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Palestine coach Ehab Abu Jazar affirmed his side’s readiness to face Qatar in the opening match of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 on Monday at Al Bayt Stadium, as part of Group A, which also includes Tunisia and Syria. Speaking on Sunday, Abu Jazar stressed the importance of the Arab Cup, particularly given Qatar’s exceptional organization and world-class stadiums. He said the Palestinian team enters tomorrow’s match with high ambitions and a desire to advance deep into the tournament, after qualifying from the preliminary round by defeating Libya on penalties following a goalless draw. He expressed confidence in his players’ ability to deliver a strong performance in the opening match, noting that the team is in high spirits and aiming for victory despite the challenge of facing the hosts, Qatar. The coach added that the match holds special significance as the tournament’s opener, and because the opponent is the host nation – two-time AFC Asian Cup champions and qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 2026, which requires exerting maximum effort. Abu Jazar acknowledged that the team faces some absences due to players’ club commitments. Still, he emphasized that the available squad is determined to perform at its best, especially after getting into tournament rhythm through the preliminary-round match against Libya. He noted that the presence of several Palestinian players in the Qatari league will have a positive impact on the team’s performance in the Arab Cup. For his part, Palestine midfielder Ameid Mahajneh stressed the major significance of participating in the Arab Cup, expressing hope that the team will deliver strong performances in all three group-stage matches, with the primary focus now on tomorrow’s opener against Qatar. He added that all players are fully prepared for the tournament kick-off, pointing out that achieving a positive result in the first match would provide a crucial morale boost for the rest of their campaign. Source link
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen kept his championship hopes alive under the Lusail floodlights, winning a chaotic and tactically fraught Qatar Grand Prix after McLaren’s bold, and ultimately disastrous, decision not to pit under an early Safety Car left both their drivers exposed.Pole-sitter Oscar Piastri salvaged second place and 18 points, while championship leader Lando Norris fought back to finish fourth in a damage-limitation drive. The dramatic result ensures the title battle will go down to the wire in Abu Dhabi next weekend. Carlos Sainz delivered a superb performance to take third, earning Williams their second podium of the season.As things stand, Norris heads into the final round with a 12-point lead over four-time consecutive champion Verstappen, with Piastri 16 points back in third. A third-place finish in Abu Dhabi would secure Norris his maiden title, but with Verstappen having won five of the last eight Grands Prix, and with McLaren under scrutiny for repeated strategic missteps, the season finale is poised for a dramatic twist.The key moment unfolded at the end of lap 7, when Nico Hulkenberg and Pierre Gasly made light contact, sending the Sauber spinning and triggering a Safety Car. Verstappen immediately dived into the pits, as did nearly the entire field, except for both McLarens and Haas’ Esteban Ocon.The urgency to pit was heightened by an enforced 25-lap maximum stint length on all Pirelli tyre sets on a highly-demanding Lusail track, effectively guaranteeing at least two pit stops in the 57-lap race. Red Bull, aware of McLaren’s strong pace all weekend, gambled early, and it paid off handsomely, with Verstappen securing his seventh win of the season, the same as his McLaren rivals.”This was an incredible race for us. We made the right call as a team to box under that Safety Car. That was smart,” said Verstappen, who claimed his third consecutive victory in Qatar. “I’m super happy to win here. We stay in the fight until the end. Incredible! It was a very strong race on a weekend that was a bit tough but we won the race and that was important.”Saturday’s Sprint winner Piastri, who saw a near-certain victory slip away due to McLaren’s strategy, was frustrated. “Speechless…” he said over team radio after the chequered flag. “I don’t have any words.”Speaking moments later, a forlorn-looking Piastri criticised his team. “Clearly we didn’t get it right tonight. I drove the best race that I could and as fast as I could. There was nothing left out there. I tried my best but it wasn’t to be tonight unfortunately,” the Australian said.”I think in hindsight it’s pretty obvious what we would have done, but I’m sure we’ll discuss it as a team. It’s not all bad. It’s been a really good weekend and the pace has been very strong. Obviously it’s a little bit tough to swallow at the moment,” the 24-year-old added.Immediately after the race, McLaren faced accusations that the controversial call was influenced by a desire to avoid favouring either Norris or Piastri in the tight title fight. Norris rejected that claim outright, despite the decision leaving both cars vulnerable. Had both drivers pitted, Norris would have queued behind Piastri and risked losing track position, while stopping only one car would inevitably raise questions about favoritism.“No, nothing to do with that. Everyone keeps thinking that but it’s nothing to do with that,” Norris insisted. “It’s tough. We just had to have faith in the team making the right decision. It’s always a gamble. We were the ones who took a gamble in a way. Now it’s the wrong decision. We shouldn’t have done it. We’ve won the constructors’ six races ago because of that. Not our finest day but that’s life,” he added.Meanwhile, Kimi Antonelli helped Mercedes inch closer to securing second place in the Constructors’ Championship with a strong run to fifth. Norris was hunting down the Italian on the final lap when Antonelli ran wide, allowing the Briton to pounce and seize fourth, a potentially crucial gain of two extra points heading into Abu Dhabi.Behind Antonelli, Isack Hadjar looked set for sixth before suffering a left-front puncture three laps from the end, promoting George Russell after the Mercedes driver had lost three positions on lap one.Fernando Alonso, Charles Leclerc, Liam Lawson, and Yuki Tsunoda completed the top ten. Alex Albon (Williams) finished 11th ahead of Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari), Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber), and Franco Colapinto (Alpine). Ocon was classified 15th after receiving a five-second penalty for a false start, ahead of Gasly, Lance Stroll (Aston Martin), and the unlucky Hadjar.Ollie Bearman retired after serving a 10-second stop-go penalty for running an unsafe car, while Hulkenberg’s race ended in the gravel following his collision with Gasly. Related Story Source link
His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, Sunday 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, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), Badr Mohammed al-Meer, CEO of Qatar Airways, Abdulrahman al-Mannai, President of the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation, and 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. Related Story Source link
Qatari driver Abdullah Al Khalifi secured third place in the Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East, held on the sidelines of the Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix Formula 1 – the 23rd and penultimate round of the FIA World Championship. Al Khalifi finished third with a time of 21:50.508, while Australia’s Caleb Sumich claimed victory with a time of 21:44.486, edging Japan’s Tai Shi by 1.276 seconds for second place. Sumich finished 6.022 seconds ahead of Al Khalifi, 8.724 seconds ahead of Saudi driver Khalid Al Ahmadi in fourth, and 11.542 seconds ahead of fellow Saudi competitor Saud Al-Saud in fifth. Earlier, Al Khalifi had also secured third place in the qualifying session with a lap time of 1:57.814, following fifth-place finishes in both free practice sessions on the opening day of the event. Al Khalifi expressed his satisfaction with the results he achieved throughout this year’s edition of the Porsche Cup, held in conjunction with the Formula 1 World Championship. He noted that his performance this season surpassed that of last year. Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Al Khalifi explained that this season has been particularly significant for him, as he transitioned from the amateur category to the more competitive professional class. Despite the increased difficulty-and despite not having competed in Porsche races for some time-he succeeded in delivering strong results and showed clear improvement. He praised the role of the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF), led by Abdulrahman Abdul Latif Al-Mannai, for granting him the opportunity to participate in such a major series held alongside a global championship of Formula 1’s stature. He affirmed that the federation’s support has been instrumental in his continuous development from one championship to the next.Al Khalifi added that the QMMF remains committed to supporting Qatari drivers, noting that he looks forward to his next participation, alongside a new generation of young and emerging talents in upcoming competitions. Source link
Max Verstappen won the Qatar Grand Prix on Sunday to set up a final race title showdown with McLaren duo Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. The Red Bull driver kept the wheels on his quest for a fifth successive crown after pole-sitter Piastri finished second and standings leader Norris came only fourth.Verstappen’s remarkable late season surge has lifted him past Piastri and into second in the championship. The Dutchman now goes into the season-closer next weekend only 12 points behind Norris with Piastri 16 points behind his teammate. Verstappen has fond memories of the last time the title went down to the wire when he beat Lewis Hamilton on the last lap of the last race in Abu Dhabi in 2021. Source link
Qatar begin their quest for Arab Cup glory on Monday against Palestine at Al Bayt Stadium in the opening match of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, in Group A alongside Tunisia and Syria.Qatar enter the tournament seeking their first Arab Cup title in their fourth appearance, after finishing runners-up in 1998, third in 2021 and fourth on their debut in 1985. The team comes into the competition with high confidence after securing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by topping their Asian play-off group in Doha ahead of Oman and the UAE.Preparations included a local training camp during the November international window, featuring a friendly match against Zimbabwe. Head coach Julen Lopetegui said the Arab Cup represents a major competitive test and a key stage in the team’s World Cup preparations, stressing the importance of a strong opening performance against a well-organized Palestinian side.Qatar will rely on a balanced squad blending experience and youth. The 23-man roster features key players including Akram Afif, Mohammed Muntari, Edmilson Junior and goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham. Afif remains the team’s main attacking threat after his outstanding display at the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, where he won both the Golden Boot and Golden Ball.Several players will miss the tournament, most notably all-time top scorer Almoez Ali due to injury. Ahmed Al Rawi and Ahmed Al Janahi are also sidelined, while Boualem Khoukhi, Pedro Miguel and Karim Boudiaf were left out as part of Lopetegui’s squad restructuring.Palestine secured qualification after defeating Libya on penalties following a goalless draw in Doha and will be looking to reach the knockout stages for the first time in their sixth appearance. The team, coached by Ehab Abu Jazar, conducted a training camp in Spain before assembling in Doha for final preparations.Featuring several players active in the Qatari and Egyptian leagues, Palestine head into the opener determined to challenge the hosts before a large home crowd at Al Bayt Stadium. Related Story Source link
Two-time Asian champions Qatar on Monday will be looking for a winning start at the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup when they take on Palestine at Al Bayt Stadium. Coached by Julen Lopetegui, Qatar qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in October. With their match on Monday, Qatar will be officially launching their preparations for next year’s FIFA World Cup that starts in seven months’ time.Having won the Asian Cup on home soil last year and finished third at the previous edition of the Arab Cup, which they also hosted, Lopetegui’s side will be aiming to ride home support to secure another major title.Qatar coach Lopetegui said in a press conference on Sunday: “We are delighted to be participating in the Arab Cup. I watched Palestine’s previous matches; they have outstanding players and our match against them will not be easy.”The Qatar coach added: “Our focus is solely on the first match, and we aim to progress through the tournament step by step. We have turned the page on the past and are striving to write a new chapter in the history of Al-Annabi (the Qatari national team). “We have many new players in this tournament, and our goal is not limited to participation or trying out some players. Rather, we aim to win, develop, and prepare for the upcoming stages.”Qatar player Al-Hashemi Al-Hussein said on Sunday: “Preparations for the tournament have gone well despite the limited time available, but playing on our home ground and in front of our fans gives us a huge incentive.”He added: “Representing the national team is a source of pride, an honour, and a dream for every player. This gives us a great incentive, and we strive to capitalize on the coach’s confidence in us as young players.””The fans of Al-Annabi are the number one player for us, and they have proven this in all previous tournaments. Our goal is to make them happy, and we hope for their presence and strong support in the stands,” Al-Hussein said on Sunday.For Qatar coach Lopetegui, a young Qatar squad will miss several seasoned players like Almoez Ali, Hasan Al Haydos, Boualem Khoukhi, Karim Boudiaf and Pedro Miguel who have been dropped.Feared midfielder Akram Afif will lead the home charge when Qatar arrive at the Al Bayt Stadium on Monday. Afif will be paired with the reliable forward Mohammed Muntari, the first goal-scorer at the FIFA World Cup for Qatar in 2022.Afif is not only a star of the Qatari league; he is one of the most influential players in the Arab world. A mercurial attacking threat, the versatile forward is a two-time winner of the AFC Player of the Year award and also claimed MVP honours as Qatar tasted continental success last year. Palestine, coached by Ehab Abu Jazar, just last week qualified for the 16-team Arab Cup with a sensational play-off win against Libya.After their hard-fought win following a penalty shoot-out at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, an emotional Gazar said: “We are different from other teams. They play to compete, but we play for two goals: to send messages through football and to develop Palestinian football. Our team has become a big name in Asia and was close to reaching the World Cup playoff. We play for more than trophies – we play to send a message and bring joy to our people.”Playing the first match in Group A will clearly be another huge occasion for Palestine on Monday. Palestine’s Oday Dabbagh, at the age of just 26, is already his nation’s all-time record scorer and appears on course to set a mark that will take some time to beat. Powerful, quick, strong in the air and on the ground, the Zamalek marksman boasts European experience in the Portuguese, Belgian and Scottish leagues and is sure to be central to his nation’s hopes of progression in Qatar. FAN SUPPORT FOR AL ANNABIAs the Arab Cup approaches, Khalid Mubarak Al-Kuwari, the Director of Marketing and Communications for the Qatar Football Association (QFA), has issued a definitive rallying cry. His message to the nation is clear: when it comes to backing Al-Annabi, everyone has a jersey in the game. Al-Kuwari predicts that the Qatari faithful are poised to be the decisive factor, promising that they will provide the “strongest voice in the stands.” He views the upcoming campaign not just as a series of matches, but as a collective mission where every fan is a partner in the team’s pursuit of glory. “Our promotional campaign is diverse, and we strive to involve everyone to be a part of it,” Al Kuwari said. Behind the scenes, the QFA is executing a high-level strategy to unify support. Al-Kuwari revealed that coordination meetings have been held with local clubs to combine forces, utilizing their platforms to amplify support for the national team.Simultaneously, the digital game is being stepped up. The team is constantly evolving its social media content to match the intensity of the tournament, recognizing the vital role that dedicated fan accounts play in building the narrative.With the tournament atmosphere building, Al-Kuwari urged fans not to wait until the final whistle to make their move. The directive is to secure tickets now for all national team matches rather than waiting for the last minute, ensuring the stands are packed and the energy is electric from kickoff to the final whistle. Qatar squad:Mahmoud Abunada, Meshaal Barsham, Shehab Al Laithi (goalkeepers), Abdulaziz Hatem, Ahmed Alaaeldin, Ahmed Fathy, Akram Afif, Al Hashemi Al Hussein, Ayoub Mohammed, Assim Madibo, Edmilson Junior, Issa Lay, Homam Al Amin, Jassim Jaber, Khalid Ali, Lucas Mendes, Mohammed Khalid, Mohammed Mannai, Mohammed Muntari, Mohammed Waad, Sultan Al Brake, Tarek Salman, Yousuf Ayman Source link
Ooredoo Qatar, the nation’s leading telecommunications provider, has proudly renewed its long-standing partnership with the Qatar Football Association (QFA), continuing as the official telecommunications sponsor of the Qatar National Football Team for the next three years, in the lead-up to the Arab Cup 2025 and the FIFA World Cup 2026. The sponsorship renewal was officially announced and signed at the QFA headquarters by Thani Ali IA al-Malki, Chief Business Officer at Ooredoo Qatar, and Mansoor al-Ansari, Secretary General of QFA.This milestone agreement celebrates over 25 years of collaboration between Ooredoo and QFA, reinforcing Ooredoo’s dedication to supporting national sports, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle within the community, and enhancing the fan experience across Qatar’s most prominent football events. Speaking at the signing ceremony, al-Malki, said: “Our renewed partnership with QFA reflects Ooredoo’s long-standing commitment to elevating sports in Qatar and enriching the nation’s football culture. As we move towards the Arab Cup 2025 and the FIFA World Cup 2026, we remain dedicated to supporting the national team and enhancing the fan experience through reliable, seamless connectivity.” In turn, al-Ansari said: “We are pleased to announce today the renewal of the sponsorship agreement with Ooredoo until 2028, under which it will continue to serve as the Official Telecommunications Partner of our Senior National Team. The team faces important upcoming commitments, starting with the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, followed by our participation in the FIFA World Cup 2026, in addition to other future tournaments and engagements.” He added: “There is no doubt that this sponsorship will provide real added value and ideal support for the Senior National Team and for the objectives of the Qatar Football Association, in line with the federation’s vision and strategy. It also reflects the strength of the relationship we share with our partners at Ooredoo, and we look forward to activating this sponsorship in ways that bring positive benefits to both sides.” Ooredoo remains committed to leveraging its technology and expertise to bring fans closer to the action, ensuring seamless connectivity and innovative digital experiences as Qatar prepares for major regional and international tournaments. Source link
With robust infrastructure, comprehensive planning, and growing international backing, Qatar is set to deliver an exceptional and memorable FIFA Arab Cup 2025, further cementing its position as a leading hub for major global sporting events.Preparations are entering the final stretch with authorities confident of delivering another world-class sporting event when the tournament kicks off from December 1 to 18.As part of its nationwide readiness plan, Qatar Rail has confirmed that the Doha Metro and Lusail Tram networks are fully equipped to transport the thousands of fans expected to attend both the Arab Cup and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2025 Finals. Service hours will be extended on match days to accommodate late kickoffs, ensuring that spectators can rely on smooth and efficient journeys long after matches conclude. Complementary metrolink, metroexpress, and selected Park and Ride facilities will operate throughout the tournament to support increased passenger flows.To meet the anticipated demand, Qatar Rail will deploy 6-car trains on the Red Line and operate up to 110 trains during peak periods, reinforcing Qatar’s commitment to seamless mobility and enhanced fan experience. Adjustments to parking availability at certain stations, including Education City and Lusail QNB, have also been made to streamline match-day operations.Qatar Tourism, in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and the Permanent Committee for Managing Visitor Entry, has announced updates to the “Hayya” GCC Residents Visa (A2). The new features are designed to make travel to Qatar smoother and more convenient during a season rich in international sporting, cultural, and entertainment events.Beyond operational readiness, the 2025 edition gains special significance as a key preparation platform for seven Arab national teams already qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Teams from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria, and Jordan are set to benefit from competitive, World Cup-level matchups. Iraq, meanwhile, heads into an intercontinental playoff aiming to expand Arab representation to a historic eight teams.The tournament also enters a new era with enhanced regulations introduced by FIFA. For the first time, Arab Cup fixtures will be recognised as official international friendlies, contributing points to the FIFA world rankings—an upgrade that elevates the tournament’s competitive and global profile. Qatar’s successful organisation of the 2021 edition has prompted FIFA to award the country hosting rights for the next three editions in 2025, 2029, and 2033. Related Story Source link
McLaren’s Australian driver Oscar Piastri drives during the qualifying session ahead of the Formula One Qatar Grand Prix at the Lusail International Circuit Saturday McLaren’s Australian…