Global Game: 2023-2027, which focus on creating more opportunities for competitive balance, technical growth and cross-continental exchange.The format provides a pathway for national teams that rarely face opponents from other continents."The FIFA Series is about unlocking development potential for players, coaches and fans, while promoting football's universality and diversity through meaningful matches. The 2026 edition will further enhance that impact for men's and women's football alike," said FIFA President Gianni Infantino."By connecting nations through competition, the FIFA Series aims to strengthen the game at every level, bringing local communities to the global stage," he added.While interest in participating is growing across the globe, FIFA can already announce the broad structure of the competition and the growing number of confirmed hosts.The men's FIFA Series will feature a series of meaningful matches be hosted in Australia, Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Mauritius, Puerto Rico, Rwanda and Uzbekistan.Discussions are also advancing with other FIFA Member Associations (MAs), which may join as additional host nations in the coming months. The women's FIFA Series will debut with events in Brazil, Cote d'Ivoire and Thailand.The full line-up will be announced in early 2026. Each group in the series will bring together national teams from different confederations in a friendly-match format, designed to create valuable footballing interaction without adding fixtures to the international match calendar.By providing PMAs with the chance to play against teams from other regions, the FIFA Series offers benefits that go beyond the pitch: Technical growth through exposure to new playing styles and tactical identities, Commercial opportunities thanks to increased visibility for emerging football nations and untapped markets in new event locations, and Cultural exchange by fostering global connections through the shared language of football.  

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

The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 enters a decisive phase as the knockout rounds get underway today, with 16 teams ready to battle for a place in the round of 32 across two action-packed days.The drama begins with an all-African clash between Zambia and Mali. Tournament debutants Zambia have turned heads with their fearless performances, remaining unbeaten in the group stage and even holding Brazil to a draw. Mali, meanwhile, collected six points from their group and posted two clean sheets, showing their trademark defensive solidity.European heavyweights Portugal and Belgium promise goals in what could be one of the most explosive encounters of the round. Both sides averaged more than three goals per match in the groups, setting the stage for a thrilling, high-scoring showdown.Switzerland, unbeaten at the U-17 World Cup for 16 years, take on a resilient Egypt side that proved difficult to break down in the group stage. The Swiss will need to extend that proud record to reach the last eight.France meet Colombia in another standout tie. After conceding just once en route to topping Group K, Lionel Rouxel’s French side face a disciplined Colombian team that has not conceded since the opening seconds of their first match against Germany.Argentina, led by Diego Placente, who guided their U-20s to the World Cup final earlier this year, look poised for another deep run as they face Mexico. The Mexicans scraped through as the final third-placed qualifier and will be desperate to make their mark.The Ireland continue their dream debut campaign against Canada in a fixture brimming with history. The Irish topped Group J without defeat, while Canada earned their first-ever U-17 World Cup win and advanced to the knockout stage for the first time after drawing with 2023 finalists France.“We’ve only gone and made history again [just as we did with the first win]. This is a real boost for our development program. Just look at that smile. We’re going to keep working hard to make history,” Vitulano said shortly after the final whistle had been blown," said Canada head coach Mike Vitulano."We ran a training camp at U-15 level, another when they made the step up to the U-16 side, and then the final sessions were all geared towards World Cup preparation. We’ve steadily improved over time,” he said,USA, flawless so far, go up against a resurgent Morocco side. The Americans have dazzled with Cavan Sullivan leading the charge, while Morocco staged one of the tournament’s most astonishing comebacks — going from zero points and goals to a record-breaking 16-0 victory over New Caledonia that catapulted them into the last 16.Closing out the round, Brazil lock horns with Paraguay in a South American showdown. Brazil’s attacking duo, Dell and Felipe Morais, lit up the group stage with 11 unanswered goals in their first two games. But Paraguay’s disciplined defence will provide their toughest test yet as the knockout stage begins in earnest.

With the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 underway, fans were treated to a robust Fan Zone that featured a number of local businesses, artists and community groups. Located in Aspire Zone Competition Complex, where 104 matches are taking place in the biggest edition of the youth tournament to date, the Fan Zone brought together tens of thousands of fans to enjoy the football festival-like atmosphere at the venue. **media[381182]** As part of a community-focused initiative, the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 Local Organising Committee (LOC) brought on board more than 20 home-grown brands to participate at the Fan Zone, offering them free space at the venue. **media[381179]** “The U-17 World Cup is more than just a football competition. The tournament provides us with a platform to celebrate the wonderful talents in our community. From home-grown restaurants to student artists, the Fan Zone celebrated the diversity and richness of Qatari culture and the different communities that call this country home,” Hassan Al Kuwari, LOC Executive Director of Marketing, Promotion and Commercial. **media[381181]** Mama Rozie, a popular restaurant specialising in authentic Indonesian and Malaysian cuisine, is among the many food outlets who are taking part in the Fan Zone. Owner Febrariska Armen sources ingredients and partnerships locally whenever possible, collaborating with Qatari startups and local suppliers to keep the operation deeply rooted in the community. **media[381183]** "We're here because the Indonesian community is passionate about football, and the organisers recognised that. Our aim is to introduce fans to Indonesian and Malaysian culture through food, and we feel honoured to be a part of this tournament, where different cultures come together,” said Armen. **media[381180]** At the Fan Zone, Qatar Foundation (QF) is showcasing its students' diverse talents through interactive workshops and cultural performances. In addition, QF Pre-University Education has also provided a mobile sensory room, a quiet, controlled space equipped with assistive technology and specialised staff. This dedicated space ensures that fans with sensory needs, including children with autism, can fully enjoy the tournament experience. **media[381186]** "We wanted to demonstrate that community engagement means everyone," said Haia Alnaimi, Community Outreach Initiatives and Programs Manager, Special Schools and SEN Services at QF. "Our student community represents children with different abilities, and each of them are on a different path to success. This Fan Zone is the perfect platform to celebrate that diversity while building confidence amongst families that there are equal opportunities for everyone." **media[381185]** As a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Fan Zone also featured a number of local gyms that provided fans with the opportunity to take part in fitness activities. Huriya Dance, part of the Qatar-based Honor Wholeness Institute, has been engaging with spectators through dance sessions, fitness challenges and stage performances. Nada Karhani, Manager of Huriya Dance, said: "Football ignites passion in everyone, and it is through dance, that we celebrate that passion. Whether fans are cheering for their teams, waving flags, or walking through the streets, there’s a form of dance in everything - it is a universal language. That's why we are here, to channel that collective energy and create moments of pure joy that fans will remember long after the final whistle." **media[381187]** The Fan Zone also features a mini football pitch where community-based academies are competing in a U-12 tournament that mirrors the participating teams from the U-17 competition. Dozens of children have taken up the opportunity to show off their football skills as they look up to older players on their way to stardom. At the heart of the Fan Zone is a robust lineup of community-based artists and performers. A total number of 880 artists are taking part in the program, showcasing cultural and folkloric performances. The Fan Zone will continue to operate on match days only from 1:30 PM until the final whistle, as the tournament advances to the next rounds. Entertainment will take place from 4PM-8PM. Upcoming highlights include film screenings in partnership with the Doha Film Festival, running between the 14-15 November. The Round of 32 will take place on 14-15 November at the Aspire Zone. Tickets can be purchased exclusively from www.roadtoqatar.qa.