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

His Excellency Director of the Government Communications Office (GCO) and Chairman of the Permanent Web Summit Organising Committee, Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor Al-Thani convened a meeting with Liaison Director of German BVMW GCC Office Nizar Maarouf, and Managing Director Christian Schwippert, to discuss coordination and the roadmap for the second edition of the German Startup Pavilion at Web Summit Qatar 2026, taking place from 1st to 4th of February 2026.During the meeting, HE Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor Al-Thani reaffirmed his and his team's full support for the upcoming edition, ensuring strong collaboration and facilitation to make it an even greater success."Our work with the German startup community exemplifies our broader strategy to foster meaningful international collaboration in the technology and innovation spaces.""I personally look forward to seeing how the next wave of German startups tap into the opportunities that we continue to expand year over year," His Excellency added.Nizar Maarouf added: "We look forward to the active participation of the German Startup Pavilion at Web Summit Qatar 2026, following the great success of our first presence at the last edition of the event, which saw the participation of more than 100 German companies. We want to extend our sincere thanks to Sheikh Jassim and his team for their continuous support of our work and the hospitality shown to the German startup participants at Web Summit 2025."The meeting highlighted the shared commitment to further strengthen Qatari-German cooperation in innovation and entrepreneurship, and expanding opportunities for partnership and investment in a way that positions Qatar as a global hub for technology and innovation.

The third edition of the Web Summit Qatar, scheduled for February 1, is witnessing a strong demand for participation, more than four months before its launch, with expectations of attracting approximately 30,000 participants from more than 120 countries. This came during the meeting of the Web Summit Permanent Organising Committee today in Qatar, chaired by HE Director of the Government Communications Office (GCO) Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor Al-Thani. The Committee received reports on significant demand for exhibition space, tickets, masterclasses and speaking opportunities, more than four months ahead of the event. This strong interest and engagement reflect confidence in Qatar's position as a leading destination for entrepreneurs, investors and startups to convene. The 2026 edition is set to welcome 30,000 attendees from over 120 countries, including more than 1,500 startups, 700 investors, 350 speakers, and 600 media representatives, making it the largest and most diverse Web Summit Qatar to date. More than 80 partnership agreements have been signed with leading international institutions in the fields of technology, media, and investment. HE GCO Director, Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor Al-Thani said, "Web Summit Qatar 2026 will bring together leading figures from technology, digital economy and entrepreneurship, demonstrating Qatar's ability to convene world-class events. Next year's Web Summit provides an ideal platform to strengthen our innovation and entrepreneurship landscape, expand our global presence, support Qatar National Vision 2030 goals in building a diversified, knowledge-based economy founded on innovation, and establish the country as a major regional and international business hub."

Ooredoo, Qatar’s leading telecommunications provider, on Wednesday hosted a press conference for the Doha Marathon by Ooredoo 2026 at its Headquarters, highlighting Early Bird registration with special group discounts and reaffirming the marathon’s continuous partnership with global sportswear leader New Balance. Now in its 14th edition, the marathon is set to take place on Friday, 16 January 2026, and is expected to welcome more than 20,000 runners from around the world, further cementing its position as one of the region’s most prestigious sporting events.The collaboration with New Balance, now in its second consecutive year as official footwear and apparel partner, is part of a three-year agreement that continues to elevate the profile of Qatar’s premier road race.As part of the conference, Ooredoo Qatar and New Balance also recognised three outstanding Qatari athletes — Abdullah al-Musalam, Lolwa al-Marri, and Rabaa al-Msleh — who have been awarded the chance to compete in the renowned TCS New York City Marathon 2025. This milestone reflects the joint commitment of both organisations to celebrating local talent and showcasing Qatar’s athletes on the international stage.Commenting on the occasion, Sabah Rabiah al-Kuwari, Vice Chairman of the Doha Marathon by Ooredoo Committee and Senior Director Marketing Communications at Ooredoo Qatar, said: “The Doha Marathon by Ooredoo has grown into one of the most anticipated sporting events in the region, bringing together thousands of runners from around the world. We are delighted to continue our collaboration with New Balance, whose expertise and innovation help us set new benchmarks for the event year after year. It was also an honour to recognise our Qatari athletes today, as we remain committed to empowering local talent and promoting Qatar as a hub for sporting excellence.”Stuart Henwood, Senior Director for Middle East, Africa & India (MEAI) at New Balance, added: “At New Balance, we believe running has the power to bring people together and create lasting change. Our continued partnership with the Doha Marathon by Ooredoo reflects our commitment to supporting the region’s thriving running community and empowering athletes at every level through our Run Your Way campaign. We are especially proud to celebrate Qatari talent by giving Abdullah, Lulwa, and Rabaa the opportunity to represent their country and region on the world stage at the TCS New York City Marathon 2025, a true embodiment of our philosophy to champion individuality and inspire runners everywhere.”Holding the World Athletics Gold Label and ranking among the top 25 marathons globally, the marathon promises to deliver another memorable experience that embodies health, determination, and unity.Early bird registration is now open, with discounted rates available and a 25% discount for groups of four or more.

Qatar will take on Russia today at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium in a friendly match as part of preparations for the fourth-round play-offs of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.This will be Qatar’s second friendly of the September international break. Earlier this week, they drew 2-2 with Bahrain in a closed-door game, while today’s fixture against Russia will be open to the public for no cost.The match carries added weight as it serves as Qatar’s final test before the crucial qualifiers. The Maroons are seeking to reach the World Cup for a second consecutive time and the first through qualification after featuring as hosts at Qatar 2022. Russia, ranked 35th in world, played out a goalless draw with Jordan on Thursday.Ahead of the match, Qatar defender Ahmed Suhail said: “It is going to be a strong match against Russia, which is a formidable side. We are ready, and all the players are looking to give their best. The game is important for us, and we will follow the coach’s instructions. We are completely ready for the match and are eyeing a strong performance. e are expecting the home fans to turn out in numbers, which will be very motivating for us.”Qatar, currently ranked 53rd, have been drawn in Group A of the play-offs alongside the UAE and Oman. Group B features Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Indonesia, with Qatar and Saudi Arabia hosting their respective groups in a single-stage round-robin format from October 8–14.Qatar open their campaign against Oman on October 8, before facing the UAE on October 14. Oman and the UAE will meet on October 11. The group winners will book direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup, while the runners-up advance to a two-legged playoff on November 13 and 18, with the winner securing a place in the intercontinental playoff.Head coach Julen Lopetegui’s 25-man squad has undergone some changes during the international break, with Ahmed al-Janahi and Ismail Mohammed sidelined through injury and Youssef Abdul Razzaq called up as a replacement.Qatar squad:Meshaal Barsham, Salah Zakaria, Mahmoud Abu Nada, Ahmed al-Rawi, Ahmed Suhail, Ahmed Fathi, Bassam al-Rawi, Al-Mahdi Ali, Boualem Khoukhi, Pedro Miguel, Jassim Jaber, Sultan al-Breik, Tariq Salman, Humam al-Amin, Akram Afif, Ahmed Alaa, Edmilson Junior, Asim Madibo, Abdulaziz Hatem, Guilherme Torres, Karim Boudiaf, Mohammed Khaled, Mohammed Manai, Mohammed Muntari, Youssef Abdul Razzaq

Al Arabi opened their 2025-2026 QSL Cup campaign with a 3-1 victory over Al Wakrah in the first round at Al Shamal Stadium Tuesday while Al Ahli and Al Duhail played out a goalless draw at the Hamad Bin Khalifa Stadium.Al Arabi found the net through U-23 player Salem Reda in the 8th minute, Pablo Sarabia in the 41st, and Marwan Sherif in the 50th minute. Al Wakrah’s lone goal came from substitute Redouane Berkane in the 81st minute.Al Ahli and Al Duhail battled hard but weren’t able to break the deadlock, eventually settling for the stalemate.In the opening half, Al Ahli were a bit more forceful and even had a few chances but were not able to convert any.The second session saw Al Duhail push harder but luck eluded them as in the 54th minute an Adil Boulbina kick went on to hit the crossbar.The match was also marked by some rough tackles with Al Ahli picking up 4 yellow cards and Al Duhail 2.Today, four matches will be played, with Al Khor facing Al Bidda SC and Al Shahania taking on Al Sailiya in simultaneous kick-offs. Al Shamal will meet Umm Salal, while Al Rayyan will face Qatar SC in the day’s later fixtures.

Qatar coach Julen Lopetegui has announced the squad for the two friendly matches against Russia and Bahrain, as part of preparations for the fourth round of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup which will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.Qatar will face Bahrain on September 3 at Al Thumama Stadium, before taking on Russia on September 7 at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. These matches continue the team’s preparation programme, which started with an abroad training camp in Austria last July.The squad saw little change from the one announced by Lopetegui in early July, except for the absence of captain Hassan al-Haydos and striker Almoez Ali due to injury.The Spanish coach recalled several names, including Al Rayyan goalkeeper Mahmud Abunada, Al Duhail defender Sultan al-Braik, and Al Wakrah defender Almahdi Ali, while excluding goalkeepers Marwan Sharif and Shehab Ellethy.The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) had held the draw for the fourth round (continental playoff), which will be hosted in Doha, placing Qatar in Group A alongside the UAE and Oman.Qatar will begin its playoff campaign against Oman on October 8, before meeting the UAE on October 14, while Oman will face the UAE on October 11. Group B will be held in Saudi Arabia and includes the host nation along with Iraq and Indonesia.Qatar, the reigning two-time AFC Asian Cup champions, reached the playoff after finishing fourth in the third round with 13 points from 10 matches, behind Iran (23 points), Uzbekistan (21 points), and the UAE (15 points). Kyrgyzstan finished fifth with eight points, and North Korea sixth with three pointsQATAR SQUAD: Mahmoud Abunada, Meshaal Barsham, Salah Zakaria (goalkeepers), Abdulaziz Hatem, Ahmed al-Rawi, Ahmed Alaa, Ahmed al-Ganehi, Ahmed Fathy, Ahmed Suhail, Akram Afif, Almahdi Ali, Assim Madibo, Bassam al-Rawi, Boualem Khoukhi, Edmilson Junior, Guilherme Torres, Homam al-Amin, Ismail Mohammed, Jassim Jaber, Karim Boudiaf, Mohammed Mannai, Mohamed Khalid, Mohammed Muntari, Pedro Miguel, Sultan al-Brake, Tarek Salman.Meanwhile Bahrain head coach Dragan Talajic has called up under-17 player Hussain Zuhair and Al Ahli Club’s Sayed Mahdi Sharaf in the squad.Zuhair and Sharaf join a formidable Bahrain roster that already includes Mohammed Jassim Marhoon, Mohammed al-Rumaihi, Amine Benaddi, Waleed al-Hayyam, Abdulla al-Khalasi, Ahmed Dhiya, Sayed Mahmoud al-Mosawi, Ahmed Bughammar, Hamad Shamsan, Sayed Mahdi Baqer, Sayed Dhiya Saeed, Hussain al-Eker, Vincent Emmanuel, Hazza Ali, Hussain Jameel, Mahdi Humaidan, Ali Madan, Ahmed al-Sherooqi, Omar Saber, Jassim al-Shaikh, Komail al-Aswad, Abdulla al-Subaie, Hussain Abdulkarim, Mahdi Abduljabbar, Ebrahim al-Khattal, and goalkeepers Ebrahim Luthfallah, Mohammed al-Gharably, Abdulkarim al-Fardan and Yousef Habib.Bahrain will also play a friendly against the United Arab Emirates on September 8.