Draws for FIFA Arab Cup & FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 held
Tribune News Network
Doha
The Raffles Hotel in Doha played host to the draws for the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 and the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 on Sunday.
A total of 23 national teams will vie for glory in the second successive edition of the FIFA Arab Cup to be held in Qatar. The tournament's Qualification Stage will take place on 25 and 26 November, with the Final Stage to play out from 1 to 18 December.
The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 is set to be held between 3 and 27 November and will be the first FIFA tournament to feature 48 teams.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino addressed the 550 guests in attendance with a video message.
'The FIFA World Cup 2022 was an incredible success – the best FIFA World Cup ever – and it followed twelve months after another historic event in Qatar: the first ever FIFA Arab Cup. I know Qatar will once again brilliantly rise to the challenge of staging these exciting FIFA tournaments. The hospitality and facilities in this country are exceptional, and every team will have the best conditions in which to prepare,' said President Infantino.
'The presence of five newcomers in the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 draw represents everything that FIFA aims to do: make the game truly global and give everyone the chance to shine on the world stage. I look forward to seeing the next generation of stars taking their opportunity to make their debut on the global stage, following in the footsteps of the many great players who featured in this tournament early in their careers,' he added.
The FIFA Arab Cup 2025 will be the second time that Qatar hosts the tournament after the country organised the 2021 instalment, while the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 will be the first of five successive editions to be held annually in the nation through to 2029.
'Qatar's commitment to hosting major tournaments goes beyond football. It embodies our belief in the ability of these events to bring people together, break down barriers and promote cultural exchange,' said H.E. Eng. Yasir bin Abdullah Al Jamal, Undersecretary of Qatar's Ministry of Sports and Youth, and Board Member of the Local Organising Committee.
'We look forward to welcoming fans from around the world for both competitions. Future stars of the football world will shine at the FIFA U-17 World Cup, while the FIFA Arab Cup will celebrate the region's diverse culture and rich football heritage,' H.E. added.
The Groups
Group A: Qatar, Italy, South Africa, Bolivia
Group B: Japan, Morocco, New Caledonia, Portugal
Group CcTypeface:> Senegal, Croatia, Costa Rica, United Arab Emirates
Group D: Argentina, Belgium, Tunisia, Fiji
Group E: England, Venezuela, Haiti, Egypt
Group F: Mexico, Korea Republic, Côte d'Ivoire, Switzerland
Group GcTypeface:> Germany, Colombia, Korea DPR, El Salvador
Group HcTypeface:> Brazil, Honduras, Indonesia, Zambia
Group I: USA, Burkina Faso, Tajikistan, Czechia
Group J: Paraguay, Uzbekistan, Panama, Republic of Ireland
Group KcTypeface:> France, Chile, Canada, Uganda
Group LcTypeface:> Mali, New Zealand, Austria, Saudi Arabia.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Qatar Tribune
4 hours ago
- Qatar Tribune
Irshad stars as Black Hawks lift QCA Cup
Tribune News Network Doha A breezy half century from Adnan Irshad and a four-wicket haul by Awais Riaz propelled Black Hawks to a convincing 56-run victory over Arabian Knights in the final to lift the QCA Cup on Saturday. The winners were honoured by Abdullah Al Abdullah, Director of Domestic Cricket, Qatar Cricket Association (QCA). Adnan, who made 37-ball 51 (2x4s, 3x6s) shared an opening stand of 45 runs with Jamshaid Anwar (33) and a 70-run second-wicket association with Syed Kazim (35). Imdad Hussain (17) and Zaigham Abbas (26) later added to Black Hawks' total of 181 for 5 in 20 overs. Chasing the target, Arabian Knights were bowled out for 125 runs in 18.3 overs. Riaz, who opened the bowling with Zabih Ullah, was the most successful returning figures of 3.3-1-13-4. Kazim claimed two wickets while Ullah, Abdullah Shahzad and Saad Abbasi claimed a wicket each. Wasim Muhammad made the highest score of 23 runs for Arabian Knights. Adnan Irshad was named Man of the Match. A total of 36 teams participated in the tournament which was played from January 17 to May 30, 2025.
Qatar Tribune
4 hours ago
- Qatar Tribune
I believe Qatar can qualify for World Cup 2026, says coach Lopetegui
Julen Lopetegui is the new man in charge of Qatar, right as a crucial stage in Asian qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2026 is just around the corner. With the third round drawing to a close, the former Spain and Real Madrid C. F. coach has taken the reins of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 hosts with Qatar sitting fourth in Group A and unable to secure a direct berth in the current phase. Should they finish either third or fourth though that would send them through to the next round where half a dozen nations will scrap for a further two direct spots. An additional place at the global finals is then potentially available via the FIFA Play-Off Tournament so there's certainly plenty on the line for the Maroons. Ahead of Qatar's qualifiers against IR Iran and Uzbekistan, Lopetegui sat down with FIFA to talk about his new coaching challenge. FIFA: How do you feel about this new project with Qatar and how did it come about? Julen LopeteguicTypeface:> There's a moment when the people offering you the job and your own excitement and enthusiasm to take on the project come together perfectly. We know that we're taking over at a difficult time, and we know we're going to have to pull off something spectacular to qualify for the World Cup. And to compound matters, we're up against the two sides that currently sit first and second in the group. We'll do everything in our power to give ourselves another shot at qualification in October, which is when the fourth round takes place in Asia. We need to give it our absolute all to give ourselves another chance of qualifying. Let's just hope we've got what it takes. We know it's not going to be easy, but that's one of the reasons why we decided to come here. We've been aware of Qatar's football project for a long time. Several years ago in my career, I was in talks to come here. It didn't come off back then for various reasons, but now, as I mentioned before, it was the right moment in my career for me to take on the responsibility of leading this national team and heading up the country's football project for at least the next two years to come. It's a massive responsibility, and we're all chomping at the bit to get started. We're fully committed to the task, and have been working tirelessly for the past three weeks. What will be your approach to the challenges ahead? We're fully aware of the challenges that lie in wait. In December, we've got the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, which is another hugely important tournament that's taking place on home soil. We already know who's drawn who, and I think it's going to be an incredibly exciting tournament. But right now, we've got our sights fully set on qualifying for the World Cup. Qatar has never qualified for a World Cup through the qualifiers before, and it's a dream we're determined to fight for. It's within touching distance. We've got two games left to play, both of which will be incredibly difficult, and in quick succession. However, despite all the difficulties, we're determined to give it our best shot to earn ourselves another chance of qualifying in October. Fingers crossed we've got what it takes. What is the feeling going into the Iran match at home knowing that a win would secure a place in the fourth round? We're fully focused on our match against Iran. We're just taking it one game at a time. After our game against Iran, we'll turn our attention to our next opponent. It's going to be a stern test for us, and we're fully aware of the quality they possess. But every match is a new opportunity, and the past is in the past. We'll do our utmost to take the game to them and put in a performance that gives us a chance of beating them. Knowing how much is riding on this fixture, we'll be giving it everything we've got. We're not thinking about other team's fixtures. We're fully aware that Kyrgyz Republic's two games are very different prospects from ours, but we want to focus on ourselves without worrying about what other teams are doing. How would it feel to qualify this team for the World Cup? The prospect of playing at the World Cup is what really spurs us on. And also the wider vision for the national team's future development. We're hoping for the best, but we know it'll be a tough ask. But at the same time, it's the project itself that's really got the juices flowing amongst everyone - in terms of how the game in Qatar has developed over the past few years. There's no doubt in anyone's mind that this generation has achieved some very impressive things in the Asian Cup. However, generations come to an end, and now we need to turn our attention to starting the process again, which will be no mean feat. And while we do that, we'll be doing our best to compete, which is the most important thing in the short term. Right now, our short-term focus is on Iran. We need to make sure all the players stay focused and motivated. (
Qatar Tribune
a day ago
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar Football Association holds its 2025 General Assembly
Tribune News Network Doha The Qatar Football Association (QFA) held its 2025 General Assembly meeting on Monday at the Ritz-Carlton Doha. The session was chaired by His Excellency Jassim bin Rashid Al Buainain, President of the QFA, and attended by members of the Executive Committee, the General Secretary, club representatives, heads of departments, and local media. The meeting began with the confirmation of a legal quorum per the QFA statutes, followed by the adoption of the agenda. A short documentary highlighting the achievements of Qatar's national teams and clubs during the 2024–2025 season was screened. In his opening remarks, HE Al Buainain thanked club members for their efforts and collaboration in advancing developmental plans. He congratulated teams that secured titles last season and expressed optimism for others in the coming year. He also emphasized the national team's progress: 'The high level displayed by local clubs will significantly benefit our national teams, including youth squads—the backbone of our football future.' He wished success to new coach Lopetegui and called for unified support ahead of key matches against Iran and Uzbekistan. Additionally, HE Al Buainain highlighted Qatar's upcoming hosting of the FIFA U-17 World Cup and the FIFA Arab Cup in November and December, expressing confidence in delivering world-class events. He extended gratitude to sponsors, partners, and the media for their unwavering support. The Assembly reviewed several agenda items, including the approval of the previous year's minutes and the President's activity report. Financial statements, the annual budget, and auditor appointments were also ratified. Proposals from members and the Executive Committee were discussed, with closing remarks by the President.
