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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.

The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 has reached the end of its group stage, which brought football fans together for a spectacular showcase of emerging talent from across the globe. Taking place at the state-of-the-art Competition Complex in Aspire Zone, this is the first FIFA World Cup to feature 48 teams, making this the biggest edition of the youth tournament in its history. The group stage featured 72 consecutive matches in nine days, which is a first for any FIFA competition, compared to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ which featured a total of 64 matches played over 29 days. A total of 250 goals were scored during the group stage. This is the first time ever a FIFA U-17 World Cup has crossed the 200-tournament goal milestone. The tournament also recorded the biggest victory in FIFA U-17 World Cup history, with Morocco’s 16-0 win over New Caledonia. **media[381043]** Amongst the top goal scorers, Czechia’s Vit Skrkon scored the first hat-trick of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 inside just seven minutes. Meanwhile, Belgium’s Rene Mitongo became the first player in this year’s tournament to register a super hat trick, scoring four goals in a 7-0 win against debutants Fiji. This is also the first FIFA World Cup to feature a knockout Round of 32. Debutants Republic of Ireland, Uganda and Zambia joined an impressive group of teams to the next round, including defending champions Germany and four-time winners Brazil. Three teams from the Arab world also qualified to the Round of 32: Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt. “Qatar has created history yet again by hosting the biggest edition of a World Cup, which showcases the country’s organisational excellence in hosting world-class sporting events, and its commitment to youth football development,” said Jassim Al Jassim, CEO of the tournament’s Local Organising Committee (LOC). **media[381046]** “Over the nine days of a thrilling group stage, we welcomed tens of thousands of football fans, transforming the tournament into a one-of-a-kind football festival. The state-of-the-art pitches at Aspire Zone have proven to be a wonderful stage for emerging talents from across the globe, many of whom will go on to be future football stars. The centralised venue format has allowed everyone – from players to journalists and fans – to be at the heart of the football action and enjoy an exceptional tournament experience,” he added. FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström has said the expanded FIFA U-17 World Cup 2025 is taking global youth football “to the next level” after witnessing the gripping climax to the group stage in Qatar. “A lot of credit goes to the Local Organising Committee, who have done a truly fantastic job. In the Aspire Zone, you can move from one pitch to another and watch eight games in a single day, it’s really something remarkable. We already had a great FIFA World Cup here in 2022, but this takes it to an entirely new level for youth football,” said the FIFA Secretary General after attending several group-stage matches. **media[381045]** “I think our Qatari hosts have done a truly fantastic job here. I take my hat off to the entire team, together with the FIFA team for their great work. From what I’ve heard, the participating teams are extremely pleased with the hotels, training facilities, and the overall pitch conditions,” said Grafström. “Having the opportunity to make use of the pitches and all the facilities built for the FIFA World Cup 2022 is truly fantastic.” Here are some key figures from Qatar hosting the historic 48-team U-17 World Cup: 1008 players competed in the group stage The tournament brought together an unprecedented number of U-17 teams from across the world to compete for the coveted trophy, providing the opportunity to young players to shine on a global stage. This year, five teams made their debut – Fiji, Republic of Ireland, Zambia, El Salvador and Uganda. 12 hotels utilised to host teams and tournament officials **media[381044]** The tournament’s unique hosting concept saw multiple teams accommodated at a single location, including a centralised dining experience at team hotels, which facilitated cultural exchange by encouraging young players to interact with each other off the pitch. Throughout the tournament, teams were also treated to a number of cultural excursions and social activities, allowing them to experience Qatar’s renowned hospitality. 364 training sessions held across 16 training pitches Teams made use of Qatar’s world-class sporting infrastructure, conducting a total of 364 training sessions across 16 training pitches. This setup resulted in up to 48 training sessions per day across all venues. Two dedicated training sites – Al Ersal and Al Thumama – provided a one-of-a-kind opportunity for young players to train in some of the same grounds that were used by some of the world’s biggest football stars during the historic FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. Teams were provided with the same level of service as senior national teams. This included training equipment and round-the-clock medical support. 8 pitches, one centralised venue All 72 matches of the group stage took place at the Competition Complex in Aspire Zone, allowing fans to be part of a spectacular football festival-like atmosphere, as they moved easily from one pitch to another. For the players, the pitches offered them an ideal playing surface, in line with the highest FIFA standards. During Qatar 2022, the pitches were used as training grounds for some of the teams taking part in the historic tournament. 1 ticket, multiple matches Fans were able to purchase tickets in the form of a day pass, allowing them to attend multiple matches a day. The group stage hosted up to eight matches a day. This unique hosting concept formed the cornerstone of the fan experience, while allowing football scouts to observe emerging talents at a single venue. A total of 130 scouts from leading football clubs around the world attended the tournament to make use of the unique compact nature of the venue. 43 buses utilised for teams and spectators The ultra compact nature of the tournament allowed players and fans to utilise Qatar’s robust public transportation network. The venue was easily accessible by the Doha Metro. A modern bus fleet, including park and ride shuttle services, enabled teams and spectators to commute at ease. This included the provision of wheelchair-accessible transportation options for disabled fans. 52,657 spectators attended group stage matches The tournament was a resounding success amongst young fans, with a large number of families and children flocking to the venue to cheer on their teams, in what is a reflection of a vibrant football culture in Qatar. Diverse communities brought the pitches to life as they came together to celebrate a common passion for the game. 3 accessibility features provided a barrier-free experience Carrying forward Qatar’s commitment to host tournaments that are accessible to all, the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 ensured disabled fans were part of the football excitement. Accessibility features at the venue included: wheelchair-accessible seating across all pitches, sensory room at the fan zone for fans with neurodivergent needs, and audio-descriptive commentary for blind and partially sighted football fans. 880 artists and performers regaled spectators at the fan zone Beyond football, the tournament was a celebration of cultural diversity, where fans were treated to a variety of traditional performances at the fan zone. The tournament served as a platform for young artists from the country, especially students, to showcase their talents to a global audience. 20 small and medium enterprises took part in the fan zone The tournament sought the participation of several home-grown brands at the fan zone, serving as a prime venue for supporting local businesses. As part of a community-focused initiative, the LOC provided a number of local businesses with free space in the fan zone. In addition to food outlets, the fan zone also featured a number of local gyms that provided fans with the opportunity to take part in fitness activities. 833 workforce were involved in tournament operations Qatar once again leveraged a multicultural workforce, comprising local and global talents, to deliver the tournament. Having gained valuable experience from hosting mega-sporting events in the country, the tournament LOC seamlessly carried out operations during the group stage. 465 volunteers supported in the delivery of the tournament Volunteers from 35 different nationalities were involved in 14 functional areas, carrying forward Qatar’s volunteering legacy in delivering mega-sporting events. The volunteers are part of the Qatar Volunteer Programme, which will see a total of 4,000 volunteers recruited for different tournaments that Qatar is set to host this year. This includes FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2025™. 5 on site clinics provided round-the-clock medical support The tournament’s official medical partner Aspetar, the globally recognised orthopaedic and sports medicine hospital, provided a total of five clinics across the venue for players and spectators. Working alongside the country’s robust national healthcare provider, Hamad General Hospital, the two entities provided emergency and medical services across the pitches. 1,153 accredited media professionals covered the group stage A fully equipped media centre at the Aspire Zone served as a crucial hub for media professionals, allowing them to be in the midst of the football action to capture stories from the pitch and highlight emerging talent. The tournament has attracted global attention for its unique hosting concept, and the exceptional talent that the young generation of players have displayed at Qatar’s world- class sporting infrastructure. The Round of 32 will take place on 14-15 November at the Aspire Zone. Tickets can be purchased exclusively from www.roadtoqatar.qa.

For Mohamad Haidar, Lebanon captain and national team player, the FIFA Arab Cup carries significant importance for his nation. Now, with the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 set to take place this December, he stands a chance to lead his country further into the tournament than they've ever been before. "The first Arab Cup we played in Qatar was a wonderful experience," Haidar reflects. "We got to play on some of the world's most modern football facilities. From the moment we arrived to stepping into the stadiums for matches, it was an experience that resonated with fans globally." ‏During the 2021 edition held in Doha, Haidar captained the side through their group stage campaign, which included a 1-0 victory over Sudan. However, the team did not advance past the group stage. For Haidar, the FIFA Arab Cup 2025™ represents another shot at glory: "When the Lebanese national anthem plays, you feel emotions that transport you to your country," said Haidar. "You sense how deeply you want to defend your flag', and that drives you to achieve victories that bring joy to your people and elevate your nation's name on the global stage." Lebanon have been drawn into Group D alongside reigning champions Algeria, Iraq, and the winner of Bahrain v Djibouti.First, Lebanon will face Sudan in a crucial qualifier on 26November at Thani bin Jassim Stadium. "As a player, I give everything on the pitch. I always give my allto make our fans happy and deliver achievements that make our fans proud in front of the whole world," he explains. On the prospect of the best teams in the Arab world, Haidar said: "The Arab Cup brings together the strongest teams in Arab football but we're hungry, we're united, and we're determined to go further than we ever have. Every match is an opportunity to show what Lebanon can do." Looking ahead, Haidar emphasised the significance of the FIFA Arab Cup™ as a platform to showcase rising Arab talent on the global stage: "Every player dreams of moments like this. We've prepared hard, we believe in what we can achieve, and we're ready to fight for Lebanon on the biggest stage. When we take the field, the entire nation will be with us." The FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025™ will take place from 1-18 December with 23 teams competing to lift the coveted trophy.

The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™ marks historic firsts for five nations making their World Cup debuts: Uganda, El Salvador, Fiji, Ireland and Zambia. For these teams, the first 48-team edition of the tournament provides the ideal stage to announce themselves on the youth football landscape. Uganda's participation, in particular, represents a historic moment for the nation, as they are competing in their first-ever FIFA tournament at any level. The team secured their spot in the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™ following their qualification through the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations 2025 and a playoff victory over Gambia. "It's every teenager's dream to compete in this tournament. Football means everything to me. Whenever I step onto the pitch, I forget every problem I have. I've been playing football since I was a kid, and until now, I still love to play football. I want to go far in my footballing career to help my family and my community," said right back Elvis Torach. For Coach Elcambio Ssenyondo, leading his team in Qatar represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: "Since they were born, these young boys dream to play on the world's biggest stage, which is the U-17 World Cup. Platforms like these allow young players to showcase their talents so they can get the attention of bigger clubs. It also provides them the competitive experience necessary to progress to the highest levels of the game.” Despite falling 2-1 against Canada, the East African nation achieved a historic milestone: Uganda's first-ever goal scored at a FIFA tournament. In their second match of the tournament, the team drew 1-1 against Chile, and is now set to face France on 11 November, at 3:30pm at the Bader Bilal pitch. “Me and my teammates are not afraid of anything. We are physically and mentally prepared for any challenge coming ahead," said Torach. **media[380453]** “We are facing worthy opponents, but we have the grit, the hunger and zeal to take them on. We are here now and we want to enjoy it as far as we can,” added Coach Ssenyondo. As the first FIFA World Cup™ to feature 48 teams, this is 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. A total of 104 matches are being contested across eight pitches in the Aspire Zone Competition Complex, culminating in the Final on 27 November at Khalifa International Stadium. This marks the first of five consecutive youth tournaments that Qatar will host through 2029. For FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™ tickets and tournament information, visit www.roadtoqatar.qa. For all tournament related updates, follow @u17worldcupqa on all major social media platforms.