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Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) crowned winners in the Family Fun Run and the Women’s 3x3 Basketball Tournament as part of the 12th edition of the Ramadan Sports Festival 2026, transforming Aspire Park into a lively hub of community sport under the evening lights. Organised in partnership with the Qatar Sports for All Federation, the Family Fun Run took place from 9pm to 11pm and drew participants from across the community in an atmosphere that reflected the spirit of Ramadan while promoting physical activity as a year-round lifestyle.**media[421222]**The free event, open to all through the QSFA application, featured 1km and 3km races and concluded with an awards ceremony honouring standout performances and strong displays of sportsmanship. In the men’s 3km race for participants aged 18 and above, Zakaria Graham claimed first place, followed by Faisal Yousuf and Nayef al-Shammari.Ajiol Khabibulina led the women’s 3km category, with Rancy Iyaga finishing second and Zain Othman third. In the boys’ 13+ race, Arjan Rakesh secured first place ahead of Yousef Jamal and Nasser al-Khaja. The ceremony was attended by AZF and Qatar Sports for All Federation officials, underscoring the collaborative effort behind the event.**media[421223]**The festival continues to strengthen its standing as one of Qatar’s leading Ramadan community initiatives, blending sport and entertainment in a setting that encourages participation and social connection. Beach volleyball competitions begin today at 9pm on the sand court at Aspire Academy and will run until February 28.**media[421224]**The Women’s 3x3 Basketball Tournament, held at the Ladies Sports Hall on February 24 and 25, concluded with Al Gharafa 1 taking the title after a 21–12 victory over Al Mohariboon in the final. Eman Jalali of Al Gharafa was named Best Player of the Tournament. Al Mohariboon had reached the final after defeating Al Wahda Third 17–9, while Al Gharafa advanced with a dominant 16–2 win over Al Ghorban A. The awards ceremony was attended by senior AZF representatives.Competition remains intense in the Embassies Football Tournament, staged at Pitch No. 4 from February 22 to March 6, featuring 24 teams divided into eight groups. On the fourth matchday, Oman defeated South Africa 6–1, Chad edged Mali 6–5, and India recorded a 12–3 win over Finland. The preliminary round continues until March 1, followed by knockout stages leading to the final on March 6.Meanwhile, the Aspire Sponsors Football Championship 2025 is underway at Pitch No. 5, with Al Waha and Ashghal 1 opening their campaigns with convincing victories as the group stage progresses. 

Athletes from five disability categories competed in a special needs table tennis tournament at Aspire Zone this Ramadan, highlighting Qatar’s commitment to inclusive sport, safety and community empowerment.A special needs table tennis competition held at Aspire Zone, as part of the annual Ramadan Sports Festival, has drawn increased participation this year, underlining Qatar’s focus on inclusion and accessible community sport.The event, hosted by Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) in collaboration with the Qatar Paralympic Committee, brought together athletes from five disability categories: deaf, blind, sitting mobility, standing mobility and mental mobility.“We do our best to accommodate all five disabilities at the same time,” said Noha Tawfiq, senior events production member and member of the Ramadan Sports Festival Committee at AZF.Tawfiq explained that specialised adaptations are introduced to ensure accessibility for all participants. “We are using this special table for the blind that depends on the hearing where they can use their hearing ability to play and to score,” she said, noting that different formats of table tennis are designed to suit each category.The festival has been running inclusive sporting activities for more than a decade. “We have been doing this for more than 10 years. We have very special attention for the special needs community,” Tawfiq said.Addressing parental concerns, she emphasised strict safety measures. “They’re doing the sports under the supervision of Aspire Team as well as the Qatar Paralympic Committee and all the safety measures are being dealt with very, very accurately to make sure that they are safe and not only safe but happy”.Organisers say the psychological impact is equally significant, noting that “it’s a very important feeling that these people feel that they are heroes and that they win and that they are accepted by the community, just like normal individuals,” Tawfiq added.Hussain Alhaddad, member of the Federation for Special Needs and competition manager at Aspire, said the tournament is a regular Ramadan fixture and noted that participation has grown.While athletes with disabilities compete in multiple sports, including goalball, athletics and football, he described table tennis as particularly accessible.“For table tennis, this is a very easy match for them, a very easy game. That’s why we make it every year,” he said.Alhaddad stressed the rehabilitative and social value of sport. “The sport is very important because they will move their body... for rehabilitation and also to release their stress,” he said. “They will feel like they are one of this community. They can play, they can do everything.”He encouraged families to engage with structured sporting pathways. “If anybody knows someone with special needs, he can send him to our federation for sports for special needs and register him, and also let him be part of this community,” he said.As Ramadan continues, organisers say the message is clear: inclusive sport is not only about competition, but about belonging, dignity and creating heroes within the community. 

With a vibrant Ramadan atmosphere, the competitions of the Ramadan Sports Festival 2026, organised by the Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF), officially kicked off Sunday.The festival, taking place daily until March 6, from 8pm to midnight, features a comprehensive programme of tournaments and competitions hosted across the AZF’s various venues, reflecting the growing sporting and community engagement witnessed at Aspire Zone year after year.The event aligns with the AZF’s strategy to promote physical activity and foster a healthy lifestyle during the holy month of Ramadan.It offers a comprehensive sporting experience that combines fair competition, community participation, and family engagement, in line with the foundation’s sporting and humanitarian mission since its establishment.The strong launch of the competitions highlighted the significant interest the event enjoys among both participants and spectators, driven by the diversity of tournaments and the wide range of targeted categories.The festival serves as an inclusive platform that brings together diverse segments of society.Spanning 12 consecutive days, the festival features 11 sports and fitness events targeting men, women, youth, and persons with disabilities – reflecting its diversity and inclusivity across both competitive and community-based sports.The programme includes the “Embassies” and “Aspetar” football tournaments, men’s, women’s, and youth basketball competitions, table tennis for persons with disabilities, swimming competitions at the Hamad Aquatic Centre, Aspire Academy’s beach volleyball tournament at the academy’s outdoor courts, the women’s padel tournament at Padel In courts, and the women’s futsal championship.The festival programme also features the Family Night Run, organised in co-operation with the Qatar Sports for All Federation at Aspire Park, which adds a strong community dimension and reinforces the concept of sport as a lifestyle that brings families together in a healthy and safe environment.The “Embassies” Football Tournament has attracted wide attention.Its matches are held at Pitch No. 5 from February 22 to March 6, with the participation of 24 teams divided into eight groups.In basketball, the men’s tournament kicked off Sunday and continues today (February 23) at the Ladies Sports Hall, followed by the women’s tournament on February 24-25.Youth competitions run from February 26 to March 1.Swimming competitions are hosted at the Hamad Aquatic enter on February 26.The Table Tennis Championship for Persons with Disabilities is scheduled for February 24, reaffirming the festival’s inclusive and community-oriented dimension.The men’s hockey tournament runs on February 23-25, followed by the women’s hockey tournament from February 28 to March 2.The Family Night Run will take place on February 25 at Aspire Park in collaboration with the Qatar Sports for All Federation.Aspire Academy’s Beach Volleyball Tournament will be held on February 27-28 at the academy’s outdoor beach courts.The women’s padel tournament runs from February 28 to March 2, and the festival concludes with the Women’s Futsal Championship on March 4-6 at the Ladies Sports Hall – reflecting the richness of the programme, the diversity of its activities, and the broad community participation in a distinctive sporting atmosphere. 

The 12th edition of the “Ramadan Sports Festival 2026,” organized by Aspire Zone Foundation, will kick off on Sunday evening, February 22, 2026, the festival has established itself as one of Qatar’s leading Ramadan sporting events.  The festival will start from February 22 to March 6, 2026, daily from 8pm until midnight, featuring a comprehensive program of championships and activities across the foundation’s various venues. The festival is organised in line with the foundation’s strategy to promote physical activity and encourage a healthy lifestyle during the holy month. It offers a fully integrated sporting experience that combines fair competition with community engagement, reflecting the sporting and humanitarian values that Aspire Zone has upheld since its inception. Spanning 12 consecutive days, the festival includes 11 sports and fitness events targeting various age groups and interests, highlighting diversity and openness to both competitive and community-based sports. The programme features football tournaments — “Embassies” and “Aspetar” — in addition to basketball competitions for men, women, and youth; table tennis for people with disabilities; swimming competitions at the Hamad Aquatic Centre; Aspire Academy’s beach volleyball championship on the academy’s outdoor courts; a women’s padel tournament at Padel In Courts; and a women’s futsal championship. The programme also includes the Night Family Run, organised in cooperation with the Qatar Sports for All Federation at Aspire Park, adding a strong community dimension that encourages family participation and reinforces the concept of sport as a way of life. The opening chapter of the festival will feature the “Embassies” football tournament at Pitch No 5, from February 22 to March 6, with the participation of 24 teams divided into eight groups, reflecting remarkable cultural diversity and international representation. Group One includes South America, Tanzania, and Senegal; Group Two includes South Africa, Spain, and Oman; Group Three includes Chad, Jordan, and Mali; Group Four includes Finland, Algeria, and India; Group Five includes Syria, Ghana, and Thailand; Group Six includes Togo, Russia, and Iraq; Group Seven includes Sudan, Eritrea, and Somalia; and Group Eight includes Iran, Egypt, and Malaysia. The opening day will feature three strong matches: South America vs Tanzania at 9pm (Group One), followed by South Africa vs Spain at 10pm (Group Two), and Chad vs Jordan at 11pm (Group Three). The preliminary round matches will continue until March 1. The Round of 16 will take place on March 2 and 3, followed by the quarterfinals on March 4 and the semifinals on March 5. The championship will conclude with the final match on March 6 in a highly anticipated Ramadan evening for football fans. In this context, Nasser Abdullah al-Hajri, Chief Marketing officer at Aspire Zone Foundation, said: “At Aspire Zone Foundation, we take pride in the Ramadan Sports Festival becoming an annual gathering point for different segments of the community in a refined sporting atmosphere that reflects the spirit of the holy month. Organising the 12th consecutive edition embodies our strategic commitment to promoting physical activity and establishing a healthy lifestyle, not only during Ramadan but throughout the year.**media[419513]**“This year, we ensured a diverse program featuring 11 sports and fitness events to guarantee broader participation across different segments of society — men, women, youth, people with disabilities, and families. Our goal is for Aspire Zone to remain an open space for all and a platform where sport meets community and humanitarian values.” Al-Hajri added: “We believe that sport is a universal language that unites nations. The Ramadan Sports Festival is a living embodiment of this concept, bringing together diverse cultures under the umbrella of fair competition and mutual respect. We look forward to an exceptional edition that further strengthens the festival’s position as one of Qatar’s premier Ramadan events.” Aspire Zone Foundation remains committed to providing an integrated sporting environment in terms of infrastructure, organisation, and technical standards, ensuring an outstanding experience for participants and spectators alike, and reinforcing the festival’s status as a key annual event in Qatar’s Ramadan sports calendar.

Celebrating Qatar’s commitment to fitness, unity, and well-being, the country marks National Sport Day Tuesday under the theme ‘I Chose Sport’, with a vibrant lineup of activities energising communities across the nation.From ministries and major institutions to private companies, thousands of residents and families are set to take part in a full day of sporting events that highlight the importance of an active lifestyle for all.Since 2012, the second Tuesday of February is marked annually as the National Sport Day, encouraging everyone to participate in sporting activities. The major purpose of observing such a day is to promote sports and to educate the local population on ways to reduce health risks associated with an inactive lifestyle.This year’s activities are being held at major and iconic locations across the country such as Aspire Zone, Education City of Qatar Foundation, Qatar University, FIFA World Cup stadiums, University of Doha for Science and Technology, Lusail, Al Bidda, Katara Cultural Village, Old Doha Port, The Pearl, Msheireb among others. Activities at most venues will begin from early morning and will last through the afternoon.High profile participation is expected at several venues of the events including ministers and several other dignitaries. It will also see thousands of community members engaging in many sports items making it a day to be emulated all through the year and beyond. Activities range from football to basketball, tennis to taekwondo, cycling to swimming with lot of fun and social competitions.The Ministry of Interior, in collaboration with Lekhwiya, Media City Qatar and Visit Qatar, will hold the activities at Stadium 974. The event will feature 13 dedicated zones and at the event, Media City Qatar will showcase its ‘Esports Village’ and will launch a new mobile game, Khawi at its dedicated zone.Qatar Foundation’s National Sport Day activities will bring the whole community together to explore Education City’s world-class sport programmes, venues, and facilities. Education City Stadium will serve as the hub for women’s and girls’ sport, offering a wide range of female only activities in a welcoming and inclusive environment.The major attractions at QF Sport Day celebration are: Education City Run-Colour Edition’, Education City Mountain Bike Trail Race, Qatar Cyclists Tour among others. All the events will take place from 7am-3pm and the senior leadership of QF will lead the day’s proceedings. In addition, it will be a car-free day at the Education City encouraging everyone to engage in physical activities.At Aspire Zone several leading organisations will take part in the activities and they include the Ministry of Public Health, Ministry of Sports and Youth, Ministry of Transport, Hamad Medical Corporation and Primary Health Care Corporation among others.The day is also viewed as an opportunity to bring communities closer together through sport, based on the sporting principles of team building, inclusion and unity, participation, fitness and health.Along with the extensive sporting events across the country, National Sport Day also focuses on Qatari culture acting as a reminder of Qatar’s ancient sporting heritage and the role it has played in the country’s most recent developments. 

Aspire Zone Park has witnessed one of the most prominent youth sporting events that reflects Qatar’s commitment to supporting modern sports and physical fitness, with the recent conclusion of the 3rd “Meras 3 Seashore” Calisthenics Championship.The championship was supported by the Seashore Group as the Main Sponsor, the Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) as the Platinum Sponsor, Gulf Colours as the Gold Sponsor, and Mazzraty, Oakberry, and Peninsular as Bronze Sponsors, under the supervision of Kallos Fitness, highlighting the combined efforts of several institutions in supporting youth and sports in Qatar.The championship featured intense competition for the title of best athletes in two categories: Lightweight (under 68kg) and Heavyweight (over 68kg).Competitors demonstrated high levels of skill in exercises, such as push-ups, pull-ups, squats, muscle-ups, in addition to the 40kg dips exercise, which combines strength with precision performance.A total of 43 Qatari athletes competed for the championship titles in both weight categories.In the Lightweight category, Abdulaziz al-Hassawi secured first place and won a cash prize of QR50,000, followed by Nasser Flamrzi in second place with QR25,000, and Faraj al-Marri in third place with QR15,000.In the Heavyweight category, Abdulrahman al-Maadhadi claimed first place with a prize of QR50,000, Yousuf al-Balushi finished second with QR25,000, while Abdullah al-Musallih secured third place with QR15,000.Ahmed Mohammed al-Hassan, the Events & Venues director at Aspire Zone Foundation, stated: “Aspire Zone Foundation seeks to provide an ideal environment for high-quality sporting events by offering modern infrastructure and logistical services that enable participants to perform at their best.”“We recognise that calisthenics represents a unique training style that integrates strength, flexibility, and balance, while promoting a healthy lifestyle,” he said. “Supporting it aligns with our vision of building a well-rounded athletic generation.”“Our sponsorship of the third edition of the ‘Meras 3 Seashore’ Championship reaffirms our ongoing commitment to supporting Qatari youth and promoting a culture of sports within the community,” said Seashore Group chief executive Salem Saeed al-Muhannadi. “We witnessed strong youth participation and a large audience turnout, reflecting growing awareness of the importance of sports in enhancing public health and building character.”“’Meras 3 Seashore’ Championship marked a significant milestone for calisthenics in Qatar,” said Kallos Fitness director Omar al-Emadi. “Calisthenics offers a unique training model based on bodyweight exercises, meeting the growing demand among youth for sports that combine fitness, skill, and flexibility.” 

Subsidiaries of Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF), in collaboration with the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), signed a two-year strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Tuesday, February 3, at Web Summit Qatar, aimed at enhancing cooperation to support and develop the sports sector in Qatar.The MoU seeks to advance the sports complex and sports business accelerator, while attracting local and international companies operating in the sports sector. The collaboration is designed to expand business opportunities and strengthen investment in this vital field, contributing to the growth of Qatar’s sports economy.The agreement was signed by Ali Abdulla Al-Mutawaa, Chief of Business Development and Enterprise Management Officer at AZF; Mansoor Rashid Al Khater, CEO of QFC; Nasser Al Taweel, Deputy CEO and Chief Legal Officer at QFC; and Hanan Atwan Al Shammari, Strategic Partnership Director at AZF.Areas of cooperation include promoting joint projects and initiatives, as well as supporting the business and innovation ecosystem within the sports sector, in line with Qatar’s vision to strengthen the sports economy and develop sustainable investment opportunities. The collaboration forms part of broader national efforts to boost investment and foster economic growth through sports.The partnership reflects the commitment of both parties to supporting an integrated sports ecosystem and advancing Qatar’s vision for developing the sports sector in accordance with global best practices. Officials from both sides affirmed that the MoU represents an important step towards building sustainable strategic partnerships that support Qatar’s ambition to become a global hub for sports and investment.

Aspire Printing, Aspire City Advertising signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Teyseer Group Wednesday (December 10) aimed at enhancing institutional sustainability and increase the visibility of Teyseer Group’s brand identity and advertising campaigns across Aspire Zone. The MoU spans three years and reflects the commitment of all parties to strengthen long-term collaboration and achieve shared strategic objectives that support sustainable development and innovation within the Aspire Zone ecosystem. It also facilitates the optimal utilisation of advertising assets managed by Aspire Advertising, including digital screens and the Torch Hotel screen, to reach a wider audience and maximise media impact.**media[392155]**Additionally, the MoU ensures that Aspire Printing provides comprehensive and integrated printing services to Teyseer Group, directly contributing to operational sustainability and institutional efficiency within the Division’s entities. The agreement was signed in the presence of Ali Abdulla al-Mutawaa, Chief of Business Development and Enterprise Management Officer at Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF), general manager of Aspire City Projects, and CEO of Aspire City Advertising and Aspire Printing; Khalifa Abdulrahman al-Mannai, chairman of Teyseer Group; and Hanan Atwan al-Shammari, executive director of Strategic Partnerships, Business and Project Development Division, AZF. This strategic partnership reflects the commitment of all parties to develop a sustainable environment focused on innovation, providing integrated solutions, and fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors. It aligns with Qatar’s National Vision and contributes to enhancing quality of life, sports, and community engagement across the country. 

The Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) is preparing to host the 2025 Paralympic Day, an event aimed at empowering people with disabilities and offering them the opportunity to participate in a variety of sports activities that promote teamwork and positivity. The event, in collaboration with the Qatar Paralympic Federation for People with Disabilities and Qatar Stars League, will take place Wednesday at Aspire Dome’s Indoor Athletics Track from 9am-1pm, with the participation of around 250 participants from schools and centres across Qatar. Participants will engage in 15 sports activities designed to encourage interaction, build team spirit, and enjoy sports in an inclusive and safe environment. The activities include goalball for the visually impaired, table tennis for people with disabilities, obstacle course, javelin throw, tug-of-war, and parachute game. The event will also feature specialised sports activities for individuals with hearing and visual impairments, the deaf community, and those with physical disabilities. Through this initiative, the AZF reaffirms its commitment to supporting the Qatar National Vision 2030 by promoting the values of inclusivity and equality in sports, and by empowering all members of the community to engage in sports activities within a safe and motivating environment that encourages positive participation and social integration, a statement added. 

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.

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.