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Jordan booked their place in the quarterfinals of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 after defeating Kuwait 3-1 Saturday at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, in the second round of Group C action.Muhannad Abu Taha opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a powerful free kick, before Saad Al-Rawshan doubled the lead early in the second half (49′). Ali Al-Alwan sealed the victory from the penalty spot deep into stoppage time (90+6). Kuwait’s sole goal came through substitute Yousef Nasser in the 84th minute.The win marks Jordan’s second consecutive victory following their 2-1 triumph over the UAE, lifting them to six points at the top of the group. Kuwait remain on one point from their opening draw with Egypt and sit third.Jordan dominated the match from the outset, creating early chances through Amer Jamos and Nizar Al Rashdan, before Abu Taha broke the deadlock. Mahmoud Mardi nearly added another when his shot struck the post in the 23rd minute.Jordan maintained control after the break, capitalizing on sustained pressure to add the second goal.Kuwait attempted to respond with several substitutions, eventually reducing the deficit late on, but Jordan’s counterattacking threat forced a penalty that secured the final 3-1 scoreline and early qualification ahead of the group’s final round. Source link
Qatar’s match schedule for the FIFA World Cup 2026 has been officially confirmed by FIFA, 24 hours after the 12 groups were revealed at the draw ceremony in Washington.Placed in Group B, Qatar will open their campaign on June 13 at 3pm (June 14 at 1am in Qatar) against Switzerland at the 68,500-seater Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The Maroons then face co-hosts Canada in Vancouver on June 18 at 6pm (June 19 at 5am in Qatar). Julen Lopetegui’s side will conclude their group stage at Lumen Field in Seattle on June 24 at 3pm (June 25 at 2am in Qatar), taking on the winner of European Play-Off A, which features Italy, Northern Ireland, Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina. The biggest-ever edition of the global showpiece will feature 104 matches involving 48 teams across 16 host cities in Canada, Mexico and the United States. Related Story Source link
Aspetar, Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, is providing comprehensive medical services throughout the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, currently taking place in Doha. As the tournament’s official medical partner, Aspetar reaffirms its commitment to ensuring a safe and healthy environment for all participants. From the opening whistle, Aspetar has worked closely with local partners to deliver exceptional medical coverage for the event. This includes fully equipped clinics at stadiums and team accommodations, supported by elite sports medicine physicians and therapists to guarantee rapid response whenever needed. “We are proud to serve as the official medical partner for the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025,” said Khalid Ali al-Mawlawi, Acting Director General of Aspetar. “Our global expertise in sports medicine is dedicated to supporting this prestigious tournament. Over the years, Aspetar has established itself as an international reference for specialized athlete care, thanks to our highly qualified medical teams and cutting-edge technologies that ensure the highest standards of safety and health.” Al-Mawlawi added: “Our role in this tournament reflects our unwavering commitment to supporting major sporting events hosted by Qatar and setting a benchmark in sports medicine that meets global standards. At Aspetar, we believe health is the foundation of athletic performance, which is why we provide integrated medical services that safeguard athletes and deliver an exceptional sporting experience.” Aspetar’s support extends beyond participating teams to include referees, offering massage and therapy services to maintain peak physical readiness. The hospital has also assigned doctors, physiotherapists, and rehabilitation specialists to several teams based on their needs. Notably, Aspetar is the official medical partner for the national teams of Algeria and Iraq, while also supporting the Palestinian team’s medical staff with a dedicated physician. Dr. Khalid al-Khalifi, Tournament CMO and Aspetar Surgeon, emphasized: “Medical coverage for the tournament is running smoothly. We’ve handled multiple interventions at stadium clinics, complemented by Aspetar’s pivotal role. Our proximity to the venues ensures a safe environment and rapid response. We work together with emergency and ambulance services from Hamad Medical Corporation. Our experience in covering major tournaments makes the job easier, but the challenge is always to raise the bar and deliver better coverage than ever before.” Beyond tournament duties, Aspetar is currently welcoming several Arab football stars—both participants and those sidelined by injury—for treatment and consultations, reinforcing its status as a global destination for athletes seeking world-class care. Aspetar’s reputation for excellence has earned the trust of teams worldwide, with many relying on its services for medical screenings, consultations, and treatment. FIFA officials have praised Aspetar’s medical coverage as “the best in the history of World Cup tournaments in terms of organisation and readiness,” a testament to the hospital’s expertise in managing major sporting events. Aspetar continues to lead globally by delivering evidence-based medical services, upholding the highest standards in a safe and world-class environment. Patient safety and confidentiality remain top priorities, reflecting the hospital’s philosophy of combining medical excellence with responsibility toward the sporting community. Source link
Strengthening medical and wellness support for Qatar’s premier running evenOoredoo, Qatar’s leading telecommunications provider, has officially signed a sponsorship agreement with Apex Health, A subsidiary of Estithmar Holding and the fastest growing healthcare company in the MENA region marking a strategic partnership for the highly anticipated Doha Marathon by Ooredoo 2026. The signing ceremony took place at Ooredoo Headquarters 2 (HQ2) in Doha, in the presence of Sabah Rabiah al-Kuwari, Vice Chairman of the Doha Marathon Organising Committee at Ooredoo Qatar, and Bob Issa, Group Chief Marketing Officer at Apex Health. Commenting on the partnership, al-Kuwari, Vice Chairman of the Doha Marathon Organising Committee at Ooredoo Qatar, said, “Partnering with Apex Health strengthens our commitment to delivering an exceptional marathon experience for our community. Their expertise in health and wellness will play a vital role in ensuring that every participant enjoys a safe, seamless, and inspiring race day. We are proud to welcome them as a key partner for the Doha Marathon by Ooredoo 2026.” Issa, Group Chief Marketing Officer, Apex Health, added, “At Apex Health, we are proud to sponsor the Ooredoo Marathon as its healthcare partner for the 3rd year. This collaboration reflects our commitment to promoting a healthier, more active community in Qatar and supporting every runner on their journey to better health.” This collaboration reinforces Ooredoo’s dedication to promoting health, wellness, and community engagement through world-class sporting events. As a key sponsor, Apex Health will help elevate the marathon’s medical and wellness operations, providing enhanced support for participants throughout their race journey and contributing to a smooth, well-managed, memorable event. Source link
Qatar will open their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign against Switzerland at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on June 13. The Asian champions will then…
Rashid Tuwaim al-Marri claimed top honours in the 140cm Gold Tour as the eighth round of the Longines Hathab – Qatar Equestrian Tour continued at the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab. Al-Marri delivered a sharp 32.11-second round aboard Navarone to secure victory, edging Mohammed Khalifa al-Baker, who clocked 32.63 seconds on Dukhan 3. Sirine Sharif completed the podium in 33.07 seconds with Calamando.In the team event, Team Ajwad topped the standings with a combined 65.18 seconds, followed by Lekhwiya (70.78) and Al Shaqab (71.01). In the Open round, Hussein Saeed Haidan set the benchmark with a swift 24.99 seconds on Winnenhof, narrowly ahead of Abdullah bin Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, who finished second in 25.01 seconds with Cassandra. Yaqoub Nasser al-Mas placed third after posting 25.03 seconds on Equinox.Abdullah bin Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani shone in the Junior category, winning the class in 25.01 seconds on Cassandra and taking third with Horlovents in 26.14 seconds. Abdullah Faisal al-Mana split the pair in second place with a 25.18-second performance on Barouq.In the Future Riders Tour, Al-Qaqa bin Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani delivered the most accurate round to take first place with a 49.1-second effort on Squarini, only 1.1 seconds off the ideal time. Fahad bin Nasser al-Thani finished second on Delani with a time of 46.81 seconds (1.19 seconds off), while Hamad bin Mohammed al-Thani secured third on Malqa in 49.34 seconds, 1.34 seconds off the ideal mark. Source link
Donald Trump still seems unsure whether to call it soccer or football. But the US president’s aim is truer when using the world’s favorite sport to score diplomatic goals.Trump will try to do so again Friday when he meets the leaders of 2026 World Cup co-hosts Canada and Mexico at the tournament’s draw in Washington. As the first World Cup hosted by three countries simultaneously, it should be a golden opportunity to show North American unity, with the three leaders reportedly set to take part in a ceremonial draw.But Trump’s aggressive stance towards his allies on trade, migration and drug-trafficking since his return to power means they will have thorny issues to tackle on the sidelines of the gala event. For Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum it will be her first meeting with Trump. She told reporters they would discuss bilateral trade during the “small meeting” before the draw, in which the 48 qualifying teams are divided into 12 World Cup groups. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has visited the White House twice but it will be his first encounter with Trump since briefly meeting in South Korea in November, after Trump suspended trade talks in a bizarre row over an anti-tariff ad. They will have a “brief meeting during their time together at the Kennedy Center,” the venue for the tournament draw, Carney’s office told AFP Thursday, adding that he would also meet briefly with Sheinbaum.Trump has slapped steep tariffs on exports from Canada and Mexico that do not fall under the USMCA trade agreement that Washington is seeking to renegotiate next year. He has threatened further punishment if they fail to curb cross-border migration and drug trafficking — and irked Sheinbaum by saying he would be “OK” with airstrikes on Mexico to tackle traffickers. Canada meanwhile was outraged by Trump’s calls earlier this year for it to become the 51st US state. – FIFA ‘peace prize’ -Yet the three countries now find themselves hosting the world’s biggest sporting event together, having launched their joint bid in 2017 during Trump’s first term in the White House.He has unashamedly seized on the World Cup to score political and diplomatic points — even though the golf fan’s knowledge of the beautiful game mainly comes from his son Barron, 19. The US president has struck up a close friendship with FIFA boss Gianni Infantino, who also has close ties with a number of authoritarian leaders including Russia’s Vladimir Putin.Trump dangled the carrot of the chance to compete at the 2026 World Cup as a possible “incentive” for Russia — banned from international football since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine — to end the war. Infantino is set to play to Trump’s love of flattery when he presents a new FIFA “peace prize” on Friday that the US leader is widely expected to win.Trump has hosted Infantino several times at the White House — as he did Portuguese superstar Ronaldo at a dinner for visiting Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in November. But Trump’s football diplomacy has also risked colliding with his domestic priority of a massive crackdown on immigration.Trump recently unveiled a special fast-track visa process for people with World Cup tickets, but Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that a ticket would not guarantee admission to the United States.More recently, Trump responded to an Afghan national allegedly shooting two National Guard members in Washington by slapping a freeze on all asylum decisions from 19 countries.They include World Cup participants Haiti and Iran.Trump has also caused jitters at FIFA and in foreign capitals by threatening to move Source link
The Qatari national team began its campaign in the Gulf Cup U-23 football tournament with a resounding 3-0 victory over Kuwait in their match Friday at Aspire Academy.The Qatari goals were scored by Mustafa Al Sayed in the 3rd minute, Mohammed Abdul Fattah in the 37th minute, and Ahmed Riyadh in the 45th minute of added time.This win gives Qatar their first three points, placing them second in Group A behind Saudi Arabia on goal difference. Kuwait sit in third place with no points, ahead of Bahrain, who are last in the group.In another match in the same group, Saudi Arabia defeated Bahrain 5-0. The goals were scored by Abdulaziz Al Alawi (2 goals in the 50th and 83rd minutes), Majed Abdullah (54th minute), Tamer Al-Khaibri (90th minute of added time), and Abdullah Saeed (90th minute of added time).According to the tournament format, the top two teams from each group qualify for the semi-finals, where the first-place team in Group A plays the second-place team in Group B, and the first-place team in Group B plays the second-place team in Group A.The winners of these matches then face each other in the final.The Gulf Cup U-23 tournament, organized by the Gulf Football Federation, is being held in Doha until December 16th, with the participation of Gulf national teams in one of the most important youth tournaments in the region. Source link
WASHINGTON, DC – DECEMBER 05: Thomas Tuchel, Head Coach of England, pose on the red carpet prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Draw at…
Mexico to open tournament against South Africa at AztecaWorld's top four seeded to not meet until semi-finalsKickoff times and locations to be announced on Saturday The 2026 World Cup will kick off on June 11 with joint-hosts Mexico playing South Africa at the Azteca Stadium – iconic venue of the 1970 and 1986 finals – followed by South Korea against a playoff winner after the complex draw was made on Friday. South Africa are appearing for the first time since 2010, when they drew with Mexico in the opening match but failed to reach the knockout stage.Mexico's co-hosts the United States and Canada will join the party the next day, against Paraguay and a playoff winner – possibly Italy – respectively in Los Angeles and Toronto. The draw for the expanded 48-team tournament, with six berths still to be filled via a series of playoffs, was hugely complicated due to various geographical sub-clauses.However, even the lengthy draw seemed short after an opening ceremony of over an hour that included U.S. President Donald Trump being awarded the new FIFA peace prize. DEFENDING CHAMPIONS ARGENTINA START AGAINST ALGERIADefending champions Argentina were grouped with Algeria, Austria and debutants Jordan, while five-times winners Brazil will play Morocco – semi-finalists in 2022 – Haiti and Scotland.The Scots are appearing in the finals for the first time since 1998, when they lost to Brazil in the opening game, while Haiti's only previous appearance came in 1974. France's first game will be versus Senegal in a repeat of one of the biggest tournament upsets, when the Africans stunned the then-holders in their first game of the 2002 tournament. Norway and one of the playoff winners complete their group. England will start against Croatia, who beat them in the 2018 semi-finals, and also face Panama, who they thrashed 6-1 in the group stage in the same tournament, and Ghana.Debutants Curacao, with a population of 150,000 making them by far the smallest country ever to reach the finals, face Germany, Ecuador and the Ivory Cost.World number one-ranked Spain have a dream draw alongside debutants Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay. The Netherlands are with Japan, Tunisia and a playoff winner, Belgium have Egypt, Iran and New Zealand, while Portugal face debutants Uzbekistan, Colombia and a playoff winner. The teams outside the hosts' groups will have to wait until Saturday to find out the venues and kickoff times for their games after soccer's world governing body FIFA attempts to optimise them relating to the various worldwide TV markets. A newly introduced seeding system ensures that the current top four in the world – Spain, holders Argentina, 2022 runners-up France and England – cannot meet until the semi-final stage if they win their groups. Source link