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Qatar is experiencing an unprecedented wave of cultural, economic, and sports activities in November, as Doha prepares to host a series of international conferences, exhibitions, festivals, and championships, highlighting its position as a regional hub for innovation, sustainability, and excellence.From Sustainability Week to the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE), FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025, Doha Film Festival, and Qatar International Exhibition For Travel and Tourism, the events cover sectors such as sports, economy, health, education, and culture, reflecting Qatar's vision of promoting international dialogue and supporting sustainable development.Nov 1-7: Qatar Sustainability Week led by Earthna, 10th edition of Qatar Sustainability Week will highlight sustainability efforts.Nov 3-27: FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 Qatar is set to host its third global tournament under the supervision of FIFA, after it has been awarded the hosting rights for the FIFA U-17 World Cup November 4-8: KIDS EXPO 2025 Under the theme "Our Children are the Greatest Treasure," the second edition of the Expo will be held to raise awareness about children's rights.Nov 5-8: Qatar Boat Show 2025 Held at the Old Doha Port, the second edition of Qatar Boat Show 2025 will combine heritage, luxury, and innovation in yachting.Novr 11-13: Qatar Medicare 2025 Qatar Medicare stands as Qatar's first International Healthcare and Medical Trade Exhibition and Conference, convening an extensive network of healthcare stakeholders.Nov 17-19: Rowad 2025 Conference Under the theme "Beyond Boundaries: Scaling, Sustaining, and Succeeding," Rowad Entrepreneurship Conference 2025 is considered the most influential event in the State of Qatar's entrepreneurship sector. This year's edition will focus on the requirements for international growth and expansion beyond local markets.Nov 20-22: 17th Gulf Heart Association Conference The conference will cover numerous topics of advanced and general cardiology. It aims to bring together leading experts, researchers, and healthcare professionals to share knowledge and research on all aspects of heart disease prevention, diagnosis, and management.Nov 20-23: 5th Qatar Taekwondo Open Championships The Championship will bring together international athletes.Nov 20-28: Doha Film Festival Doha Film Festival upports talent, promots cultural dialogue, and showcases innovative visions.Nov 24-25: 12th World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) The 12th edition of the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE 12) centers around the theme "Humanity.io: Human Values at the Heart of Education." WISE 12 aims to deepen discussions on the purpose of education and its pivotal role in serving humanity.Nov 24-26: Qatar International Exhibition For Travel and Tourism 2025 (QTM 2025) QTM 2025 is a prominent platform in the field of travel and tourism, bringing together leading global destinations to showcase the latest trends in sports tourism, conferences and exhibitions tourism, business and cultural tourism, and leisure tourism.Nov 25-26: MWC Doha 2025 MWC25 Doha is the first-ever edition of the GSMA's MWC Series to be held in the Middle East and North Africa. The event marks a key milestone in positioning Qatar as a regional hub for digital innovation and transformation.The conference will explore three key themes: AI Nexus, focusing on the role of artificial intelligence in powering innovation; Intelligent Economies, centered on secure digital infrastructure and next-generation networks; and Connected Industries, highlighting the growing impact of emerging technologies on daily life and economic systems.Nov 27-29: 6th International Primary Health Care Conference (IPHCC Qatar 2025) The Conference brings together specialists, policymakers, and researchers to exchange knowledge and best practices in the field of primary health care.Nov 28-30: 2025 FIA Formula One World Championship It is one of the season's most anticipated races.This vibrant calendar underscores the State of Qatar's commitment to solidifying its position on the global events map, attracting international expertise, and affirming its leadership in building a future driven by innovation and knowledge.

Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) has announced a bumper entry of 43 cars, 57 motorcycles and four quads for next weekend’s Qatar International Baja, the penultimate rounds of the FIA World and Middle East Baja Cups and the FIM Bajas World Cup.The event takes place over a total desert route of 773.83km with 453.21 timed against the clock on November 6-8. Argentine Toyota driver Juan Cruz Yacopini has a 22-point lead in the FIA World Baja Cup and tops a truly world class field of cars across the Ultimate, Challenger, SSV and Stock categories. There are 10 entries in the flagship Ultimate class, 10 in Challenger, 19 in SSV and four in the Stock section for series-production cross-country machines.Yacopini’s main FIA World Cup title rival Miroslav Zapletal is also present on an Ultimate list that includes leading Saudi star and FIA Middle East Baja Cup challenger Dania Akeel (Toyota), defending Baja champion Denis Krotov (Mini) and Czech veteran Martin Prokop (Ford).Sergei Remennik and Khalifa al-Jafla are currently locked in a duel for the Challenger title in their Taurus T3s with Remennik holding a 35-point lead with two rounds remaining,Competition will be fierce with local legend and multiple event winner Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah wheeling out a Taurus and the likes of FIA Middle East Baja Cup leader Khalifa Saleh al-Attiyah, Abdulaziz al-Kuwari, Ahmed al-Kuwari and Nouef al-Sowaidi all representing the QMMF Team.Dutchman Mitchel van den Brink has a big lead in the SSV class and is also in contention for the overall title. The Can-Am Maverick R driver tops the category with team-mate Mattias Ekstrom and title rivals Hamed al-Wahaibi (Can-Am), Amerigo Ventura (Yamaha) and Paul Severn (Polaris).Mohammed al-Atteya and Mohammed al-Marri represent the QMMF Team, while last year’s Challenger category winner Anya Van Loon is also present racing against her husband Erik in the same class. Hamza Bakhashab leads the field in the FIA Middle East Baja Cup.Fernando Barreiros and Majed al-Thunayyan will fight it out for Stock points in the FIA World Baja Cup in their Nissans, while Abdullah al-Rabban will be hoping to hold off local rival Mohammed Al-Meer in the quest for FIA Middle East Baja Cup honours.Two-time event winner Mohammed al-Balooshi tops the two-wheel contingent on his KTM 450 RR, as the MX Ride Dubai pilot attempts to extend his lead in the FIM Bajas World Cup and retain the title.Main rival Rafic Eid is also present on his GasGas 450 Rally and another two-time event winner, Konrad Dabrowski, will wheel out his Duust Rally Team KTM in a bid to overhaul the absent Victor Manuel Moya Aguilera as the leading FIM Junior rider. Emirati Sultan Al-Shanqiti rides the third of the MX Ride Dubai entries.Saudi Baja winner Alex McInnes (Husqvarna) and leading Jordanian rider Abdullah Abu Aisheh (Yamaha) will also be looking to challenge for the podium.Three girls are chasing FIM points in the Women’s category. Alona Ben Natan leads the title race and faces competition from the Duust Rally Team’s Joanna Modrzewska and Kuwait’s Sarah Khuraibet.There is strength in depth down the entire motorcycle field with additional riders entered from Portugal, France, Jordan, India, Great Britain, Saudi Arabia, Ireland, Slovakia, Germany, Italy, Canada, Australia, Croatia, the Netherlands, Norway, Lebanon, Mexico, the UAE and Poland.The host nation is represented by Mohammed al-Kubais and Abdulrahman al-Sheeb, Last year’s event winner Hani al-Noumesi leads the FIM Quad standings with two rounds to go and lines up against fellow Saudi Abdulaziz al-Atawi, Emirati Abdulaziz Ahli and local rider Yaghoob Azadi. All four entrants will ride Yamahas.

The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 Local Organising Committee (LOC) has reaffirmed Qatar's readiness to host the historic youth tournament, taking place from November 3-27.At a press conference, the LOC officials – Mobility Director Eng. Abdulaziz Fakhroo, Venue Management Senior Manager Eng. Jassim al-Obaidly, Senior Marketing Communication Manager Ahmed al-Meghessib and Director of Local and Regional Media Mohammed al-Khanji – unveiled key tournament details, operational preparations and comprehensive measures to deliver an exceptional experience for the 48 participating teams and fans expected to attend the event.The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar is the first tournament of its kind to feature 48 teams, with as many as eight matches a day, for a total of 104 matches. The tournament will be contested across eight pitches at the state-of-the-art Competition Complex in Aspire Zone, with the final set to take place at Khalifa International Stadium.Fakhroo emphasised that the experience gained from hosting previous tournaments has been instrumental in enhancing Qatar’s operational readiness for major events. He noted that staging all matches within a single location at Aspire Zone is a new experience for the organisers but expressed confidence in its success. He added that a simple opening ceremony will precede the Qatar-Italy opening match on Pitch No. 7.In addition, a dedicated Fan Zone will feature football competitions, e-gaming zones, live entertainment and cultural performances that reflect Qatari heritage and the diversity of the participating teams – all designed to create a festive football atmosphere.Organisers also announced that the tournament has already attracted wide international attention, with over 500 media organisations from 65 nations confirmed to cover the event.In keeping with the LOC’s commitment to sustainability, organisers announced that the tournament will operate under proven environmental practices from the FIFA World Cup 2022, including comprehensive waste management and recycling programmes. Disabled fans can avail a number of accessibility services including audio descriptive commentary for select matches, as well as sensory rooms in the Fan Zone.Qatar’s modern transportation network will ensure barrier-free access for all spectators. The Sports City metro station on the Golden Line provides immediate access to Aspire Zone, while dedicated ride-sharing and taxi drop-off zones are also available for maximum convenience. Spectators opting for private vehicles can take advantage of expansive parking facilities, with clearly marked accessibility spaces for visitors with mobility requirements. Wheelchair-accessible taxis will also be available through the Karwa app.Around 500 volunteers will support operations across multiple functional areas, embodying the community spirit that define Qatar's approach to hosting major international events.Host nation Qatar has been drawn in Group A alongside Italy, South Africa, and Bolivia. The young Maroons will begin their campaign against Italy on November 3, aiming to equal or surpass their best-ever U-17 World Cup finish — fourth place in the 1991 edition.Fans can purchase FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar tickets at: www.roadtoqatar.qa. Tickets will be available as a Day Pass for QR 20, which will enable fans to attend multiple matches a day as well as cultural and entertainment activities in the Fan Zones.Fans can also purchase a Prime Pass, which will enable them to reserve seats for high demand matches. Supporters of the Qatar national team can avail the Follow My Team ticket, which will enable them to attend all matches of the Qatari U-17 team during the group stage. Disabled fans can request accessible tickets by emailing: [email protected] 2025 edition marks the first of five consecutive FIFA U-17 World Cups that Qatar will host through 2029, reflecting the nation's long-term commitment to developing youth football globally and cementing its status as a leading sports destination. For tournament updates, follow @u17worldcupqa on all major social media platforms.For the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 match schedule, visit: www.roadtoqatar.qa. Download the RoadtoQatar app to view, manage and transfer purchased tickets. The app, now available on iOS and Android, is mandatory for venue entry during the tournament.

The Austrian and Costa Rican U-17 teams arrived at Hamad International Airport yesterday ahead of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025, making Austria the first nation to touch down in Doha for the highly anticipated youth tournament. Austria has been drawn into Group L alongside Mali, New Zealand and Saudi Arabia. The team will begin their campaign on 5 November against AFC U-17 Asian Cup runners-up, Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, Costa Rica drawn into Group C with Senegal, Croatia and the United Arab Emirates, will play their first match on 3 November against the AFC U-17 Asian Cup quarterfinalists, the United Arab Emirates. The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 will run from 3-27 November at Aspire Zone's state-of-the-art Competition Complex, featuring multiple pitches designed to create a festival-like atmosphere. The tournament represents a historic milestone as the first-ever 48-team World Cup , featuring young talent from across the globe competing for the coveted trophy. The Final will take place at FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 venue Khalifa International Stadium on 27 November at 7:00 PM.

Qatar will host the 20th edition of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 for the first time, from Nov. 3–27, with the participation of 48 teams, also for the first time in the tournament's history. The FIFA Council has decided to grant the State of Qatar the right to host the next five editions of the FIFA U-17 World Cup, which will be held annually from 2025 to 2029.With this, Qatar becomes the 20th country in history to host the U-17 World Cup, a tournament that began in 1985, four decades ago, when China organized the first edition featuring 16 teams.The tournament was first held by FIFA under the name FIFA U-16 World Championship, before being renamed the U-17 World Championship in 1991, and later, in 2007, taking its current name, the FIFA U-17 World Cup.Throughout its history, the tournament has witnessed significant development in both the number of participating teams and the scale of competition. It began in 1985 with 16 teams divided into four groups, before expanding to 24 teams starting with the 2007 edition held in South Korea.Nigeria won the first edition, defeating West Germany 2-0 in the final. Canada hosted the second edition in 1987, where the Soviet Union claimed the title by beating Nigeria on penalties (4-2) after a 1-1 draw in regular and extra time.The third edition was hosted by Scotland, and it saw the Saudi Arabian national team become the first Arab team to win the title, defeating the hosts on penalties (5-4) after a 2-2 draw in regular and extra time.The tournament continued with the fourth edition held in Italy in 1991, where Ghana won the title by defeating Spain 1-0 in the final. Japan hosted the fifth edition in 1993, with Nigeria winning the title for the second time, this time overcoming Ghana 2-1 in the final.The tournament moved to Ecuador in 1995, where Ghana won the title for the second time in its history, defeating Brazil 3-2 in the final. Then, in 1997, Egypt became the first Arab country to host the finals, with Brazil claiming the title by defeating Ghana 2-1 in the final match.The competition then headed to New Zealand in 1999, where Brazil successfully defended its title, overcoming Australia in the final via penalty shootout (8-7) after a goalless draw in regular and extra time.In 2001, Trinidad and Tobago hosted the ninth edition of the FIFA U-17 World Cup, with France winning its first title by defeating Nigeria 3-0 in the final.Finland hosted the tenth edition in 2003, where Brazil claimed its third title, defeating Spain 1-0 in the final.The eleventh edition was held in Peru in 2005, and Mexico claimed its first-ever title after a commanding 3-0 victory over Brazil in the final.In 2007, the 12th edition of the FIFA U-17 World Cup was held in South Korea, where Nigeria claimed its third title, defeating Spain in the final via penalty shootout (3-0) after a goalless draw in regular and extra time.The 13th edition took place in Nigeria in 2009, where Switzerland won the title for the first time in its debut appearance by defeating the host nation 1-0 in the final.Mexico hosted the 14th edition, and the home team won the title for the second time, defeating Uruguay 2-0 in the final.In 2013, the United Arab Emirates became the second Arab country to host the tournament, staging the 15th edition, in which Nigeria won its fourth title, defeating Mexico 3-0 in the final.Nigeria further strengthened its record, raising its total titles to five, after winning the 16th edition in Chile in 2015, defeating Mali 2-0 in the final.India hosted the 17th edition in 2017, which saw England crowned champions for the first time after a 5-2 victory over Spain in the final.In 2019, Brazil won the 18th edition on home soil, defeating Mexico 2-0 in the final to claim its fourth title.The 19th edition of the FIFA U-17 World Cup was held in Indonesia in 2023, where Germany captured its first-ever title, defeating France in the final via penalty shootout (4-2) after a 2-2 draw in regular and extra time.

Lionel Messi, still chasing international glory nearly two decades into his career, says he hopes to play at the 2026 World Cup in North America, acknowledging his age and fitness will dictate his role in defending Argentina’s 2022 title.The Argentine great recently extended his contract with Major League Soccer side Inter Miami through 2028, signalling he is not yet considering retirement despite turning 39 next June. Speaking to NBC News, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner said he will take time next year to assess his physical condition before deciding whether to play in the tournament across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.“It’s something extraordinary to be able to be in a World Cup, and I would love to,” the Argentine captain said in the interview.“I would like to be there, to be well and be an important part of helping my team, if I am there. I’m going to assess that on a day-to-day basis when I start preseason next year with Inter (and see if I can really be 100%, if I can be useful and then make a decision.“I’m really eager because it’s a World Cup. We’re coming off winning the last one, and being able to defend it on the field again is spectacular because it’s always a dream to play with the national team.”Messi has enjoyed a professional career spanning more than 20 years, debuting for Barcelona at just 17 in 2004 before playing for Paris St Germain and joining Inter Miami in 2023. He sparked fresh interest in the American league in a critical moment for the sport in North America ahead of hosting next year’s World Cup.While Messi has amassed countless club and individual accolades, international success had eluded him until claiming the 2021 Copa America before beating France 4-2 on penalties to win the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.“It was the dream of my life,” Messi said of the victory. “It was also true that it was the only thing missing at a professional level because I had been lucky enough to have achieved everything at an individual level, at a team level with Barcelona, and I think that’s every player’s dream. When you ask a player what their dream is, it’s to be world champion.”Messi said he is enjoying his time in MLS. “The truth is that I like everything about living here,” Messi said of Miami. “I spent a lot of time in Barcelona, which for me is an extraordinary city, where I grew up and had many spectacular moments, and which we miss a lot. But Miami is a city that allows us to live very well, that makes us enjoy life, that allows us to be calm, that allows the kids to be themselves and live day to day.”Messi has played in 195 matches and scored a record 114 goals for his country. A return for the 2026 World Cup would mark his sixth appearance in the tournament.

South African skipper Donovan Ferreira said his team will speed up preparation for next year’s Twenty20 World Cup, with the series against Pakistan starting in Rawalpindi from Tuesday.South Africa finished runners-up to India in the 2024 Twenty20 World Cup, and will be among the favourites for the coming edition which India and Sri Lanka co-host in February-March.Ferreira said Monday that this week’s three-match series provides an ideal opportunity.“It is important to build up towards the World Cup,” he said. “I think this is the big stepping stone for us towards the World Cup.”South Africa will miss David Miller - announced captain for this series but ruled out with injury - as well as Gerald Coetzee and Kwena Maphaka, who are both injured.They have rested regular T20I skipper Aiden Markram, batters Tristan Stubbs and Ryan Rickelton, and spearhead Kagiso Rabada.Despite less experience in the side and losing to Namibia earlier this month, Ferreira hopes his team will play an aggressive brand of cricket.“The Namibia game is past now and I think we need to play an explosive brand of cricket with the bat or with the ball, as we have got exciting players in the side.”Pakistan skipper Salman Agha also sees the series as an opportunity to build towards the World Cup.“We need to further our preparations and overcome the mistakes we committed in the Asia Cup,” said Agha of the regional event last month where they finished runners-up to India.Agha said he was excited to see star batter Babar Azam back in the T20I side for the first time since December 2024.“Babar is a world class player and he will benefit our team with his batting,” said Agha.“We have good batters and bowlers in the side so we need to build up towards the World Cup.”The remaining two matches are on Friday and Saturday, both in Lahore.

The Qatar Football Association has announced the national squad for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025, which will take place from November 3 to 27 at Aspire Academy venues and Khalifa International Stadium.This year's tournament marks a historic expansion, with 48 teams competing for the first time in a FIFA youth event, playing 104 matches over 25 days.Qatar will also host five consecutive editions of the competition through 2029, as the event becomes an annual fixture instead of being held every two years.Qatar has been drawn into Group A alongside Italy, South Africa, and Bolivia.Head coach Alvaro Mejia has selected a 21-player squad, including goalkeepers Ahmed Saber, Khaled Shukri, and Abdulrahman Khalid. Other key players include Tamim Al Qadi, Adam Riyadh, Zaid Faisal, Sultan Al Abdulrahman, Saud Al Hamad, Issa Waleed, Saifuddin Ahmed, Sheikh Mohammed, Abdulaziz Younes, Omar Al Marzouqi, Faisal Saeed, Karam Hadi, Malik Majed, Mohammed Akram, Mostafa Khalid, Muhannad Jamil, Mohammed Abdulrahman, and Yazan Hani.Qatar's campaign begins against Italy on November 3, followed by South Africa on November 6, and Bolivia on November 9 in their final group-stage match.

Wendeson Wanderley Santos de Melo – better known as Dell – wears the mantle of comparison with a maturity that belies his age. Dubbed the Hinterland Haaland, or the Haaland of the Sertão, in reference to his backcountry roots in north-eastern Brazil, the teenage sensation is unfazed by being measured against one of the most formidable goalscorers the game has ever seen.In the lead-up to Brazil’s campaign at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025, Dell spoke exclusively to FIFA and revealed his admiration for his Norwegian counterpart.“Haaland is the player I look up to the most,” he said. “Whenever I can, I make time to watch his matches and videos, observing his behaviour both on and off the pitch. I study his positioning and movement in and around the box.”Though some may have dismissed the comparison, Dell prefers to embrace it, fuelling his inspiration to narrow the gap between himself and his idol.“I like the nickname because he’s someone I admire – I’m used to it now.”It is more than Dell’s physical traits that have drawn comparisons to Haaland – he plays like him too. The Bahia sharpshooter is a natural goalscorer, combining explosive speed with a cool head in front of goal, especially when it matters most. In 2023, he bagged 40 goals in 34 outings for Bahia’s U-17s, paving the way for him to step up to the U-20s and then the senior side.The South American U-17 Championship also bore witness to his brilliance earlier this year. He delivered when the Seleção needed him most, netting the only goal of the game against Chile in the semi-finals. He was then handed the responsibility of taking the decisive spot-kick in the final shootout against Colombia, which he dispatched with trademark composure.“There’s actually no big secret,” he laughed “It’s the result of a lot of hard work, both here at Bahia and with the national team. It’s important to always have faith, ambition and joy. The goals I scored were crucial in helping us reach the final and clinch the title. I’m so grateful, because even when times got tough I never lost faith and always trusted that we’d pull through.”Dell will now have the opportunity to strut his stuff at the on the global stage, having been called up by coach Dudu Patetuci. Brazil kick off their campaign against Honduras on 4 November.“Playing for Brazil is another dream come true," he continued."We won the South American title – now it’s time to go for the World Cup. I’m truly honoured and delighted to be playing for my country.”It is the first time that three Bahia players have been called up to represent the Canarinho at a global showpiece. Dell will be joined in Qatar by fellow forward Ruan Pablo and goalkeeper Arthur Jampa.“It’s also special to be representing the national team alongside two of my club team-mates, Jampa and Ruan Pablo," he stated. "We’ll be going for the title with Brazil after working together every day at Bahia. We trust in the coaching staff and want to make our fans proud by being good ambassadors for Brazilian football and Bahia.”This will be the biggest U-17 World Cup ever, with 48 teams set to compete for the coveted crown, and the final set for Khalifa International Stadium, one of the venues used at FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. While keeping his feet on the ground, Dell is dreaming big and hoping to make it all the way to the decider.“(Playing at Khalifa International Stadium) is an added incentive for us – FIFA nailed it with that one," he said. "It’s special to be able to play in a stadium where some of the world’s greatest stars have featured at the World Cup.“We all dream of one day playing for the senior national team. Doing well at this World Cup would bring that dream ever closer. Pulling on the shirt of the world’s greatest national team would undoubtedly be a huge privilege.”

Only 10 days remain for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025, which will see 48 teams from across the globe convene in Qatar from November 3-27 to compete for the coveted trophy.All eyes will be on Qatar, as the country gets set to host the youth tournament for the first time. The hosts will be looking to improve on their best finish, when they claimed fourth place in the 1991 edition of the tournament that took place in Italy – becoming the first Qatari team to reach the Third-Place Playoff.Jassim al-Tamimi, who captained the 1991 U-17 team at the time, recounts the country’s historic achievement 34 years ago and the significance that the tournament continues to hold for young players.“My beginnings were like any Qatari youth, playing football in the neighbourhood. When I was selected to be part of the team for the 1991 U-17 World Cup, it was a dream come true,” said al-Tamimi, who eventually played for the Qatar senior national team from 1996–2004.During the 1991 tournament, al-Tamimi’s squad was drawn into Group B, alongside Australia, Congo and Mexico. After a slow start with a 0-0 draw against Congo, and a 1-0 defeat to Mexico, al-Tamimi’s winning goal in the 76th minute against Australia, launched the Young Maroons out of the group stage.The team would go on to beat the USA in the quarter-finals, before losing to eventual champions Ghana in a penalty shootout in the semi-finals. Despite narrowly losing to Argentina in the third-place Playoff, the Young Maroons made history by finishing fourth in the tournament.“We became the first Qatari team in the youth category to make it to this stage. This was a tremendous achievement. The joy was indescribable and the whole country was celebrating with us. This experience became the gateway to my football career,” said al-Tamimi, who went on to achieve 100 caps for his country.With Qatar now set to make its eighth appearance at the tournament, a new generation of players will be looking to make the country proud. Hosts Qatar have been drawn into Group A, alongside Italy, South Africa and Bolivia, and will play their first match against Italy on November 3, 6:45pm.“Playing in the U-17 World Cup will be an unforgettable experience for our young players. I hope it becomes a wonderful memory for them, just like it was for me. It is an honour for any player to represent their national team at the highest level,” said al-Tamimi.“Hosting tournaments such as the World Cup in Qatar will serve as a launch point for emerging talents and future stars. Qatar has already surpassed many developed football nations in terms of its sporting infrastructure and organisational abilities. It is now time for our young players to put Qatar amongst the top-ranked teams in the world,” he added.The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025, taking place at the state-of-the-art Competition Complex at Aspire Zone, will see as many as eight matches a day, for a total of 104 matches. The final will take place on November 27, 7pm, at Khalifa International Stadium.Fans can purchase tickets at: www.roadtoqatar.qa Tickets are available as a Day Pass, which will enable fans to attend multiple matches a day as well as cultural and entertainment activities taking place around matches, in what will be an electrifying football festival-like atmosphere.Fans can also purchase a Prime Pass, which will enable them to reserve seats for high demand matches. Supporters of the Qatar national team can avail the Follow My Team ticket, which will enable them to attend all matches of the Qatari U-17 team during the group stage.All tickets will be digital and will include wheelchair accessible seating options for disabled fans.The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar is the first of five consecutive editions that Qatar will be hosting. As the first FIFA World Cup to feature 48 teams, this will be the biggest-ever edition of the youth tournament that saw the likes of Gianluigi Buffon, Luis Figo, Xavi Hernandez, Eden Hazard, Andres Iniesta, Neymar, Ronaldinho, Son Heung-min and Francesco Totti appear on the world stage for the first time.Qatar’s spectacular line-up of mega-sporting events will kick off with the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar from November 3-27, followed by the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar from December 1-18. In addition, the country is also set to host the second edition of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025, which will take place on December 10, 13 and 17.

A torrential downpour once again called the tune in Colombo as the Women's Cricket World Cup fixture between Pakistan and Sri Lanka was abandoned after just 4.2 overs on Friday.Heavy rain refused to relent, leaving players and fans drenched in disappointment. It was the last game in the Colombo leg of the tournament.Of the 11 matches staged in the Sri Lankan capital, five ended in no-results, forcing teams to split points.Several other games too were rain-disrupted, prompting questions as to whether Colombo's monsoon-prone month was the right window to stage a global event.Both Pakistan and Sri Lanka have borne the brunt of inclement weather, with three of their seven outings each washed down the drain.On Friday, the toss was delayed by more than three hours and the game was trimmed to 34 overs per side.Pakistan had reached 18 without loss when the heavens opened again. Despite the tireless efforts of the ground staff, match officials finally threw in the towel at 8:00 pm local time with parts of the outfield still under water.Sri Lanka climbed to fifth in the points table with five points, courtesy of one win and a point each from their three washed out games.They will stay there if England defeat New Zealand on Sunday, ensuring the islanders finish above the White Ferns. It's a commendable outcome for a side that had failed to qualify for the previous World Cup in New Zealand in 2022."We cannot control the weather. It has been very disappointing. We came into this tournament with lots of hope as we had beaten teams like India, New Zealand and South Africa in the recent past. But not much went our way in this campaign," Sri Lanka's captain Chamari Athapaththu said.Pakistan ended their campaign without a single win, finishing in seventh place, one ahead of Bangladesh in the eight nation competition with all their points coming through rain affected games."The weather didn't go in our favour. ICC must look into the best venues for World Cups. We are waiting for four years for a World Cup and it's disappointing to finish like this," Pakistan captain Fatima Sana said.

The Qatar International Baja will be the penultimate round of the FIM Bajas World Cup on November 6th-8th. While competitors in the FIA World Baja Cup wait for the outcome of this weekend’s Baja Portalegre 500 in Portugal before the latest championship standings are known before the Lusail-based event, riders competing in the FIM category are already making final preparations for their title-deciding rounds in Qatar and Dubai.This year’s FIM Bajas World Cup is being fought out over just seven counting rounds after the Hungarian Baja pulled out of the series in August. Action began across the deserts of north-central Saudi Arabia for the Hail Baja at the start of February and then moved on to the narrow and twisty gravel tracks of Portugal for the Baja Escuderia Castelo Branco in wet conditions.British rider Alex McInnes claimed his maiden win on the series opener and then Junior rider Martin Ventura got the better of Jorge Brandao and Paulo Cardoso to win in Portugal.MX Ride Dubai’s Mohammed al-Balooshi then confirmed his fifth victory at the Jordan Baja in April, an event that was held across the spectacular desert terrain of Wadi Rum in the south of the Hashemite Kingdom. That victory pushed the defending champion into title contention.The series then returned to Europe for back-to-back Bajas in Spain. Professional Honda rider Tosha Schareina overcame tricky muddy conditions to get the better of Javi Vega at the Baja TT Dehesa Extremadura at the start of May. Lorenzo Santolino then guided his Sherco to victory over Neels Theric and Vega in the Teruel-based Baja Spain Aragón in the heat of the Spanish summer.Entries closed Wednesday for the event being organised by the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) and the final lists will be announced on October 29th.But Dubai-based al-Balooshi is expected to take the start with a nine-point advantage over his Lebanese team-mate Rafic Eid in the overall 450cc riders’ championship. Vega is third in the rankings, ahead of Brandao, Cardoso and a tying Santolino, Schareina, Ventura and McInnes. Tragically, Brandao lost his life while competing at the recent W2RC event in Morocco. Rafic Eid leads the Veterans’ category by six points from al-Balooshi.The FIM Bajas World Cup also has a well-supported Ladies’ category. Alona Ben Natan leads the way on 58 points and has an eight-point cushion over Spaniard Sara Garcia Alvarez. Equador’s Maria Taranto is third, five points in front of Sarah Khuraibet from Kuwait. Kove Factory Racing’s Lili-may Mansuy and the Duust Rally Team’s Joanna Modrzewska are also in the points’ hunt.Polish rider Konrad Dabrowksi won the Qatar International Baja outright on two wheels in 2022 and 2023. He currently trails Spain’s Victor Manuel Moya Aguilera by 13 points in the race to become the leading Junior rider in 2025. Dabrowski rides for the Duust Rally Team and is tied in second place in the standings with Jordan’s Abdullah Al-Batayneh, Ventura and McInnes.Experienced Saudi rider Hani al-Noumesi won last year’s Qatar International Baja in the quad category and has a 16-point advantage in the FIM’s quad standings over Frenchman Antoine Sanchez and Portugal’s Fernando Jorge Sampaio.Frenchman Jerome Connart and the Saudi duo of Haitham al-Tuwaijri and Abdulaziz al-Shayban are also in the hunt. Administration and technical scrutineering will be based at Qatar’s Lusail International Circuit on Tuesday, November 4th with re-scrutineering for any FIA vehicles on Wednesday, November 5th.Competitive action will then take centre stage from Thursday, November 6th through to Saturday, November 8th over a total route of 773.83km and 453.21 competitive kilometres.