Qatar Takes on Canada Seeking Vital Win to Strengthen Knockout Stage Hopes

Vancouver - Qatar national football team will face Canada at BC Place Stadium in the Canadian city of Vancouver at 1:00 a.m. Doha time on Friday, in their second Group B match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted by Canada in partnership with the United States and Mexico.The match carries exceptional importance for Qatar, who are seeking to make history by claiming their first victory in their second World Cup appearance, after their debut at the 2022 tournament, which they hosted on home soil.A win would put Qatar on the verge of an unprecedented achievement: qualifying for the Round of 32 before their final match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 24 in the US city of Seattle.Qatar made an ideal start to their group campaign when they snatched a valuable last-gasp 1-1 draw against Switzerland in San Francisco, earning their first-ever point in World Cup history after losing all three matches in the 2022 edition and exiting the tournament from the group stage without a point.In contrast, Canada also earned their first-ever World Cup point after drawing 1-1 with Bosnia and Herzegovina in the opening round, ending a run of six defeats from their previous appearances at Mexico 1986 and Qatar 2022.All four teams have the same number of points, goals scored and goal difference. Switzerland led the group on fair play points, followed by Canada in second, Qatar in third, and Bosnia and Herzegovina in fourth after its players received the most yellow cards.A win in this match would give the winning team a major advantage in reaching the next round, as it would move up to four points. Even if they do not secure a top-two finish, they would still have a strong chance of qualifying as one of the eight best third-placed teams across the 12 groups under FIFA's new 48-team World Cup format.Qatar hopes to carry the confidence from their draw with Switzerland into this match, especially after receiving widespread praise from international media for its fighting spirit and ability to come back despite trailing until the closing minutes of the match.Under Spanish coach Julen Lopetegui, Qatar showed strong tactical discipline and handled pressure well in their opening match, giving the coaching staff confidence ahead of the game against Canada.Qatar's performance in their first match has motivated the players to keep the same approach and fighting spirit they showed in coming back against star-studded Switzerland. They will be aiming for another positive result and possibly a historic first World Cup win that would boost their chances of reaching the knockout stage.Lopetegui is expected to stick with the same approach he used in the first match, focusing on a solid defense and quick counterattacks. He will rely on his players' strong fitness levels and their ability to maintain a high tempo throughout the game. His substitutions were also effective in the previous match and helped change the course of the game.Qatar will face Canada in the second round of Group B matches in the FIFA 2026 World Cup, armed with the strong character it showed against Switzerland after refusing to give up despite being 0-1 down until the final minutes, in a scene that reflected the players’ belief in their abilities and their determination to fight until the final whistle.The equalizing goal against Switzerland came during stoppage time, following a perfect cross sent by Homam El Amin into the penalty area, which Boualem Khoukhi headed into the opposition's net, gaining Al Annabi's first ever point in the World Cup.Lopetegui confirmed after the match that the positive result would give the players a great morale boost before facing Canada, while stressing the need to maintain the same fighting spirit and determination.The coach said that the match against Canada is no less important than the first match, as the opponent has distinguished players who are active in strong European leagues, as well as the stability it has regarding the players and technical staff, which requires Qatar to have the highest levels of focus and physical and mental presence.Lopetegui stated that Qatar's goals are clear: to be a match for all the teams it faces, and to defend its chances of achieving a new dream of advancing beyond the group stage, after having already succeeded in achieving the dream of qualifying for the World Cup for the first time through the qualifiers.Maintaining the same approach in the second match reveals the outlines of the lineup that Lopetegui may rely on in order to maintain the required balance against a Canadian team that is no less strong than Switzerland, in addition to the great public support that they will enjoy as the home team.Goalkeeper Mahmoud Abu Nada is expected to retain his place in the starting lineup after the impressive performance he delivered in the first match, where he played a prominent role in preserving the team's chances through a series of important saves that prevented the conceding of a second goal, before paving the way for a comeback and winning the Man of the Match award.Homam El Amin, Pedro Miguel, Boualem Khoukhi and Ayoub Al Oui are expected to play at the back, while the choice remains open in the midfield area, with the possibility of Karim Boudiaf starting alongside Issa Lai and Jassim Jaber, while the duo of Akram Afif and Edmilson Junior seem to be the fixed options in the front, with the possibility of Ahmed Alaa participating instead of Youssef Abdulrazzaq.A large number of Qatari fans traveled from San Francisco to Vancouver to attend the match against Canada, according to arrangements provided by the Qatar Football Association as part of the initiative to have a thousand fans behind the national team, funded by the Social and Sport Contribution Fund (Daam), which constitutes an additional incentive for the players to continue the positive results and strengthen its chance of qualifying for the second round.On the other hand, Qatar's task will not be easy against a Canadian opponent looking to make up for the draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially given the home and fan advantage.Similar to Qatar, Canada earned its first point in the history of its participation in the World Cup during its third appearance in the tournament after the Mexico 1986 and Qatar 2022 editions, after suffering six consecutive defeats in its previous participations.Cyle Larin’s goal against Bosnia and Herzegovina marked a historic milestone for Canada, as it was their second goal and third overall in the World Cup. Canada scored only two goals in the FIFA 2022 edition in Qatar, the first by Alphonso Davies against Croatia, and the second was credited as an own goal in a match against Morocco.Canada relies on a group of prominent stars, led by Bayern Munich player Alphonso Davies, who missed the first match against Bosnia and Herzegovina and is expected to be present against Qatar, along with Southampton player Larin, Juventus player Jonathan David, and Villarreal player Tajon Buchanan.Between Qatar’s ambition to continue making history and achieve its first victory in the World Cup finals, and Canada's desire to capitalize on home advantage and the support of its fans to boost its chances of qualifying, the match seems open to all possibilities, in a meeting that could constitute a decisive turning point in the race of Group B towards reaching the round of 32. 

Qatar Volleyball Team Steps Up Asian Cup Preparations in India

Ahmedabad, India – Qatar’s national volleyball team continues its intensive preparations in its overseas training camp in Ahmedabad, India, as the reigning Asian champions enter the final phase of their build-up for the AVC Men’s Asian Cup 2026, scheduled to take place from 19 to 29 June.The training camp represents the concluding stage of the team’s technical and physical preparation programme, with the squad relocating to India for a closed camp featuring rigorous daily training sessions held in both morning and evening periods. The coaching staff is focusing on enhancing the players’ physical and mental readiness, strengthening team cohesion, and fine-tuning the tactical approach that will underpin Qatar’s campaign at the continental showpiece.Qatar arrives at the tournament with a balanced squad that combines experience and youthful talent. The roster includes key national team players such as Mubarak Dahi, Mubarak Mousa, Yousif Ghalaf, Yousif Al Yafei, Bilal Abunaboot, Abdullah Naseem, Mehdi Samoud, Naji Mahmoud, and Ghanem Al Rumaihi, alongside a number of distinguished international professionals, including Renan, Nikola, Milos, and Papi, whose presence adds further quality and depth to the squad. The technical staff is keen to maximize the potential of this talented group as the team targets another strong continental campaign.As part of the preparation programme, the camp also features a series of friendly matches against the Indian national team. These encounters are designed to elevate the squad’s competitive readiness, assess the players’ ability to execute tactical instructions under match pressure, and evaluate various on-court combinations ahead of the tournament’s official start.The draw for the AVC Men’s Asian Cup 2026 placed Qatar in a challenging Pool B alongside Korea, Pakistan, Indonesia, Thailand, and Oman. Qatar will begin its group-stage campaign against Oman on 20 June, before facing Thailand on 21 June and Indonesia on 22 June. The team will conclude its group-stage schedule with a highly anticipated clash against Korea on 26 June.With preparations entering their decisive phase, Qatar heads into the tournament determined to build on its recent successes and reinforce its status among Asia’s elite volleyball nations. 

Strong finish to QSF 2 PSA Satellite Tournament

Doha: The QSF 2 PSA Satellite Tournament was concluded at the Khalifa International Squash and Tennis Complex after three days of competition featuring eight players.Qatari player Salem Al Malki claimed the tournament title after defeating Ali Al Darwish in the final by three games to one. The match scores were 10-12, 11-5, 11-6, and 11-7.At the conclusion of the tournament, Saad Al Mohannadi, Tournament Director, crowned the winner and runner-up.Speaking to the media, Al Mohannadi said that Satellite tournaments represent an important platform for players seeking to improve their international rankings, as they offer valuable ranking points recognized by the Professional Squash Association (PSA), in addition to providing opportunities to gain further competitive experience.He added that the Qatar Squash Federation is committed to organizing such tournaments on a regular basis due to their important role in developing the standard of Qatari players. He also noted that the competition witnessed a high technical level, reflecting the continued progress of squash in Qatar. 

Sri Lankan Javelin Star Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage Confirmed for Doha Diamond League

Doha:  The Organizing Committee of the Doha Diamond League Meeting announced today the participation of Sri Lankan javelin thrower Rumesh Tharanga Pathirage in the Doha leg of the Wanda Diamond League, scheduled to take place on Friday at Suhaim bin Hamad Stadium at Qatar Sports Club.In a statement, the committee said that Pathirage, ranked among the top seven javelin throwers in the history of the event, will compete alongside a world-class field that includes India’s Neeraj Chopra, Grenada’s Anderson Peters, and several other leading javelin throwers.The 23-year-old currently tops the world rankings for the 2026 season and holds the world-leading mark of 92.62 metres, which he achieved at the Rome Diamond League meeting on June 4. His participation is expected to add further excitement to the competition and enhance the prospects of outstanding performances and new records.The statement added that several Olympic and World Championship medalists will also be in action in Doha, including former world champion and Rio 2016 Olympic medalist Julius Yego of Kenya, Czech Olympic and World Championship silver medalist Jakub Vadlejch, and Ukraine’s Artur Felfner, the former World U20 champion and European U23 champion.Meanwhile, Mohammed Issa Al Fadala, President of the Qatar Athletics Federation, emphasized that this year’s Doha Diamond League features many of the world’s top male and female athletes, as has become customary for the event.Speaking to the media, Al Fadala noted that the unique aspect of this year’s meeting is its position in the middle of the Diamond League calendar, which has intensified competition as many athletes have already begun their quest for Diamond League points and titles during earlier meetings.He added that fierce competition is expected across all track and field events, with athletes aiming to secure valuable points toward qualification for the Diamond League Final. Doha, he said, is ready to provide a world-class stage for thrilling sporting contests and outstanding performances.Al Fadala also described the shift of the meeting from the beginning of the season to June as a valuable opportunity for athletes, particularly in field events, to achieve stronger results. He highlighted the return of Qatar’s Olympic and world champion Mutaz Barshim to compete in the men’s high jump alongside several of the world’s leading jumpers.The President of the Qatar Athletics Federation expressed confidence that the Doha meeting will be one of the standout events of the 2026 season, given the exceptional caliber of athletes competing in both the men's and women's competitions. 

Team Qatar Step Up Preparations for Crucial Canada Clash

Vancouver: Team Qatar have intensified their preparations for their second Group B fixture at the FIFA World Cup 2026, where they will face hosts Canada on Friday at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver.The match, scheduled to kick off at 1:00 a.m. Doha time, represents a key opportunity for the Qatari side to boost their chances of advancing to the knockout stage following their 1-1 draw with Switzerland in their tournament opener at San Francisco Bay Arena.The team has already arrived in Vancouver and will hold its final training session at Killarney Park on Wednesday ahead of the encounter. A pre-match press conference will also be held, featuring Qatar head coach Julen Lopetegui and Canada head coach Jesse Marsch.Lopetegui has stressed the importance of maintaining full concentration and building on the positive aspects of the team's opening performance, which earned Qatar its first-ever point at a FIFA World Cup through qualification.The Spanish coach also emphasized the significance of the Canada match, describing it as a pivotal step in the team's quest to secure a place in the Round of 16.Meanwhile, Qatari supporters have begun arriving in Vancouver in organized groups coordinated by the Qatar Football Association, creating a strong presence ahead of the highly anticipated fixture.To support travelling fans, the Qatar Football Association has established a dedicated Team Qatar Fan Service Office in Vancouver, providing transportation assistance and a range of support services to ensure fans can comfortably back the national team throughout their stay. 

Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid Praises Gymnastics Development Efforts and Athlete Progress

DOHA  – H.E. Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid Al Thani, Director of the Sports Affairs Sector at the Qatar Olympic Committee, visited the training facility of the Qatar Gymnastics Federation as part of the Committee’s ongoing commitment to overseeing the preparation of Qatar’s national teams and supporting the continued development of the country’s sporting landscape.Upon arrival, H.E. was received by Ms. Abeer Al Buainain, Secretary General of the Qatar Gymnastics Federation, Mr. Nasser Al Hamad, the Federation’s Technical Secretary, Ms. Samira Saeed, Girls’ National Team Administrator, members of the Federation’s Technical Committee, and the coaching staff of the boys’ and girls’ national teams.During the visit, H.E. closely observed the national teams’ training sessions and was briefed on the Federation’s technical programmes, athlete development initiatives, and preparation plans designed to enhance performance levels ahead of upcoming regional and continental competitions.Sheikh Khalifa bin Khalid Al Thani commended the high standards demonstrated by the athletes, expressing his admiration for the technical quality, dedication, and professionalism displayed throughout the training sessions. He also praised the outstanding efforts of the Qatar Gymnastics Federation’s technical and administrative teams in fostering excellence and strengthening the sport’s development pathway in Qatar.The visit included discussions on the Federation’s strategic priorities, future objectives, and key requirements for the next phase of development. H.E. underscored the importance of sustained collaboration and coordination among all stakeholders to ensure an optimal training environment for Qatar’s national teams and to support the Federation’s ambitions for continued growth and success.For its part, the Qatar Gymnastics Federation expressed its appreciation for the visit, describing it as a strong source of encouragement and motivation for athletes, coaches, and administrators alike. The Federation emphasized that the visit reflects the Qatar Olympic Committee’s unwavering commitment to supporting national federations and advancing the remarkable progress being achieved by gymnastics in the State of Qatar.