Qatar Ranked 55th Globally as France Takes FIFA Top Spot

ZURICH – Qatar’s national football team has been ranked 55th in the latest FIFA world rankings, with a total of 1454.96 points.At the top, France national football team climbed to first place with 1877.32 points, moving ahead of Spain national football team, which dropped to second with 1876.40 points. Argentina national football team also slipped to third place with 1874.81 points.France returns to the top of the rankings for the first time since September 2018, following its second FIFA World Cup title in Russia 2018. The team’s recent victories over Brazil and Colombia in friendly matches helped secure its rise, while Spain settled for a goalless draw against Egypt after a 3–0 win over Serbia last week.Meanwhile, Morocco national football team maintained 8th place globally and remained the top-ranked Arab team with 1755.87 points, after recording its first win under new coach Mohamed Wahbi, defeating Paraguay 2–1 following a 1–1 draw with Ecuador.Algeria national football team ranked 28th with 1564.26 points, just ahead of Egypt national football team in 29th with 1563.24 points. Tunisia national football team placed 44th, followed by Qatar in 55th, and Iraq national football team in 57th. Iraq recently secured qualification for the FIFA World Cup finals for the second time in its history, after its first appearance in Mexico 1986.

Cherif claims Al Shaqab Cup with thrilling five-star Grand Prix triumph

Doha: Qatar-based French rider Cyrine Cherif claimed the prestigious Al Shaqab Cup with victory in the CSI5* Grand Prix Two Rounds with Jump Off 1.60m class in the finale at Al Shaqab on Sunday.Riding 10-year-old bay gelding Triple T Calamando Blue at the Longines Outdoor Arena, Cherif delivered a flawless performance, finishing the jump-off in 42.51 seconds to surpass Qatar’s Faleh Suwead Al Ajami.Only two riders advanced to the decisive jump-off stage after the initial two rounds, and Cherif’s win earned her €81,250 in prize money.Al Ajami was swift in the jump-off, recording 40.99 seconds, but incurred four penalties on the course, which relegated him to second place with a €65,000 reward.America’s Kristen Vanderveen, aboard Bull Run’s Jireh, secured third place after completing the second round in 53.82 seconds, having picked up one penalty in the first round. Vanderveen added €48,750 to her earnings.An overjoyed Cherif said, “It’s a dream come true. I am still soaking in and I can’t believe that I have won. I had the same horse from start to end through the week and I am delighted with the victory.”Al Ajami, who had a suer jump-off until he clipped an obstacle at the very last, said, “Great competition. I am happy to finish second and I am thankful to my team.”Vanderveen, who had a great week, said, “both Cyrine and Faleh deserve their wins. I had a great week and happy with a podium finish and I am excited with the result.”Sheikh Talal bin Khaled Al Thani, Assistant Tournament Director, thanked the riders, organizers and the media for making the event a success. “We had over 150 riders from 22 countries participating. The event was held with spectator attendance as per the national guidelines,” he said.Earlier, Jordan’s Nasouh Kayali claimed victory in the CSI3* Grand Prix with Jump Off 1.50m aboard Figueras de Laume, completing a double clear round in 55.73 seconds. Austria’s Gerfried Puck finished second on Idiaal Special H.J. with four faults in 49.99 seconds, while South Africa’s Matthew Morrison took third riding Quebec with one fault in 85.51 seconds in the first round.Earlier at Longines Outdoor Arena, Vanderveen topped the CSI5* Faults & Time 1.50m aboard Starbucks 27, delivering a clear round in 66.99 seconds. Qatar’s Bassem Mohammed finished second on Wathnan Charly Brown in 74.46 seconds, while Egypt’s Zain Shady Samir claimed third riding Le Boss in 75.52 seconds.In the CSI1* Grand Prix 1.35m at Longines Indoor Arena, Qatar’s Khalid Jassim Al Suwaidi emerged victorious riding E.T’s Queeny Z with a double clear in 35.01 seconds. Hussain Said Haidan followed closely in second on D Saucedo in 35.26 seconds, while Mohammed Jassim Al Thani completed all-Qatari podium aboard Hazel de Luxe in 36.21 seconds.Qatar’s Mohammed Yousef Al Jaber claimed victory in the CSIY-B CSIY 1.30m Jump Off aboard Christa 27, delivering a double clear round in 34.98 seconds. Bahrain’s Sultan Abdulaziz Mayoof Alromaihi on Johelys de Fondcombe finished second in 39.15 seconds with four faults, while Qatar’s Haya Khalid Al Hitmi secured third riding Tom Ford in 40.03 seconds with eight faults.In the CSI3* Accumulator 1.40m, Kuwait’s Hussain Alkharafi topped the standings on Gk C’Est Un Reve with 65 points in 50.97 seconds. Qatar’s Saad Ahmed Al Saad aboard Gary de Cerisy took second in 53.14 seconds, while his compatriot Mohammed Khalifa Al Baker placed third on Emiro Delle Sementarecce in 55.05 seconds, both also on 65 points.Ghanim Nasser Al Qadi led a Qatari victory in the CSI3* Faults & Time 1.30m, guiding Mukaynis to a clear round in 64.54 seconds. Saudi Arabia’s Khaled Abdulaziz Al Eid on Amazing vh Keizershof Z finished second in 66.64 seconds, while Germany’s Frederike Staack took third aboard Wathnan Popeye in 67.89 seconds.Meanwhile, Ahmad Jassim Al Suwaidi won the CSI1* Accumulator 1.20m on Power Girl Jmg with 65 points in 44.43 seconds. Saudi Arabia’s Khalid Al Hadi on DSP Cessy placed second in 47.21 seconds, while Sultan Salem Al Naemi finished third aboard Cethys de Vernay in 47.46 seconds.Riders will now prepare for the Qatar Equestrian Federation Cup – part of Doha Equestrian Tour - to be held from April 2 to 4. 

Qatar National Team Continues Preparations for FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup

DOHA - Qatar's men's national team is continuing its preparations for the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup finals, set to be held in Singapore from April 1 to 5, featuring some of the strongest teams in Asia in both the men's and women's competitions.Led by head coach Marco, the team is undergoing intensive training ahead of its departure to Singapore next Wednesday, aiming to acclimatize early and be fully ready before the official start of the competition.Qatar's squad includes Mohammed Hashem Zidan, Mubarak Jama, Dejan Janjic, and Nedim Muslic. The quartet is aiming to deliver strong performances that reflect the noticeable development of 3x3 basketball in Qatar and to compete for top positions.Qatar will begin its campaign in Group D on April 3, facing one of the teams advancing from the qualifying round in its opening match, before taking on New Zealand later the same day. The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinals. 

Vanderveen claims CSI3* 1.50m title at Al Shaqab Cup

Doha: America’s Kristen Vanderveen continued her fine run in Doha, claiming the CSI3* 1.50m Faults & Time title on the penultimate day of the Al Shaqab Cup Saturday.Riding Bull Run’s Mary, she completed the course in 63.31 seconds for an emphatic victory. South Africa’s Matthew Morrison on Quebec finished second in 68.17 seconds at Al Shaqab’s Longines Outdoor Arena, while Syria’s Mohamad Mogheeth Alshehab partnered with Jaguar MS to take third in 68.79 seconds. This is the third international victory for Vanderveen and her horse, who have only been riding together since last January.Qatar’s Bassem Mohammed also starred, winning the CSI5* Special Two Phase 1.45m aboard Wathnan Chaccball with a clear round in 34.44 seconds. Fellow Qatari Faleh Suwead al-Ajami on Wathnan Quality Street claimed second in 35.67 seconds, while Alshehab and Saphir Z took third in 36.78 seconds.Qatar’s Sheikh Fahad Jassim al-Thani captured the CSI1* Special Two Phase 1.15m title riding Ciara LU, finishing clear in 30.95 seconds. Mohammed Nasser al-Qadi on Calle Cool 47 took second in 35.04 seconds, while Abdulrahman Hamad Juma partnered with Dorus HH to finish third in 35.58 seconds.Qatar’s Mohammed Jassim al-Thani claimed the CSIY-B Special Two Phase 1.25m title riding Granie Mouche, finishing clear in 38.13 seconds. Bahrain’s Sultan Abdulaziz Mayoof Alromaihi on Johelys de Fondcombe took second in 40.91 seconds, while Kuwait’s Madhy Alkhamis partnered with Cash Maker Vd Laarseheide to finish third in 41.27 seconds.At the CSI3* Special Two Phase 1.35m, Qatar’s Saad Ahmed al-Saad rode Craquante de Mazin to victory in 28.40 seconds. Fellow Qatari Saeed Hamad Juma on Wathnan Diesel claimed second in 28.48 seconds, with Saudi Arabia’s Khalid al-Hadi on Capoen finishing third in 28.55 seconds.In the CSI3* Faults & Time 1.45m class, Jordan’s Nasouh Kayali secured first place aboard High Score, completing the course in 71.24 seconds. Germany’s Frederike Staack on Chelsius PS finished second in 76.20 seconds, while Kuwait’s Fawaz Rashed partnered with Gaia des Forets to take third in 77.07 seconds.At the CSI1* Faults & Time 1.30m, Qatar’s Ibrahim Khalid al-Kuwari claimed the title riding Flexy Bel Z with a clear round in 59.99 seconds. Sheikh Fahad Jassim al-Thani on Be Wineham took second in 60.37 seconds, while Canada’s Rami Younis partnered with Mauran S to finish third in 67.78 seconds. 

Intense Action Continues on Day Three of Al Shaqab Cup

Doha:  The Al Shaqab Equestrian Cup maintained its strong momentum on day three, with high-level competition taking place at the Longines Arena in Al Shaqab, a member of Qatar Foundation. The day featured three classes across the One-Star, Three-Star, and Five-Star levels, with fence heights ranging from 110cm to 155cm. More than 150 riders took part, competing for total prize money of €784,000.The day’s program began with the One-Star 110cm class, where Qatar’s Abdulaziz bin Jassim Al Thani secured first place with a time of 29.89 seconds aboard Proud. Abdullah Ahmed Al Khalifi followed in second place with Quinta in 30.02 seconds, while Saudi Arabia’s Hala Al Rashid finished third riding Kruzing in 32.39 seconds.In the CSI3* 135cm class, France’s Jean-François Rondeau topped the standings with a time of 27.28 seconds aboard Inter Larus. Qatar’s Sheikh Fahad bin Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani placed second in 28.81 seconds riding Lavester, with Saad Ahmed Al Saad finishing third on Gary de Cerisy in 29.22 seconds.The CSI5* 155cm jump-off class delivered one of the most competitive contests of the day. Austria’s Gerfried Puck claimed victory after producing a clear round in 39.05 seconds aboard Equitron. Syria’s Mohamad Mogheeth secured second place in 40.67 seconds riding Carlotto, while Kuwait’s Ali Al Khorafi completed the podium in 41.43 seconds aboard Ai.The previous day’s competitions also saw strong performances, with Qatar’s Sultan Salem Al Nuaimi winning the CSI3* 140cm class, ahead of South Africa’s Matthew Morrison in second and Kuwait’s Yara Al Hunaidi in third.Al Nuaimi continued his impressive form in the 130cm class, claiming another victory, followed by Saudi Arabia’s Khaled Al Hadi in second and the United States’ Kristen Vanderveen in third.In the One-Star 125cm class, Qatar’s Ibrahim Khalid Al Kuwari secured first place, while Khaled Al Hadi of Saudi Arabia finished second and Salem Balhareth placed third.Competition is set to continue tomorrow (Saturday) with seven classes across One-Star to Three-Star categories, featuring heights between 115cm and 150cm, at both the indoor and outdoor Longines arenas at Al Shaqab.Austria’s Gerfried Puck delivered a standout performance in the CSI5* feature class, topping the 155cm jump-off competition at the Longines Arena. Riding Equitron Naxcel V, he produced a flawless double clear round in 39.05 seconds to secure victory.Syria’s Mohamad Mogheeth Alshehab finished second aboard Carlotto S in 40.67 seconds, while Kuwait’s Ali Al Khorafi claimed third place in 41.43 seconds. A total of 15 riders competed in the class, with 13 securing placings.In the CSI3* Special Two Phases class at 135cm, France’s Jean-François Rondeau claimed victory riding Inter-Larus in 27.28 seconds. Qatar’s Sheikh Fahad Jassim Al Thani finished second aboard Lavesther in 28.81 seconds, followed by Saad Ahmed Al Saad in third riding Gary de Cerisy in 29.22 seconds. 

Beach Handball Match Schedule Announced for Asian Beach Games

Doha: The Asian Handball Federation has announced the match schedule for the beach handball competitions set to take place during the sixth edition of the Asian Beach Games Sanya 2026, scheduled from April 21 to 30.The draw placed **Team Qatar**, the defending champions, in Group B alongside Oman, Jordan, Pakistan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Mongolia—making it a highly competitive group that will require strong focus from the opening rounds to secure one of the two semifinal qualification spots.Team Qatar will begin their campaign on April 21 with matches against Pakistan and Oman. They will then face Bangladesh and Mongolia on April 23, followed by a clash with Jordan on April 24. The team will meet Thailand on April 26 before concluding their group-stage matches against the Maldives on April 27.The semifinals will be held on April 28, with the final scheduled for April 30.The Qatar national beach handball team is preparing to defend the title they have won in the last three editions. The technical staff has selected a squad featuring some of the أبرز players from Qatari clubs. The 10-player roster includes: Hasanein Aziz Bouzar (Al Ahli), Malik Faisal Sousou and Osama Bakr Mousa (Al Duhail), Saif Al-Din Al-Bashir, Osama Al-Toumi and Al-Sadiq Adel Fathallah (Al Rayyan), Mohammed Hassan Saleh (Al Wakrah), Hassan Bashir Mohammed and Abdulrahman Helmi Dakhil (Qatar SC), and Bilal Masoud Mararha (Al Khor).Team Qatar enters this edition as the overwhelming favorite, backed by an exceptional record that includes three consecutive gold medals in previous editions: the third Asian Beach Games in China (2012), the fourth in Thailand (2014), and the fifth in Vietnam (2016).The team will be aiming to relive their golden success in China, where the 2012 edition marked the beginning of Qatar’s dominance in Asian beach handball.