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As a first in football tournament history, the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™ Local Organising Committee (LOC) has offered a comprehensive programme to support football scouts in discovering stars of tomorrow at the premier youth competition taking place in Qatar.The programme offers football scouts a turnkey solution that includes travel, accommodation, as well as match tickets, allowing them to stay in a centralised location within walking distance from the tournament venue and be at the heart of the event. “This is an unprecedented level of service for football scouts in any tournament history.The LOC recognises the pivotal role of scouts in identifying young talents on the pitch and shaping their future. Our aim was to provide them with a tailored experience that allows them to focus solely on the game, and offer them the best conditions to scout the next talent, while we take care of all the logistical details related to their visit,” said Abdulla Al Saai, LOC Executive Director of Sports Management.More than 130 scouts from top international clubs are attending the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™, with the LOC providing dedicated services to streamline their experience at the tournament. A total of 104 matches are taking place across eight pitches of the Competition Complex in Aspire Zone, with up to eight matches a day during the ongoing group stage.The tournament’s one-of-a-kind centralised venue format has enabled scouts to attend multiple matches in a day and observe emerging talents up close from a single venue. “We are delighted to welcome scouts from all over the globe, which is reflective of the global diversity we are celebrating at the U-17 World Cup.We look forward to strengthening our relationship with them and understanding their requirements to further enrich their experience as Qatar prepares to host future editions of this prestigious tournament,” added Al Saai. This is the first FIFA World Cup™ to feature 48 teams, making it the biggest edition of the youth tournament. For Cole Bushue, Head of Academy Scouting at MLS side Chicago Fire, the tournament’s unique format has provided scouts access to a large pool of talents at a single venue. “This tournament is an important pathway for players to get into the first team. Having them all at one venue enables scouts to monitor talents easily as we look to bring them into the first team. We are able to move from pitch to pitch and observe players across multiple games, without having to commute from one venue to another.The pitches have great viewpoints, which help us in watching players closely. Our experience in Qatar has been incredible.” For Pedro Ferreirinha, a talent scout from French side AS Saint-Étienne, the tournament’s 48-team format has allowed him to observe different playing styles amongst young players and test their readiness: “We are witnessing talents from across the world. With diverse cultures and playing styles, this tournament allows us to assess how players cope in different environments.In addition to talent, it is important to assess young players’ attitude and competitive spirit on the pitch. This tournament has enabled us to watch a number of teams and matches, all at a single venue. These young players are having the opportunity to play in top-notch pitches and other sporting infrastructure in Qatar that are amongst the best in the world.”The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™ is the first of five consecutive editions that Qatar will be hosting. 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. Tickets can be purchased exclusively from www.roadtoqatar.qa. For tournament updates, follow @u17worldcupqa on all major social media platforms.

Football Legend Mikaël Silvestre has lauded the exceptional football experience and operational excellence at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025.Silvestre, a decorated former French international defender with more than 400 career appearances for Manchester United, Arsenal, Inter Milan and other elite clubs, was in Qatar to attend the historic first-ever 48-team youth tournament. "The quality of the football is quite intense. There's a lot of aggressiveness, the players are going for it. The group stage brings real pressure, and the quality is exceptional because you're watching the crème de la crème on the pitch"Yet it was the tournament’s seamless organisation that captured Silvestre's particular admiration: "From the venue to the infrastructure, especially for guests like me, the standard of organisation is fantastic. The players have everything in their favour to concentrate on football and shine on the global stage."Drawing on his experience witnessing the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Silvestre reflected on how Qatar's hosting capabilities have proven consistent: "During the World Cup in 2022, we were able to watch multiple games at different venues in a single day. The commute between stadiums, the quality of the pitches, the infrastructure, everything was seamless. When the U-17 World Cup was awarded to Qatar, I was genuinely pleased. For me, it's a win-win for everyone."The tournament, hosted across eight state-of-the-art pitches at the Competition Complex in Aspire Zone, underscores Qatar's ongoing commitment to youth development and its growing legacy as a premier international sports destination.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 will be contested, 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.

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.

When the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025™ kicks off later this year, it will mark another milestone in the tournament's status as a premier celebration of Arab football.Yet for Qatar-based fan leaders, the tournament's significance extends beyond the competition. It serves as an opportunity to showcase the unity and passion that define Arab culture.Set to take place from 1-18 December, this marks the second time Qatar will host the FIFA Arab Cup™ following the successful 2021 edition. Qatar will also host the next two editions in 2029 and 2033. Sixteen teams will compete across six stadiums that previously hosted matches during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™.**media[371573]**Athmane Abbassi, Algerian Fan LeaderAlgeria enters the tournament as defending champions having beat Tunisia in the 2021 Final. For Athmane Abbassi, a programmes manager who has lived in Qatar since 2013, the expectations are sky-high."Our team's mission won't be easy, especially with the noticeable improvement in many Arab teams in recent years. However, we are aiming to win the title for the second time in a row," says Abbassi, who has been a fan leader since the previous edition.The timing is particularly meaningful for Algerian fans, following their national team's qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026™."Football in Algeria is more than a game, it unites people, strengthens our pride, and reflects our national spirit. The Arab Cup is even more special because it brings together countries that share the same language, culture, and passion for football. It's more than competition – it's a celebration of Arab unity, pride, and brotherhood, on and off the pitch," explains Abbassi.**media[371574]**Fikria El Kaouakibi, Moroccan Fan LeaderFor Morocco's Fikria El Kaouakibi, who has been working in academia and living in Qatar for the past 15 years, football is woven into the fabric of her Moroccan identity."As a Moroccan, football has always been part of my life. It's everywhere. It’s a sport that we play in the streets, schools, and neighbourhoods. It really is a part of our DNA," says El Kaouakibi, who has previously volunteered at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, where the Lions of Atlas secured a historic 4th place finish.She adds that Morocco's recent successes across various competitions, including their historic FIFA U-20 World Cup 2025™ win—a first for the Arab world—have elevated national pride and put the country on the global stage. The Arab Cup represents another opportunity to showcase that excellence, with added significance as Morocco prepares to play in the FIFA World Cup 2026™."Every young Arab dreams of playing in tournaments like this one. Seeing their heroes on the field gives them motivation to work harder and believe that anything is possible. Whether at the stadium or watching from home, fans are able to connect deeply with the sport and their national identity," said El Kaouakibi.**media[371572]**Ali Kotash, Lebanese Fan LeaderAli Kotash, founder of the Lebanese community football team in Qatar, has built many connections through sport over his fifteen years of work with the community. For him, the Arab Cup represents something deeper than competition.“On the pitch, we're not just representing our own country, we're one community. I'll never forget last year's match between Lebanon and Egypt: my kids were waving Egyptian flags while Egyptian families proudly held Lebanese flags.That's what football does, it brings everyone together and creates a sense of unity.”Kotash also believes that hosting the tournament in the region will raise the standard of football across the Arab world: “This tournament gives Arab nations the opportunity to compete at the highest level, helping us develop our sports and reach world-class standards. Through the Arab Cup, we're developing the future of Arab football and nurturing the next generation of talent and passion."For Egyptian fan leader Hossam Abu Al Ola, who has been a legal professional in Qatar for 25 years, the tournament carries profound meaning."As an Egyptian, football for us means life. Now having an Arab tournament under the auspices of FIFA puts us on the map. This makes our participation in this tournament very valuable. This is our tournament. It's for the entire Arab world. Its success is our success."Abu Al Ola believes that Qatar's delivery of the FIFA World Cup™ established a blueprint for Arab sporting ambition. "After Qatar delivered what many call the best World Cup ever, we know what's possible," he said. "Qatar has proven to the whole world that it can host and organise the biggest events in sport."Fans can purchase FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025™ tickets exclusively on: www.roadtoqatar.qa, with prices starting from QAR 25. 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. All tickets are digital and include accessible seating options for disabled fans.For the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025™ official match schedule, visit www.roadtoqatar.qa.For all tournament-related information, follow @arabcupqa and @roadtoqatar on all major social media platforms.

Qatar's star striker Akram Afif expressed his delight at the team’s historic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico, saying that reaching the tournament through the qualifiers marks a new milestone for Qatari football.Afif, who was among the three finalists for the AFC Player of the Year award at the annual awards ceremony in Riyadh and lost out to Saudi Arabia’s Salem al-Dawsari. said he felt proud to be nominated once again for Asia’s top individual honour.“I congratulate the Qatari fans on qualifying for the World Cup, which is a significant achievement for Qatari football after our participation in the last edition as host,” the Al Sadd forward said.The two-time AFC Player of the Year winner, who helped lead Qatar to a 2-1 victory over the United Arab Emirates in Tuesday’s Asian play-off, added that the national team’s qualification reflected the hard work and spirit of the players. “I feel proud to be among the nominees for the award, and more importantly, to have qualified for the World Cup,” he said, expressing his gratitude to the fans for their strong support throughout the campaign.Afif has been in exceptional form, contributing decisively to both club and country. Last season, he registered 45 goal involvements for Al Sadd — scoring 23 goals and providing 22 assists in 36 matches — while leading the club to a second consecutive league title and the Qatar Cup. He was also the league’s top assist provider and guided Al Sadd to the AFC Champions League quarter-finals.During the AFC Awards ceremony, Afif drew attention for comments made in a televised interview regarding the closing moments of Qatar’s win over the UAE, in which he was seen gesturing toward supporters. Responding to questions about the incident, Afif said with a smile that he had encouraged fans to throw objects onto the pitch “just to waste time,” before quickly adding that he also asked them to stop so the referee would not extend the stoppage period.The tense finish in Doha saw Qatar secure a vital 2-1 win to top Group A of the Asian playoffs and confirm their place at the 2026 World Cup—the country’s second appearance at the global showpiece, and the first achieved through qualification.

The Qatari national football team has advanced to 52nd globally and 5th among both Arab and Asian teams, accumulating 1,461.6 points in the FIFA World Rankings for October. Meanwhile, Spain maintained its position at the top of the global rankings, while Argentina became second. Qatar, the reigning AFC Asian Cup champion for the past two editions, booked its place in the 2026 World Cup finals in the US, Canada, and Mexico, after topping Group A in the Asian qualifying playoffs with four points as they defeated the UAE team 2-1 and drew 0-0 with Oman. At the top of the FIFA World Rankings, Spain retained first place with 1,880.76 points, while Argentina moved up one spot to second with 1,872.43 points. France became third with 1,862.71 points, followed by England in fourth place with 1,824.3 points, while Portugal ranked fifth with 1,778 points. The Netherlands, Brazil, Belgium, Italy, and Germany completed the top ten. Among Arab teams, Morocco remained the highest-ranked, sitting 12th globally with 1,710.11 points and leading African teams ahead of Senegal, which ranked 18th globally with 1,650.61 points. Egypt followed at 32nd globally (2nd among Arab teams and 3rd in Africa), while Algeria ranked 35th, Tunisia 43rd, Iraq 57th, and Saudi Arabia 58th. In Asia, Japan retained its top spot, ranking 19th globally with 1,645.34 points. Iran followed in 21st, South Korea in 22nd, and Australia in 25th.

The unique experience of Spanish coaching was marked successfully by the Qatari national football team, demonstrating its competence, excellence, and ability to achieve historic accomplishments with Qatari football, the latest of which was qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Qatar secured qualification for the World Cup, which will be held next year in the US, Canada, and Mexico, after defeating the UAE 2-1 in the final round of Group A of the Asian play-offs. Spanish coach Julen Lopetegui led the Qatari team to make history by successfully qualifying for the World Cup, adding a new chapter to Spain's record of success with Qatari football. Lopetegui took over the Qatari national team at the beginning of May, succeeding his compatriot, Luis Garcia. Despite the short period he spent in charge before the decisive matches, he was able to prepare the team in the necessary manner and gave the opportunity to many of them to participate in the starting lineup for the first time, despite the difficulty of the task. The team proved their worth and earned the coach's trust, contributing together to successfully qualify for the World Cup. This secured Qatar's second consecutive participation in the World Cup, and its first through the qualifiers after qualifying for the last FIFA World Cup, Qatar 2022, as the host nation. The Spanish coach's achievements with Qatari football are not a recent development, but extend over the past decade, which has witnessed the presence of Spanish coaches who have left a clear mark and achieved historic accomplishments with Qatar's national teams. Spain's success with the Qatari national team began in gradual stages, beginning with coach Felix Sanchez, who successfully led Qatar to the 2014 AFC U-20 Championship title. Sanchez joined Aspire Academy in 2006, coming from Barcelona's renowned La Masia academy, to work on developing football in Qatar. In 2013, he took over as coach of the U-19 national team, and just one year after taking over, he succeeded in winning the AFC U-19 Championship, the team's first continental title in this age group. In line with Qatar's vision, Sanchez assumed responsibility for the youth teams, both U-20 and U-23, until he was chosen in 2017 to take over the first team, the majority of which was composed of members of the generation he had coached in previous youth groups. Just two years after taking charge of the national team, the Spanish coach led Qatar to win the AFC Asian Cup 2019 title in the UAE, marking the country's first continental title in an unprecedented historic achievement. He then went on to become the first coach to lead Al-Annabi to its historic appearance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. After a period during which Portuguese Carlos Queiroz took over as coach of the national team, Qatar returned to the Spanish footballing sphere with the appointment of Bartolome Marquez Lopez as coach shortly before the start of the 2023 Asian Cup in Doha. Lopez lived up to expectations, continuing the journey of achievements after successfully defending the title, leading Al-Annabi to win the continental cup for the second time in a row, which was also a historic achievement. Spain's successes with the Qatari national team continued when Julen Lopetegui led the Qatari national team to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026, a historic achievement as it marked the first time the Qatari national team had qualified for the World Cup through the qualifiers. The Spanish coach's unique achievements confirm his outstanding success with Qatari football, writing a distinguished history, and his aspirations for further success.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani met Wednesday at the Lusail Palace with the Qatar national football team players, on the occasion of their qualification to the FIFA World Cup 2026.His Highness the Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad al-Thani and His Highness Personal Representative of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani attended the meeting.**media[369036]**At the outset of the meeting, His Highness the Amir congratulated the national team players and members of the administrative and technical staff on their victory and qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026, to be held in Canada, Mexico, and the US. His Highness praised the players' outstanding performance and their football achievements, which will enhance the progress of sports and football in Qatar.**media[369037]**His Highness the Amir urged the players to continue their efforts and excellence, ensuring that they represent Qatar in the best possible way alongside the other Arab teams that have qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026, wishing all teams success in upcoming regional and international tournaments.Also present at the meeting were HE Chief of the Amiri Diwan Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Mubarak al-Khulaifi, HE Minister of Sports and Youth Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani, HE President of the Qatar Football Association (QFA) Jassim bin Rashid al -Buainain, and a number of senior officials.

President of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and FIFA First Vice-President Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa congratulated Saudi Arabia and Qatar on qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Sheikh Salman said the qualification of the Saudi and Qatari national football teams reflects the prominent stature of both nations' football within the Asian landscape, underscoring their sustained progress and growing excellence at both continental and international levels. He added that the achievement marks the culmination of strategic planning and sustained efforts by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation and the Qatar Football Association, whose solid foundations have paved the way for qualification to the world's most prestigious football tournament. The AFC President commended the dedication, discipline, and professionalism demonstrated by the players, coaches, and administrative staff of both national teams throughout the qualification campaign, noting that their collective efforts embody the region's growing competitiveness and ambition on the global stage. Sheikh Salman expressed confidence in the ability of the Saudi and Qatari national teams to represent Asia with distinction at the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, alongside other qualified Asian nations. He stressed the importance of thorough preparation and high-level performance to reflect the continued progress of Asian football and further enhance its reputation on the global stage. He also extended his congratulations to the Iraqi and United Arab Emirates (UAE) national teams on reaching the knockout stage of the Asian playoffs for the 2026 World Cup, praising their impressive performances during the qualifiers and wishing them success in their ongoing pursuit of a place at the finals.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani has extended his congratulations to the Qatari people following the national football team's qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.In a message shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, His Highness the Amir expressed pride in the remarkable sporting achievement and wished the team success in the upcoming tournament.Qatar secured their spot in the World Cup after Tuesday's 2-1 victory over the United Arab Emirates in the final round of the Asian qualifiers.

Ticket sales for the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025™ will begin today, 3pm, Doha time, at www.roadtoqatar.qa.Fans can purchase tickets in three categories, with prices starting from QAR 25. 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. A maximum of 6 tickets per person can be purchased at one time. Disabled fans wishing to request accessible seats can do so by sending an e-mail to [email protected] opening match will take place on 1 December, 7:30pm, at Al Bayt Stadium featuring hosts Qatar and the winner of Palestine v Libya. The Final will be held on 18 December, 7pm, 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. A total of 16 teams will have a chance to lift the coveted FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025™ 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 25-26 November in Qatar, with ticket prices starting from QAR 15.Qatar’s spectacular line-up of mega-sporting events will kick off with the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™ from 3-27 November, followed by the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025™ from 1-18 December. In addition, the country is also set to host the second edition of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025™, which will take place on 10, 13 and 17 December.For the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025™ match schedule, visit: www.roadtoqatar.qa.For all tournament updates, follow @arabcupqa on all major social media platforms.

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