Official Emblem of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 unveiled

DOHA  – The Local Organizing Committee of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 unveiled today the official emblem for the tournament, which will mark its first edition with 48 teams competing this November.A modern and dynamic design, the emblem centers around the iconic trophy, artistically positioned within the ‘U’ of U-17. This creative silhouette also represents a radiant focal point, a beacon of light symbolizing the tournament’s renewed identity.The result is a bold and striking visual mark that honors the rich legacy of the FIFA U-17 World Cup while confidently stepping into the future of global football. The design reflects the joint commitment of FIFA and the host nation to spotlight rising young talent at the heart of the tournament’s narrative.Radiating layers of warm, interwoven colors evoke the global reach, inclusivity, and ever-evolving nature of football. The emblem highlights the discovery and development of youth talent. Designed as a beacon, it embodies the energy and ambition of the players, celebrating their journey from local pitches to the world stage, and inspiring fans with the promise of tomorrow’s stars.His Excellency Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani, Minister of Sports and Youth and Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, expressed his excitement: “We are delighted to unveil the official emblem of the FIFA U-17 World Cup, a tournament that will be a major milestone in Qatar’s football journey over the next five years.”He added: “Since the start of this decade, Qatar has hosted outstanding football events at the regional, continental, and global levels. The U-17 World Cup continues this legacy and reflects our ongoing commitment to nurturing future generations of athletes.”His Excellency concluded:“We look forward to welcoming youth national teams from around the world for the first-ever 48-team edition of the U-17 World Cup. We hope that our world-class facilities and infrastructure will offer these young players an inspiring glimpse of what lies ahead in their careers.”FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström also shared his thoughts:“The FIFA U-17 World Cup has proven to be a crucial launching pad for the next generation of elite footballers—players who exhibit extraordinary skill and dedication.”He continued:“The new emblem captures the spirit of the team, the courage of youth, and the unique energy and optimism that define this age group. Qatar’s proven ability to host world-class FIFA tournaments—paired with its top-tier infrastructure and renowned hospitality—will provide the perfect setting for this historic edition.”All 48 participating teams have already qualified for what will be the largest edition in the tournament’s history—one that has launched the careers of global icons such as Luís Figo, Francesco Totti, Ronaldinho, Xavi, Andrés Iniesta, Neymar, and Phil Foden.The 2025 tournament will also introduce a new competition format. Defending champions Germany will look to retain their title after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over France in the 2023 final held in Indonesia.In the coming weeks, FIFA will release further details about preparations for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025, including the official draw, which will take place in Doha on 25 May and be broadcast live on FIFA+. 

Qatar to host eFIBA Season 4 and 5 World Finals The Finals will be part of the broader journey to the showpiece FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027

Doha: The Qatar Basketball Federation has signed an agreement with the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) to host Season 4 and Season 5 of the eFIBA World Finals in Qatar in 2026 and 2027. This step reflects Qatar’s commitment to supporting basketball and advancing the growth of esports.Taking over from the Philippines as the host of the eFIBA World Finals, it will be the first time the event will be held in the Middle East.During recent years, Qatar's strong support for esports, which includes a partnership with the Global Esports Federation, has also led to it being appointed as hosts of the Global Esports Games in 2027.The eFIBA World Finals will be held in Doha, one of the best-connected capitals in the world and one that holds a clear roadmap towards sustainability and innovation. The Finals will bring together the best e-basketball teams from around the globe as they compete for the prestigious title of eFIBA World Champion.All nations will be aiming to dethrone back-to-back champions Team USA, who were the winners of both Season 2 in Sweden and Season 3 in the Philippines. Teams will also be competing for a prize pool of $50,000, which will be distributed among the top-performing nations and individuals.Details on the final tournament format and the number of participating teams will be announced in due course, with all the action broadcast on eFIBA’s official YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok channels.FIBA Secretary General, Andreas Zagklis commented: "The eFIBA World Finals has become an important event in its own right, but to now also have them taking place in the build up to the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 means there will be even more eyes on the competition. This is something to celebrate, since it will help to grow the competition even further."He added "It also clearly demonstrates once again the appetite that Qatar has for basketball - as well as a desire to embrace esports and innovation. This is very clearly aligned with FIBA's objectives; and together, we're looking forward to delivering the best eFIBA events we've ever had."Mohammed Saad Al-Meghaiseeb, President of the Qatar Basketball Federation and Director General of the Local Organizing Committee for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qatar 2027, stated:"It is a great honor to host the eFIBA World Finals for the first time in Qatar. This marks a significant milestone for both basketball and esports in the region. Hosting Seasons 4 and 5 aligns with our vision to foster innovation and elevate basketball culture through esports. This tournament represents a key milestone in the lead-up to the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027, and we look forward to welcoming the world’s best e-basketball players and teams to Doha—reaffirming Qatar’s commitment to delivering world-class sporting events and strengthening our partnership with FIBA." 

QOC President Meets with Iran NOC President

Kuwait: H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), met today with Mr. Mahmoud Khorsavi Vafa, President of the National Olympic Committee of Iran, on the sidelines of the 45th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia, held in the State of Kuwait.The two sides discussed bilateral cooperation between the Qatar Olympic Committee and the Iran NOC, as well as ways to support and develop sport across the region.The meeting was attended by H.E. Mr. Jassim bin Rashid Al-Buenain, Secretary General of the QOC. 

Sheikh Joaan Received by Amir of Kuwait Ahead of GCC Olympic Meeting and OCA General Assembly

Kuwait City: His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) and Senior Vice President of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC), was received by His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Amir of the State of Kuwait, at Al Bayan Palace as part of an official visit to Kuwait City.The meeting took place ahead of two major events in the regional and continental sporting calendar: the 37th Meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council for Presidents of the National Olympic Committees, and the 45th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).Kuwait has served as the long-standing home of the OCA since its establishment in 1982 and continues to play a central role in advancing the Olympic Movement across Asia. The General Assembly convenes 45 National Olympic Committees from the five Asian zones and serves as a key platform for dialogue and decision-making on the future of sport in the region.Other dignitaries in attendance at the meeting with the Amir included International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Dr. Thomas Bach, IOC President-elect Kirsty Coventry, several IOC Members, and senior officials from across the Gulf Cooperation Council.Sheikh Joaan was accompanied by Dr. Thani Abdulrahman Al-Kuwari, OCA Vice President for West Asia and Second Vice President of the QOC, and Mr. Jassim Al-Buenain, Secretary General of the QOC.The meeting reflected Sheikh Joaan’s ongoing commitment to fostering collaboration within the Olympic Movement and acknowledged Kuwait’s pivotal role as the historic home of the OCA. 

QOC President Participates in 37th Meeting of GCC Olympic Committee Presidents in Kuwait

Kuwait City: His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), participated in the 37th Meeting of the Presidents of the National Olympic Committees of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), held in Kuwait City.Hosted at the Four Seasons Hotel, the high-level meeting brought together Olympic leaders from across the region to strengthen cooperation in sport and align on shared priorities for the development of the Gulf’s sporting landscape. The previous edition of the meeting was hosted by the State of Qatar in Doha last year.A central topic on the agenda was Qatar’s upcoming hosting of the 4th GCC Games, scheduled to take place in Doha in 2026. The multi-sport event is expected to bring together over 1,800 athletes from the six GCC countries, competing in more than 15 sports across 10 competition venues. The event will serve as a platform for athlete development, providing a competitive stage to identify and inspire the next generation of Gulf sporting talent, while reinforcing unity among the participating nations.Sheikh Joaan reaffirmed Qatar’s full commitment to delivering a world-class edition of the Games, one that builds on the success of previous editions while introducing new levels of organizational and competitive quality. The meeting also included discussions on future regional sporting events, increased support for women’s participation in sport, institutional collaboration between National Olympic Committees, and initiatives to strengthen the Gulf’s collective presence in international sport. 

Qatar duo Cherif and Ahmed through to AVC Beach Tour Pingtan Open Semifinals

Pingtan, China– As Cherif Younousse/Ahmed Tijan continued remarkable unbeaten run to secure their semifinal slot in the AVC Beach Tour Pingtan Open at Beach Sport base of Pingtan, here on Saturday, Australia has at least one pair through to the men’s final as Ben Hood/Oliver Merritt and D’Artagnan Potts/Jack Pearse will fight it out in the all-Australian semifinal encounter.In the Sunday morning’s semifinals, Qatar’s top-seeded Cherif/Ahmed, current world No.12 who are chasing dreams of winning three AVC Beach Tour titles in a row after claiming the first two outings in the Samila Open in Songkhla, Thailand and the Doha Open on their home soil.On Saturday, Cherif/Ahmed, bronze medallists at the Tokyo Olympics and former three-time Asian champions mastered Japan’s Kai Kurakawa/Ryuichi Adachi 2-0 (21-9, 21-11) in round of 16 before powering past Thailand’s Banlue Nakprakhong/Dunwinit Kaewsai, bronze medallists in the Beach Pro Tour Songkhla Futures 2025, in quarterfinals 2-0 (21-15, 21-13).In the semifinals, Cherif/Ahmed will next go up against China’s Wang Yanwei/Du Hongjun, who in round of 16 earlier downed compatriots Zhang Tai/Song Jinyang 2-0 (21-12, 21-15) and outperformed Thailand’s Netitorn Muneekul/Wachirawit Muadpha 2-0 (21-16, 21-16) in the quarterfinals.The other semifinal clash on Sunday morning sees Hood/Merritt, who claimed silver medal at the recent Nuvali Open in Philippines, lock horns with teammates and second seeds Potts/Pearse, who captured the last year’s Asian Championship title.