BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA DEFEATS QATAR IN AN ENTERTAINING MATCH | FIFA WORLD CUP 2026

 

FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 HAS 13 RECORDS SET OR BROKEN SO FAR 👀

 

UNSCRIPTED: DOHA 2026 | WANDA DIAMOND LEAGUE

 

MAZZRATY HIGHLIGHTS | DOHA WANDA DIAMOND LEAGUE

 

ISRAEL FOOTBALL DISPUTE TO 'HEAT UP' AFTER PROTEST IN IRELAND

Ireland’s football match against Qatar was stalled by pro-Palestinian protests as pressure builds on upcoming games against Israel.

Palestine flags are displayed in the stands as part of a protest during the match in Dublin [Cathal Mcnaughton/Reuters]

Republic of Ireland midfielder ‌Jamie McGrath has warned that the controversy surrounding Nations League games against Israel could intensify after their friendly win over Qatar in ⁠Dublin was disrupted by pro-Palestinian protests.

Ireland are set to host Israel at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on October 4, ⁠while a September 27 fixture designated as an Israel home match is expected to be staged at a neutral venue.

Qatar"s match against Ireland was part of their preparations for this summer’s World Cup, where they begin their campaign against Switzerland on June 13. Ireland failed to qualify for the event.

Earlier this month, leading Irish footballers joined with celebrities in a campaign ‌calling for a boycott of Israel’s matches, but Ireland’s governing body for football (FAI) has said it will go ahead with the fixtures and that a refusal to play could lead to disciplinary measures.

Tennis balls featuring the Palestinian flag were thrown on to the pitch in Thursday’s friendly, ⁠causing the match to be halted twice, ⁠and McGrath expected more protests to follow.

“I’m sure it’s going to heat up over the next few months. We (the players) don’t want to be put into ⁠a position,” he told the BBC’s Northern Ireland bureau after the match.

“It’s obviously a unique scenario. The people [protesters], we have to listen to them, they have the right to do what they do, as long as it’s done in a peaceful way, that’s all that matters.

“Hopefully, the powers above us can work something out or use it for the greater good, I’m not sure what the process will be as it heats up.

"At the end of the day, we’re footballers and we don’t want to be caught in this, but sometimes we might have to.”

In November last year, 93 percent of FAI members voted ‌for ‌its leadership to press UEFA to suspend the Israel Football Association from Eu huropean competitions.

On Tuesday, the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign held a protest at the Dail (Irish parliament).

Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has also regularly weighed in on the debate and, ahead of the Qatar match, said his players must “win this war” against Israel in the upcoming matches.

McGrath was pressed further on the matter as to whether he believed a resolution would be found ahead of the matches.

“To be honest, I’ve no idea,” he replied.

“We obviously touched on it a few days, I’m sure as it heats up, it might be taken out of our hands, I’m not sure.”

- Al Jazeera Staff and Reuters

QATAR FOOTBALL FESTIVAL | SPAIN 🇪🇸 VS. ARGENTINA 🇦🇷

 

MACAO TABLE TENNIS STAR ZHU YULING SAYS HER COMEBACK WAS 'DRIVEN BY LOVE AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS'

• Zhu Yuling speaks to Macao News on her comeback to table tennis after years away, her recent WTT Star Contender Doha 2026 win, and returning to world No. 5

• Yuling shares advice for young players in Macao and hopes to help athletes pursue professional pathways

Macao’s Zhu Yuling poses with her winner’s trophy after the women’s singles final match against Japan’s Sato Hitomi at the WTT Star Contender Doha 2026 – Photo by Nikku/Xinhua

For several years, Zhu Yuling was absent from the international table tennis circuit – a quiet pause that followed one of the most decorated stretches of her career as a former world No. 1. The break came in the early 2020s, when health issues led her to step away from competition and temporarily put her playing career on hold.

During that time, Zhu returned to school to continue her studies and later transitioned into life as a professional teacher, gaining perspective beyond the demands of elite sport. Her return came in 2024, when she re-entered international competition representing Macao, starting again without a world ranking and gradually rebuilding her place among the sport’s elite.

That stunning resurgence has been underscored by a rapid rise back into the top tier, with Zhu climbing to world No. 5 and adding titles along the way. Most recently, she won the WTT Star Contender Doha 2026 crown, a victory that highlighted both her form and resilience at this stage of her career.

After flying back from Doha, Zhu Yuling took time out of her schedule for an interview with Macao News, reflecting on her journey into table tennis, her years away from the sport, and what continues to drive her today.

How did you first discover table tennis, and what drew you to the sport as a child?

When I was in primary school, I was quite weak and often fell ill, so my parents wanted me to take up a sport to improve my health. My school had a table tennis interest class, and I was instantly drawn to the sound of the ball being struck.

Zhu Yuling hits a return against Sato Hitomi at the WTT Star Contender Doha 2026 – Photo by Nikku/Xinhu

At what point did table tennis stop being just a hobby and become something more serious?

After entering the national first team, table tennis shifted from being a hobby to becoming a responsibility and a mission.

Looking back, what helped you deal with the challenges you faced during your development as a player?

There were many difficulties, but I always treated each one as temporary. I would tell myself to think about how I might view today’s challenges ten years from now.

You stepped away from international table tennis for several years before returning. What was that period like, and what ultimately motivated your comeback?

During my time away from competition, I returned to school to continue my studies and later transitioned into a teaching role. Returning to the court wasn’t something I planned in advance. It came unexpectedly, driven by my love for the sport and the feeling that there were still things left unfinished.

How did it feel to win the WTT Star Contender Doha 2026 title?

It’s not the most significant title I’ve won in terms of weight, but it was the most surprising and meaningful gift for me in 2026.

The final in Doha was an intense battle. What stayed with you most from that match?

At a point when both my physical strength and mental energy were nearly exhausted, I managed to overcome myself. That experience is extremely valuable to me at this stage of my career.

Zhu Yuling (right) hugs Germany’s Han Ying after the women’s singles semifinal match at the WTT Champions Doha 2026 in Doha – Photo by Nikku/Xinhua

You are now ranked world No. 5. How do you personally view rankings?

World rankings are just a form of statistics. I don’t pay too much attention to them.

What does it mean to represent Macao on the international stage?

Macao table tennis is relatively unknown internationally. I hope to let more people see and understand the broader possibilities of table tennis in Macao.

What advice would you give to young players in Macao who hope to follow a similar path?

You must dare to create dreams for yourself. If you believe in them, they can come true. I believe they will meet a better version of themselves along the path toward their dreams.

- Erico Dias

FIFA COMMITTEE MEETING | DOHA | QATAR

President of Young Africans(Yanga) Sports Club, Chairman of the African Clubs Association (ACA) and Member of the FIFA Club Competitions Committee, Eng. Hersi Said, in a group photo with the President of the World Football Federation (FIFA) Gianni Infantino, President of TFF Wallace Karia, and Deputy Chairman of ACA Jessica Motaung, at the first meeting of the FIFA Committee taking place today in Doha, Qatar.

FIFA CLUB MANAGEMENT SUMMIT

Doha, Qatar:  Young Africans (Yanga) Club President, Chairman of the Clubs Association (ACA) and member of the FIFA Club Competitions Committee, Eng. Hersi Said, arriving together with Young Africans Vice President Arafat Haji at the conference organized by the world football governing body (FIFA) for two days in the city of Doha, Qatar.0

President Hersi  has been selected to be among the experts who will avail his expertise on the topic of the Club Transformation System.

- Young Africans 

QATAR GRAND PRIX GRID | FORMULA 1

 

QATAR GP: SPRINT QUALIFYING RESULTS

Full results from Sprint Qualifying for the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix.

Oscar Piastri took pole for Sprint Qualifying at the Qatar GP. Image: XPB Images

Oscar Piastri Mercedes after a strong lap, while Norris completed the top three.

Fernando Alonso qualified fourth for Aston Martin ahead of Red Bull’s Yuki Tsunoda, who outqualified teammate Max Verstappen for the first time in either sprint or grand prix qualifying. Kimi Antonelli was seventh, with Carlos Sainz, Charles Leclerc, and Alex Albon rounding out the top ten.

Isack Hadjar narrowly missed out on SQ3 after having his final lap deleted for exceeding track limits, finishing 11th, while Oliver Bearman, Gabriel Bortoleto, Nico Hulkenberg, and Esteban Ocon were eliminated in SQ2.

Lewis Hamilton continued his difficult 2025 campaign, failing to escape SQ1 and ending up 18th behind Lance Stroll and Liam Lawson, who missed SQ2 by just seven hundredths of a second. Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto also fell in the first segment.

The session featured a hint of gamesmanship between Norris and Verstappen, with both drivers complaining about impeding each other in the early stages. The incidents were investigated, but no further action was taken. Verstappen also struggled with porpoising and had a lap deleted for exceeding track limits, leaving him sixth.

The Qatar Sprint Race gets underway at 5pm local time on Saturday (1am AEDT Sunday).

- Ben Waterworth

QATAR GRAND PRIX: POWER UNIT ELEMENTS

PIRELLI CONFIRM QATAR GP FORMULA 1 TYRES REACH A MAXIMUM OF 25 LAPS

 

Pirelli confirm that tyres used in the Qatar Grand Prix weekend can cover a maximum of 25 laps, including laps run under the Safety Car or Virtual Safety Car, due to the very demanding track in terms of energy, thermal stress and wear 🛞

INDIA REVEAL 23-MEMBER SQUAD FOR AFC U23 ASIAN CUP QUALIFIERS

The Blue Colts will begin their campaign on September 3 against Bahrain.

Indian U23 head coach Naushad Moosa has announced a 23-man squad for the upcoming AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers in Doha, Qatar.

The Blue Colts will begin their group-stage campaign against Bahrain on September 3, followed by matches against hosts Qatar on September 6 and Brunei Darussalam on September 9. The group winners, along with the four best second-placed teams across 11 groups, will secure a place in the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026.

“The key is to take it one match at a time. The first game (against Bahrain) will be very important because it will help us understand where we currently stand. Getting those three points will be crucial,” Moosa said to the-aiff.com.

Before flying to Doha, the Blue Colts played two closed-door friendlies against Iraq U23 in Kuala Lumpur, going down 1–2 and 1–3. Despite the results, head coach Naushad Moosa believes the matches have boosted the team’s confidence.

“Playing against Iraq was the best thing to happen for the team. They are one of the top sides, and the way we played – even though we lost – was quite encouraging. The important thing is that the boys showed character and have gained a lot of belief in their abilities,” said Moosa.

The squad:

Goalkeeper: Sahil, Mohd Arbaz, Dipesh Chauhan

Defenders: Bikash Yumnam, Pramveer, Muhammed Saheef Areesinte Purakkal, Harsh Arun Palande, Subham Bhattacharya, Ricky Meetei Haobam

Midfielders: Soham Naveen Varshneya, Lalrinliana Hnamte, Mohammed Aimen, Vibin Mohanan, Mohammed Sanan K, Chingangbam Shivaldo Singh, Ayush Dev Chhetri, Macarton Louis Nickson, Lalremtluanga Fanai, Vinith Venkatesh

Forwards: Parthib Sundar Gogoi, Muhammed Suhail, Sreekuttan MS, Sahil Harijan

Head Coach: Naushad Moosa

INTERCONTINENTAL CUP; INJURED MBAPPÉ IN REAL MADRID'S SQUAD

Kylian Mbappé will miss one Spanish league game with a leg injury but Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti hopes his striker will recover from in time to play the Intercontinental Cup final next week.

Ancelotti said Friday that the left-thigh injury that Mbappé sustained this week will rule him out of Saturday's La Liga match at Rayo Vallecano.

But the Italian coach said that Mbappé will travel with the rest of his teammates to Qatar for the Intercontinental Cup final on Dec. 18, when Madrid will face either Pachuca or Al Ahly.

"We will see if he can play without taking any (injury) risks," Ancelotti told reporters. "He will travel because we think he can recover from the injury."

Mbappé hurt his leg and was substituted after scoring his 50th Champions League goal in Madrid's 3-2 win at Atalanta on Tuesday.

"It's difficult to say where they [injuries] come from," Ancelotti added.

"In the last two international breaks he has been here working with us. He has improved. Thankfully it's a small period he will be out for. I don't think he will lose what he has been able to generate in the past few games."

Ancelotti confirmed that France midfielder Eduardo Camavinga is available having recovered from a hamstring problem while Austria defender David Alaba is closing in on a return from a knee injury.

- Associated Press

PEREZ & HAMILTON FUMING AT QATAR SPRINT RACE 👀

VERSTAPPEN RESPONDS TO RUSSELL QATAR DRAMA 👀

 

FORMULA 1 QATAR GRAND PRIX 2024 | THE GRID

 

F1 ANNOUNCES SPRINT RACE CALENDAR FOR 2025, BELGIUM REPLACES AUSTRIA

 Brazil will host its fifth sprint race since F1 introduced the shortened-race format; Austria drops off schedule

XPBimages

Formula 1 has announced the six grand prix weekends that will feature sprint events in 2025, with Spa-Francorchamps reinstated as Austria drops off for the first time since 2021.

Five of the events on the sprint calendar remain the same from 2024's schedule; China and Miami will continue to host Saturday races, as will Austin, Brazil, and Qatar.

Belgium had previously held a sprint race in 2023, although this was omitted alongside the Azerbaijan sprint from this year's calendar as the returning Chinese Grand Prix and the Miami round were installed as new hosts.

The return of a sprint race to the Belgian Grand Prix weekend comes at the expense of the Austrian Grand Prix, which first hosted a sprint in 2022 and remained on the schedule for the next two seasons.

Having held a sprint in every season since the format was introduced in 2021, the Sao Paulo Grand Prix will continue to do so having produced a series of highly acclaimed shorter races.

Both Qatar and the United States Grand Prix were first introduced to the sprint calendar in 2023 when the number of 100km races was increased from three to six, and remain on the bill for both this season and next.

F1 has also revealed an increase in viewing figures for sprint weekends over 'normal' weekends featuring three practice sessions, underlining its decision to continue with the format.

It is expected that the current layout used in 2024, in which the sprint race takes place on Saturday prior to grand prix qualifying, will remain in place.

This had been changed for this season to allow parc ferme to open between the sprint race and qualifying proper, ensuring that teams could address any mistakes in set-up to account for the loss in practice time.

The changes ensured that the sprints became more of a standalone event, rather than directly affecting the full-length grand prix, and now does not penalise drivers for any set-up changes between the sprint race and the grand prix.

Due to the revisions to the 2025 calendar over 2024, this ensures that the China and Miami sprints are no longer in consecutive weekends, while all three sprint rounds following the summer break are also more spaced out.

2025 F1 sprint race calendar

Chinese GP - Shanghai International Circuit - 22 March

Miami GP - Miami International Autodrome - 3 May

Belgian GP - Spa-Francorchamps - 26 July

US GP - Circuit of the Americas - 18 October

Sao Paulo GP - Autodromo de Interlagos - 8 November

Qatar GP - Losail International Circuit - 29 November

- Jake Boxall-Legge

AN INCH AND A MILE AWAY: INDIA'S FIFA WORLD CUP DREAM ENDS WITH ONLY THEMSELVES TO BLAME

India's Lallianzuala Chhangte wheels away in celebration after scoring the opener in the India vs Qatar FIFA World Cup qualifying match. Karim Jaafar/AFP via Getty Images

 One inch, around about.

We can't be sure, but that's what it looked like. Youssef Aymen crept around the back post off a Qatar freekick and headed down powerfully at Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. The India keeper patted it down, gloves open, and saw it roll back across the byline, just outside his post. That was it he thought, and the Indian defence with him. Which is when Hashmi Al Hussain stuck out his leg, dragged the ball back and laid it off for Aymen to tap it in from a yard out.

Cue uproar.

All the talk after India's defeat at Doha against a very under-strength Qatar team will be about this goal, the equaliser. India had earlier outplayed the hosts in the first half and taken the lead in the 37th thanks to an opportunistic piece of finishing from Lallianzuala Chhangte, and had held that lead till Al Hussain and Aymen pulled this off in the 73rd.

It hurt especially because of how good India had been until then. After a slow start, India had been sharp for large swathes of the first half. In this first match of the post-Sunil Chhetri era, Igor Stimac's men leaned on the collective and took the game to Qatar's young 'uns. Rahim Ali's selfless running and hold up play allowed Brandon Fernandes and Chhangte and Manvir Singh to get into the game, the forwards a whirlwind of constant motion.

Jeakson Singh dominated midfield while behind him Anwar Ali pinged passes around accurately. Jay Gupta bombed forward with aplomb. There were glimpses of real understanding between the players too: one-touch passing allowed them to swiftly cut through Qatar's midfield on many an occasion. Sure, there were a couple of last-ditch goal line clearances by the excellent Mehtab Singh, but moving forward India seemed a force.

In the second half, though, India seemed content to sit on the 1-0 lead and looked to be doing so comfortably till the equaliser. The moment it was given, India deflated. Having decided to go all-defensive they were ill prepared to do much about a change in scoreline. The way the match went after that, it was almost inevitable that the enterprising young Ahmed Al-Rawi would score one more for Qatar (in the 85th minute). And that's how it ended, India losing 1-2, knocked out of FIFA World Cup Qualifying by an inch that went unseen.

But was it all down to that one inch?

First, the incident itself. We have the luxury of multiple angles and slow motion to make the call. On the field, the referee was unsighted by the mass of players in front of him and his assistant was on the other flank. Once they had given the goal, neither could have been able to give enough credible reason to overturn it as it was essentially a 'he said, they said' situation.

And what is to say that the incessant pressure that Qatar had been building till then wouldn't tell by the end of the 90? Even if you take the unfairness of the decision into account, was it really *that moment* that cost India qualification?

Take a look back at the campaign, and it's plain that India had done very little to qualify on merit in what had been a relatively easy group of four. Across 540 + minutes in six matches, India scored three goals. They won just one game. While losses to Qatar were understandable, the other results weren't as easy to digest. They drew a winnable match against Kuwait and took just one point from the six that clashes with much lower ranked Afghanistan offered. The plan had never been to go into Doha needing a win - after all, you couldn't have predicted that the likes of Almoez Ali and Akram Afif would have been rested.

The Indian team - players, coaching staff, everyone associated with it - will be angered with the decision making of the referee on Tuesday night. And it's perfectly understandable that they would be... but once the red mist settles down, once the cold reality of Wednesday morning hits, it's time to introspect. Over this campaign neither the coaching nor the playing has been good enough to merit a place at the big boy table, one that was so eminently within reach. And it's time to shelve the excuses: Longer camps may or may not be available, Indians may or may not play as centre forwards for their clubs, and friendlies may or may not be arrange-able. But it's all part of the gig. Accepting responsibility for that isn't a shortcoming, it's arguably the start of the fix.

One inch may have made the difference on Tuesday, but over six months the gap to the top was much, much larger.

India's hope to qualify for a third straight Asian Cup remains alive, with many rounds to go in that yet, but the dream of playing the South Koreas and Australias of the world in the second round of World Cup qualifying will need to be shelved for another four years. And they only have themselves to blame.

- Anirudh Menon