Latest news with #FIFAWorldCupQatar2022
ILoveQatar.net
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- ILoveQatar.net
Thousands of community members gather at Education City Stadium for Eid Al Adha prayer
Worshippers from across Qatar gathered in thousands at the Education City Stadium for the Eid Al Adha prayer. The iconic arena's size and safety has led to it becoming a familiar setting for Eid prayers in recent years, following its role as a FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ venue. The Eid Al Adha gathering was organised by Qatar Foundation's (QF) Minaretein Center (Education City Mosque), in collaboration with the Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs. Following the prayer, families also enjoyed an array of cultural and entertainment activities, including henna artists, face painting, gifts of 'Eid Mubarak' balloons, and the chance to meet cartoon characters. Source & Image credit: Qatar Foundation
Qatar Tribune
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Qatar Tribune
Thousands perform Eid Al Adha prayer at Education City Stadium
DOHA: Thousands of worshippers performed the Eid Al Adha prayer at Education City Stadium. A statement from Qatar Foundation said: "The iconic arena's size and safety have led to it becoming a familiar setting for Eid prayers in recent years, following its role as a FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 venue." It noted that the Eid Al Adha gathering was organised by Qatar Foundation's (QF) Minaret Center (Education City Mosque), in collaboration with the Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs. The statement added that, following the prayer, families also enjoyed an array of cultural and entertainment activities, including henna artists, face painting, gifts of Eid Mubarak balloons, and the chance to meet cartoon characters.
Newsweek
a day ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Trump's Travel Ban Casts Shadow Over FIFA World Cup Access
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with most matches—including the final—taking place in American stadiums. However, hopes among Iranian fans in particular to attend and support their national team on U.S. soil are now in doubt following President Donald Trump's announcement of a new travel ban targeting 12 countries, including Iran. Newsweek has reached out the White House, FIFA and Iran's foreign ministry for comment. Why It Matters The travel ban deepens already strained U.S.-Iran relations. With nuclear talks stalled and President Trump ramping up his "maximum pressure" campaign, the policy reflects rising tensions that now spill into global sports. Events like the World Cup offer rare chances for connection across hostile borders. By barring Iranian fans, the ban closes one of the few remaining windows for people-to-people engagement, reinforcing a broader climate of isolation. Close up of an Iranian fan in the stands during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B match between Iran (0) and USA (1) at Al Thumama Stadium on November 29, 2022 in Doha,... Close up of an Iranian fan in the stands during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B match between Iran (0) and USA (1) at Al Thumama Stadium on November 29, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by /Anychance/Getty Images) MoreWhat to Know Iran is the only nation on the travel ban list that has already secured a place in the 2026 World Cup. While Iranian players will be permitted to compete, their supporters will be barred from entering the U.S. For many fans from Iran, this tournament could be a rare chance to watch their team play on American soil—an opportunity made even more meaningful by decades of political estrangement. Other banned nations, including Venezuela, Sudan, Equatorial Guinea, Libya and Haiti, remain in contention for qualification. Venezuela currently sits five points off automatic qualification but could secure a place through a playoff. Sudan is just one point behind the leader in its qualifying group. FIFA Faces Pressure FIFA has yet to comment on the ban, but scrutiny is mounting. In 2017, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said: "It's obvious when it comes to FIFA competitions, any team, including the supporters and officials of that team, who qualify for a World Cup need to have access to the country, otherwise there is no World Cup." With fans from a qualified country now excluded, critics are urging FIFA to defend its own standards. Iran's players celebrate after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Asia zone qualifiers group A football match between Iran and Uzbekistan, on March 25, 2025 in Tehran. Iran's players celebrate after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Asia zone qualifiers group A football match between Iran and Uzbekistan, on March 25, 2025 in Tehran. Getty Images Social Media Outcry Builds The backlash online was swift. @stephenpglenn wrote: "So Trump's travel ban list includes Iran who have qualified for the World Cup... @FIFAWorldCup and @iocmedia must really start looking at the suitability of USA to host the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics." Another user asked, "How is it even possible to have a World Cup in a country that won't allow foreign fans?" Reddit users voiced similar frustration, with one commenter speculating that FIFA will "rig the group stage draw so that Iran, Venezuela etc play their matches in Mexico or Canada." The growing sentiment online reflects mounting pressure on FIFA to respond—and soon. Yesterday, Trump officially announced that fans from Iran will NOT be allowed to come and support their country at the World Cup. How is it even possible to have a World Cup in a country that won't allow foreign fans @FIFAWorldCup @FIFAcom @fifamedia ?#worldcup #football — Man at C&A 🇬🇧 (@BeardedBrownMa1) June 5, 2025 What People Are Saying U.S. President Donald Trump: "The recent terror attack in Boulder, Colorado, has underscored the extreme dangers posed to our country, by the entry of foreign nationals who are not properly vetted, as well as those who come here as temporary visitors and overstay their visas. We don't want them." FIFA President Gianni Infantino: "Any team, including the supporters and officials of that team, who qualify for a World Cup need to have access to the country, otherwise there is no World Cup." James Montague, soccer writer and author of Engulfed: How Saudi Arabia Bought Sport, and the World told Newsweek: "I suspect there will be some carve out for fans since infantino has a very close relationship with Trump. But the issue of fans from certain countries being prevented from going may be a moot point. If there's a chance fans might be denied entry, arrested and deported for social media posts that criticized Trump, or Israel, I suspect a lot people will be scared away and stay at home, whatever Infantio and Trump promise." What Happens Next Trump's ban underscores how geopolitical tensions can undermine the global spirit of sports, affecting not just Iran but other nations still vying for World Cup spots. While athletes may compete, many fans face restrictions that challenge FIFA's promise of full participation and raise concerns about hosting major events in countries with strict travel policies.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
US goalkeeper Zack Steffen injures knee and will miss CONCACAF Gold Cup
FILE - United States' goalkeeper Zack Steffen reacts during a qualifying soccer match against Costa Rica for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 in San Jose, Costa Rica, Wednesday, March 30, 2022. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo, File) CHICAGO (AP) — Zack Steffen injured a knee and became the second goalkeeper dropped from U.S. training camp ahead of the CONCACAF Gold Cup. Steffen was hurt during training Tuesday, returned to the Colorado Rapids for more exams and will miss the tournament, the U.S. Soccer Federation said Wednesday. Advertisement Columbus goalkeeper Patrick Schulte injured an oblique on May 24. Matt Turner, the No. 1 American goalkeeper for the past three years, remains in camp along with Chris Brady and Matt Freese, who both have never played for the national team. The Americans have friendlies against Turkey on Saturday at East Hartford, Connecticut, and Switzerland three days later at Nashville, Tennessee, then meet Trinidad and Tobago, Saudi Arabia and Haiti in the first round of the Gold Cup. ___ AP soccer:
Qatar Tribune
2 days ago
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar to host 2026 Nobel Sustainability Awards Ceremony
DOHA: The Nobel Sustainability Trust (NST) has officially announced the selection of Doha as the host city for the 2026 Nobel Sustainability Awards Ceremony. This prestigious choice reflects the growing international recognition of Qatar's leading role in advancing sustainable development, promoting smart and sustainable economies, and driving innovative urban solutions. The announcement was made during a high-level event recently held in Miami, USA, where Qatar was also confirmed as the official sponsor of the 2025 awards ceremony scheduled to take place this December. During the event, NST President Peter Nobel received an official letter from HE Minister of Municipality Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiyah, confirming Qatar's hosting of the 2026 global event. In his remarks at the ceremony, Peter Nobel said: "From the shores of Miami to the smart cities of Qatar, the global need for comprehensive, innovation-driven sustainability solutions is evident. Hosting the awards across multiple continents reflects our commitment to advancing sustainable development and smart governance worldwide." In a statement on Wednesday, the Ministry of Municipality indicated that Qatar's hosting of this prestigious event underscores the country's genuine commitment to embedding comprehensive sustainability principles on the global stage. It further affirms Qatar's distinguished standing in the field, particularly in light of the ongoing programs and initiatives spearheaded by the Ministry of Municipality under the Third National Development Strategy (2024–2030), which prioritizes the development of smart cities, adoption of digital infrastructure, and the optimization of resource efficiency. The Ministry of Municipality has played a pivotal role in advancing urban sustainability through smart urban planning, modernization of public service systems, and the integration of sustainable transportation - efforts that were clearly demonstrated during Qatar's hosting of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 through the delivery of seamless services powered by innovation and technology. The 2025 awards ceremony is set to take place on Dec 4 at the historic Vizcaya Museum and Gardens in Miami, with the participation of prominent global figures from the fields of sustainability, technology, and economics. The event will honor distinguished international leaders across three categories: Leadership in Implementation, Smart and Sustainable City Solutions, and Innovation-Driven Economic Diversification. The NST was established by members of the Nobel family as an independent organization, with no administrative affiliation to the original Nobel Foundation. NST aims to promote global sustainable development by honoring groundbreaking innovations and impactful initiatives, encouraging collaborative research, and supporting international dialogue on sustainable energy, smart cities, circular economy, and good governance. The NST Awards are granted annually in three main categories. The selection process is conducted through rigorous evaluation by two independent international committees, under academic supervision from the Institute for Advanced Studies at the Technical University of Munich.
