Palestine shock Qatar in Arab Cup opener after last-gasp own goal

Doha: Two-time Asian champions Qatar were stunned 1-0 by Palestine in their FIFA Arab Cup Group A opener, conceding a last-minute own goal from Sultan Al Brake.In front of 61,475 spectators, mostly Qatari fans creating a cauldron-like atmosphere at Al Bayt Stadium, the home side dominated possession but saw their evening end in heartbreak when Al Brake inadvertently deflected a cross from substitute Ahmad Alqaq into his own net in the fifth and final minute of stoppage time.Palestine were rewarded for their resilience, absorbing Qatar’s pressure for most of the match and applying late pressing. They earned a last-gasp corner, which led to the decisive own goal, leaving goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada with no chance despite an otherwise quiet evening.Qatar created several opportunities, but coach Julen Lopetegui will demand better execution when his side returns to action against Syria on Thursday at Khalifa International Stadium.The hosts started with a fast pace with Ahmed Fathy giving an early scare but he missed the target.   Mohammad Al Mannai brought goalkeeper Rami Hamada into action with a shot from outside the box.  Captain Akram Afif remained in the thick of action creating spaces but Qatar were unable to earn a breakthrough against stubborn Palestine defence.The rhythm dropped due to injuries. Lopetegui was forced an injury change at the half-four mark with Assim Madibo failing to continue following a rash challenge with Issa Laye coming off the bench.Lucas Mendes attempted from outside the box but Hamada was well positioned as ball remained in Palestine’s half the most but stalemate persisted at half-time.  Edmilson Junior replaced Mohammad Al Mannai at half-time, adding energy to Qatar’s attack. Al Brake had an early chance but his close-range touch from Edmilson’s cross went wide. Edmilson looked sharp, pressing high and testing goalkeeper Rami Hamada from close range.Around the 60th minute, Lopetegui made a double substitution, bringing on Mohammed Muntari and Khaled Ali Binsabaa for Ahmed Alaaeldin and Mohamed Khaled.A VAR review ruled out a penalty after Afif appeared to be brought down by Michael Termanini in the box. Afif later made a fine solo run but could not control the ball in the final moments.Palestine threatened on the counter when substitute Oday Dabbagh shot from the right, forcing Qatar to stay alert. Muntari’s header from a precise Edmilson cross was brilliantly tipped over by Hamada as Qatar pressed to break the deadlock.Palestine nearly scored with less than 15 minutes remaining, but Alqaq’s volley went high from a promising position.Palestine intensified their play in the closing stages. In the fifth minute of added time, the drama peaked when Al Brake accidentally deflected the ball into his own net, gifting a memorable victory.Palestine are now level with Syria, who earlier stunned last edition’s runners-up Tunisia 1-0. Palestine will face Tunisia at Lusail Stadium on Thursday. 

Sheikh Joaan crowns Max Verstappen Champion of the Qatar Formula 1 Grand Prix

Doha: H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, today crowned Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing driver as the winner of the Qatar Airways Formula 1 Grand Prix 2025. Held at Lusail International Circuit, the Qatar Grand Prix served as round 23 and the penultimate race of the Formula 1 World Championship season.Joining Sheikh Joaan in the podium ceremony were, Mr. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), Mr. Badr Mohammed Al Meer, CEO of Qatar Airways, Mr. Abdulrahman Al-Mannai, President of the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation, and Mr. Abdulaziz Al Mohannadi, CEO of Lusail International Circuit.The Dutch driver clinched first place after completing the 57-lap race in a time of 1:24:38.241 hours, finishing ahead of Australia’s Oscar Piastri of McLaren, who took second place, while Spain’s Carlos Sainz of Williams secured the third place.  

Qatar announces readiness to host FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025

Doha: In a press conference held today in Doha, the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 Local Organising Committee (LOC) announced Qatar’s preparedness to host the second edition of the prestigious regional competition from 1-18 December. A total of 16 teams will have a chance to lift the coveted trophy.Speaking at the press conference were Jassim Al Jassim, LOC CEO; Roberto Grassi, FIFA Representative; Saeed Al Kuwari, Hayya Director at Qatar Tourism; Colonel Dr. Jabr H. J. Al Naimi, Spokesperson of Ministry of Interior; and Fatma Al Nuaimi, LOC Executive Director of Communications and Media.The tournament has garnered wide attention with 700,699 tickets sold so far. In particular, 210,209 of these tickets were purchased by supporters outside of Qatar, reaffirming the competition’s regional appeal. Supporters of Qatar, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia led ticket sales for group stage matches.The tournament has also attracted massive interest from regional media, with 3,861 media personnel having submitted applications for accreditation to cover the competition in Qatar. From these, 2,085 of them are from outside of Qatar. A total of 15 regional and international broadcasters will make use of the host country’s studios in Doha, while many other channels have acquired the rights to broadcast matches.Tournament organisers also announced that the use of Doha Metro will be free of charge for all ticketholders on match days, allowing fans to make use of Qatar’s compact nature. All six venues hosting matches during the tournament are connected seamlessly by Qatar’s modern rail network. The opening match will take place on 1 December at Al Bayt Stadium featuring hosts Qatar and Palestine.Gates will open at 2:30pm, with the tournament opening taking place at 5:30pm. The Final will be held on 18 December at the iconic Lusail Stadium. Other stadiums that will host matches during the tournament are Ahmad Bin Ali, Education City, Khalifa International and Stadium 974. Throughout the competition, fans will also be treated to a variety of entertainment and cultural activities at fan zones located across all six venues. The tournament will provide a platform to celebrate the region’s rich and diverse culture, unity and shared passion for football.Recently, the LOC unveiled the official tournament mascot Juha – a popular character from the history of Arab literature. Earlier this week, tournament organisers announced the release of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 official soundtrack, consisting of two songs, titled ‘Zamani’ and ‘Makani’, both produced by Doha-based Katara Studios.The upbeat soundtrack is an ode to the passion and camaraderie that Arab fans share as they come together, once again, to celebrate the beautiful game. In the same week, the LOC, in collaboration with FIFA, also launched the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 Daily Fantasy Game that allows fans across the region and beyond to step into the role of football managers and compete in a daily fantasy challenge throughout the tournament.The game is available in the Play Zone tab of the FIFA app and can also be accessed on play.fifa.com. FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 tickets are available at: 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. Throughout the competition, fans will also be treated to a variety of entertainment and cultural activities. 

Qatar set to host future regional football stars at the AGCFF U-23 Gulf Cup 2025

Doha: Qatar is set to host the AGCFF U-23 Gulf Cup Qatar 2025 from Dec 4-16, bringing together young football talents in one of the most important age-group tournaments in the region.This is the first time that the competition is being held under the auspices of the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation (AGCFF).“The U-23 Gulf Cup is reflective of our strong commitment to nurturing young, emerging football talents in the region, and fostering competitiveness in this age group.This is a pivotal stage for young players to make their transition to senior teams, and we encourage fans to show their support for these future stars in the making,” said Jassim Sultan al-Rumaihi, AGCFF Secretary-General.The tournament will feature eight teams, divided into two groups. Hosts Qatar will lead Group A, and will be joined by Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Kuwait. Iraq will lead Group B, and will play alongside the UAE, Oman, and Yemen.The group stage will see a total of 14 matches played across two state-of-the-art pitches at Aspire Zone, that has most recently served as a venue for a historic edition of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025.The group stage is designed as a non-ticketed event, welcoming fans from the region to enjoy the football action.The tournament will get underway on December 4 at Aspire Zone, 2:45pm, when Iraq face Yemen. Hosts Qatar will play their first match, one day later, on December 5, 2:45pm, against Kuwait.The Final will take place on December 16 at the iconic Stadium 974, the first fully demountable covered football stadium in FIFA World Cup history that hosted matches during the historic tournament in 2022. Tickets for the Final will be available in the coming days.Both tournament venues are accessible, ensuring a barrier-free experience for disabled fans.The AGCFF U-23 Gulf Cup Qatar 2025 is part of an exciting football season in Qatar, which includes the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 taking place from 1-18 December, as well as the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2025, taking place on December 10, 13 and 17, reflecting Qatar’s capabilities in hosting world-class mega-sporting events at the same time.For all information related to the AGCFF U-17 Gulf Cup Qatar 2025, follow @AGCFF on all major social media platforms. 

Qatar to take on Lebanon in FIBA World Cup Qualifiers

The Qatar national basketball team will be looking to bounce back as they head to Beirut for a highly anticipated rematch against Lebanon in the second round of the first window of the FIBA Asia Qualifiers for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027. The match is set for Sunday at the Nouhad Nawfal Stadium in Zouk Mikael.Qatar come into the encounter eager to avenge their narrow 75–74 loss to Lebanon in a thrilling opener held Thursday night at Lusail Multipurpose Hall in Doha. That match drew over 8,000 spectators and showcased Qatar’s fighting spirit, particularly in the second half.Sunday’s clash takes on even more importance following Saudi Arabia’s 75–51 win over India, which has left the group standings wide open. Saudi Arabia and Lebanon lead the group with two points each, while Qatar and India have one point apiece. A win in Beirut would not only restore Qatar’s momentum but also keep them firmly in contention for a top-three spot in Group D.The traveling squad is led by Saadon Sabah Al Kuwari, Secretary-General of the Qatar Basketball Federation and Director of National Teams. The team is set to begin training immediately upon arrival in Lebanon.The Asian and Oceanian Qualifiers feature 16 teams divided into four groups. Group D includes Qatar, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and India, with the top three advancing to the next round. From there, the best-performing teams will earn their place in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027, set to be hosted in Qatar.With confidence high despite the narrow opening defeat, Qatar will aim to convert their strong performance into points when the action resumes in Beirut. 

Qatar Clinches Double Semifinal Spots at Gulf 3x3 Basketball Championship

DOHA – Qatar’s men’s and women’s national teams have booked their places in the semifinals of the Gulf 3x3 Basketball Championship, currently taking place in Muscat, Oman. The two-day event has drawn strong competition and an enthusiastic crowd, creating an exciting atmosphere throughout the tournament.In the men’s category, the Qatari team featuring Ahmed Saeed Mohammed, Dejan Janic, Miho Harasic, and Nadem Muslic opened their Group B campaign with a 16–12 win over Oman (B). They continued their impressive form with a 17–13 victory over Bahrain in the second round, finishing at the top of their group. Bahrain, meanwhile, edged Oman with an 18–17 win.In Group A, Saudi Arabia defeated Oman (A) 13–11, Kuwait secured a narrow 20–19 victory over Saudi Arabia, and Oman recorded a 19–15 win against Kuwait.Based on the final group standings, Qatar’s men’s team will take on Saudi Arabia in tomorrow’s (Saturday) semifinals, while Kuwait will face Bahrain in the other matchup. The winners will advance to the championship final.In the women’s competition, the Qatari team Maya Rami Al Khatib, Mona Abdel Moneim, Naziha Hossam, and Tania Tawil started strong with a dominant 21–7 win over Oman (B). In the second round, Qatar fell to Bahrain 9–21, while Bahrain comfortably defeated Oman (B) 21–4. As a result, Qatar’s women will meet Saudi Arabia in the semifinals, with Bahrain taking on Kuwait in the other semifinal.The Gulf Championship, held over two days in Al Mouj, Muscat, features 12 teams six men's and six women’s representing five Gulf nations: Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and host country Oman. The teams are split into two groups, with the top two from each group advancing to the semifinals. Teams finishing third will compete for fifth and sixth positions.