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Spain, France head list of World Cup favourites
Doha, Qatar: With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just around the corner, Spain and France head the list of leading favourites to lift football’s most coveted trophy, while defending champions Argentina, five-time winners Brazil and England complete a strong group of contenders. syntagm.co.za
Although the World Cup has a long history of producing surprises, these five nations have emerged as the teams best positioned to challenge for glory based on recent performances, squad depth and the quality of talent available ahead of the tournament set to take place in the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
SPAIN
Currently sitting second in the FIFA world rankings, Spain top the list of favourites following a remarkable resurgence that saw La Roja claim the UEFA Euro 2024 title. Armed with a talented generation led by Lamine Yamal, Pedri and Rodri, the 2010 champions have developed into one of the most complete teams in international football.
The team’s ability to dominate possession, create scoring opportunities and maintain consistency in major tournaments has seen several prediction models rank Spain as the most likely winner of the 2026 World Cup.
FRANCE
Two-time champions France – ranked top in the global rankings – remain another strong candidate to challenge for the title. Led by superstar Kylian Mbappe, Les Bleus possess one of the deepest squads in world football and continue to blend experienced campaigners with emerging stars.
Players such as Aurelien Tchouameni and William Saliba provide strength across every area of the pitch, while France’s record of reaching two of the last three World Cup finals highlights their ability to perform on the biggest stage.
ARGENTINA
Defending champions Argentina will also enter the tournament with confidence after enjoying one of the most successful periods in the nation’s football history.
Although Lionel Messi, who led the team to memorable triumph in Qatar four years ago, is approaching the later stages of his legendary career, Argentina have developed a squad capable of competing at the highest level without relying solely on its iconic captain.
Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister form part of a talented core that has helped the Albiceleste secure both the FIFA World Cup and Copa America titles in recent years. The three-time world champions currently sit third in the FIFA rankings.
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BRAZIL
The most successful nation in World Cup history, Brazil are chasing a record sixth World Cup crown, a storyline set to dominate the build-up to the 2026 tournament.
Brazil continue to boast an abundance of attacking talent, with Vinicius Junior and rising star Endrick expected to play key roles.
The appointment of Carlo Ancelotti has generated renewed optimism among supporters, and Brazil’s blend of youth and experience makes them a serious contender despite recent injury concerns affecting several key players.
ENGLAND
Ranked fourth in the world, England enter the tournament carrying the weight of history and expectation. The Three Lions have been chasing a second World Cup title since their lone triumph in 1966, and after a series of deep runs at major tournaments, belief is growing that their long wait for glory could finally end in 2026.
With a squad featuring Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, and Declan Rice, England possess quality across every position.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup – the first-ever 48-team tournament – is widely expected to be one of the most competitive editions in history.
While Spain and France currently lead many prediction models, Argentina’s championship credentials, Brazil’s attacking firepower and England’s continued development ensure they remain among the strongest candidates to lift the trophy.
As previous tournaments have shown, surprises can never be ruled out, with Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal among the sides capable of going all the way and claiming their first World Cup title.
Qatar Cricket Association
Yousef Jeham Al Kuwari-President Qatar Cricket Association
The core body of the Qatar Cricket Association (QCA) takes immense proud and pleasure in welcoming you all to our website. Just as inclusive as is the QCA, which encourages every youth to have a bat or ball in the hand, we have tried to make the website attractive, informative and proactive. We hope that all the visitors will like the website and will assist us making it even more useful in future with their comments and suggestions.
As you are all aware that cricket is a fast rising sport in Qatar with a huge fan following. In a relatively short span of time, we have achieved quite a few milestones. The best example of it is our ranking in the world. We are firmly on the path to our desired destination of being counted as a strong cricketing nation. We can’t rest on our successes and have to continue our efforts to get better..
The QCA believes strongly in FAIRPLAY and wishes to create equal opportunities for all so that we can make the sport a truly gentleman’s game. We appreciate what clubs, players and management officials are doing to grow the game. Just keep focusing on your active role and positive contribution to cricket development in Qatar.
BRIEF HISTORY OF QCA
The game of cricket started to play in Doha in 1977 in the car parking of Khalifa Stadium. That time only 8 teams were participating in the league tournament. In 1980 twelve major teams decided to form the Qatar Cricket Association under the Presidency of Mr. M.A. Shahid, and Late Mr. Saifuddin Khalid, as its General Secretary.
The Cricket popularity was increasing day by day and reached to its heights through the contribution of businessmen and business executives. The President and players decided to form the council under the umbrella of the Qatar Cricket Association in 1987. The prime objective was to improve the level of cricket by bringing it to a national level and to gain recognition of the local sports controlling body by aligning Q.C.A with the local sports club.
The Q.C.A. under the leadership of Mr. M.A. Shahid was evolved and expanded during this period. With the sincere efforts of the President, H.E. Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassem Bin Jabor Al Thani who consented to become its chairman and Mr. Fahad Hussain Al Fardan as Vice Chairman.
His Excellency the Chairman made tremendous contribution to cricket’s development by making two additional grounds outside the Khalifa Stadium bringing the total number of grounds over there to seven.
In 1996 the QCA was given legal entity by the Y.A.S.A. through Resolution No. 13/1996 issued by H.E. the President of the Youth and Sports General Authority. As per the resolution the Q.C.A. Executive Board has been formed with H.E. Sh. Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jabor Al Thani, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, State of Qatar, as its Chairman.
Cricket was developed in schools progressed very rapidly in Qatar. The game is played in accordance with the regulations of the international Cricket Council London. The Q.C.A was accepted as an Affiliate Member of the International Cricket Council in June1999. The QCA was also accepted as Associate Member of the Asian Cricket Council.
His Excellency the Chairman has made a great contribution for promotion of cricket and arranged a ground for cricket near the Golf Course.
A proper grassy cricket ground is under construction under the supervision of Dewan-i-Emiri abd Qatar Olympic Committee and we were assured by H.E. Sheikh Saoud Bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani to handover the cricket ground on competition to the QCA along with adjacent land of 400,000 sq m for additional 8 grounds, to meet the criteria of ICC and ACC. His Excellency promised to provide full support for the promotion of cricket.
QCA has been associated with the Qatar Olympic Committee and they always encourage us and they gave every support for sending teams outside for participation in cricket tournaments organized by the Asian Cricket Council.
The Q.C.A. is receiving training/coaching facilities from the Asian Cricket Council. We have now around 20 qualified umpires and 12 qualified Coaches.
The QCA has formed National Teams meeting the criteria of the ICC and ACC through schools for Under 15, Under 17, Under 19 and National full team. These National teams have participated in all the tournaments organized by the ACC and ICC. The Qatar has won Under 15 ACC Challenge Cup in 2007.
In 2007 Qatar Cricket Association created an interest among girls and women’s and introduced cricket game. The cricket become popular among women’s and participated in the ACC under 19 tournaments in Dec 2008, where they achieved 5th position out of 12 teams of the Asian Countries.
We are really thankful to the Chairman, Vice Chairman and Qatar Olympic Committee who are supporting us in promotion of cricket in Qatar, and the Asian Cricket Council for their support. We hope a day is not far away when there will be a Cricket stadium in Qatar.
The QCA Objective is to win ACC Cup, take Cricket in the world Cup for under 19 on an initial stage and then produce National team players to participate for the forthcoming World Cup.
Registration
https://www.qatarcricketassociation.org/registration
Contact us
QATAR OLYMPIC COMMITTEE
Qatar Cricket AssociationOlympic Committee Building 15th Floor
Doha Qatar.
Phone : + 974 44944941
Email :[email protected]
To know more about them & how to join kindly visit their websitehttps://www.qatarcricketassociation.org/
إشادة بأداء طاقم التحكيم القطري في مواجهة جورجيا ورومانيا
قدم طاقم التحكيم القطري أداءً جيداً خلال إدارته للمباراة الودية الدولية التي جمعت منتخبي جورجيا ورومانيا في العاصمة الجورجية تبليسي.
وضم الطاقم التحكيمي الحكم الدولي محمد المزيد، وساعده كل من جمعة البورشيد وخالد عايد، فيما تولى محمد الشمري مهام الحكم الرابع.
وانتهت المباراة بالتعادل الإيجابي بهدف لكل منتخب، دون تسجيل أي ملاحظات أو حالات تحكيمية مؤثرة، الأمر الذي يؤكد جاهزية وكفاءة الحكام القطريين في إدارة المباريات الدولية بمختلف مستوياتها. ويأتي هذا الظهور الجيد امتدادًا للنجاحات المتواصلة التي تحققها الكوادر التحكيمية القطرية في البطولات الإقليمية والقارية والدولية، ويعكس الثقة الكبيرة التي تحظى بها من قبل الاتحادات الكروية على المستوى الدولي.
Where to learn Horse Riding in Qatar ??-Al Samriya Riding School
Vision
Mission Statement
- Be a leading organization promoting the love of horses, the highest standards of horsemanship and riding skills, whilst supporting personal development through equestrian activities in the state of Qatar.
- Promote horse riding and horsemanship in an effective, supportive, and fun learning environment.
- Provide safe, enjoyable, challenging, and interactive learning through the use of innovative, structured, and evidence-based coaching.
- Create a positive and caring environment for riders to learn about horse care and riding.
- Encourage young people to ride and engage in the full range of equestrian disciplines within the national and international equestrian federation frameworks.
- Educate learners about horse care, both through informal and formal academic routes.
- Promote high standards of sportsmanship, citizenship and loyalty by cultivating strength of character, self-discipline, reflection, and respect amongst all club members.
Values
We encourage care and compassion for horses, humans, and other animals. We aim to remain mindful of the needs of both horse and rider, so that all activities are safe, kind, positive, and productive.
We aim to create an environment where there is mutual respect between staff, learners, visitors, and equines. Our activities are designed to support members to achieve this aim and to achieve their best. We further encourage teamwork, self-confidence, self-discipline, and lifelong learning through programmes designed to enable the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and the ability to apply these effectively.
We promote a culture where staff and visitors are open, honest and trustworthy. We expect that staff members integrate these values within their teaching and customer service and that they are embraced by riders and visitors.
We aim to provide an inclusive learning and recreational environment regardless of age, race, religion, gender, or ability. This is further supported by encouraging flexible, collaborative, and non-judgmental teaching so that members feel safe whilst developing skills, confidence, and self-esteem. Sensitivity to the cultural and religious needs of others is integral to this.
Riding Lessons
Beginner
B1 Child or Adult and B2 Child or Adult
These classes are for adults and children over 8 years old who are new to horse riding. Direct entry to Beginner 1 is possible without an assessment. Entry to Beginner 2 is by assessment or coach recommendation after a lesson.
Riders may be complete beginners on the lead, through to beginners who are riding, stopping and steering, and learning to trot. Riders will also learn how to lead their own horse, moreover; mount to adjust girth and stirrups.
Development
D1 Child or Adult and D2 Child or Adult
Entry to developmental classes is by successful assessment only. Progress between the two levels may be through coach recommendation within or at the end of a term.
Developmental riding lessons help you to become a more independent rider, develop additional skills in walk and trot and learn to canter safely. You will work towards trail riding without a leader and later be able to include some trot work on the trails. D2 riders may also be introduced to jumping.
Experienced
Skill Development and Competitive
These classes are for experienced and confident riders and entry is by successful completion of an assessment only. There are options to prepare for competition and to try out for one of the ASRS teams. Lessons and training options may include riding skills development, faster paced trail riding, dressage, show jumping, and/or endurance riding. Adults and children may not be separated for some of these sessions; the level and training goal will dictate the groupings.
| Activity | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Riding Lesson – Group | 45 minutes | 185QR |
| Riding Lesson – Private | 30 minutes | 300QR |
| Riding Lesson – Semi-Private | 40 minutes | 500QR |
| Lunge Lesson | 25 minutes | 150QR |
| Classroom Seminar | 60 minutes | 80QR |
| Pony Day | 5-6 Hours | 500QR |
BOOK NOW
Friday Pony Rides
A big adventure awaits our little riders amid the beautiful nature of Al Samriya every Friday, where one parent member can walk along the way and get a few great photos to capture memorable moments of their child.
Limited slots are available; call us now to book your ride at 77973397 or email us to [email protected]
Please take time to read the below quick details:
Ride Duration: 30 Minutes per session
Ages: between 4- 8 years old only
Availability: Every Friday
Start Times: 13:30 to 16:00 in 30 minute sessions
Weight limit: 60 kg
Walking only ride—no trotting or cantering
Casual drop ins will not be accepted. All riders must be pre-booked with at least 3 days’ notice
The cost per child will be QAR 80 per session
Dress Code:
Sensible long trousers only. Shorts, skirts, Thobes & Abaya’s are not permitted for riding
A shoe or boot with a small heel. Trainers / sneakers shoes will not be permitted
Al Samriya Riding School will provide riding helmets
*Places must be booked through Reception at least one week in advance and payment should be made at least 48 hours in advance. The place is not guaranteed until you receive a booking confirmation.
*You are asked to arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled riding time to prevent losing your slot.
BOOK NOW
Parties And Events
If you’re the creative kind, you might opt for:
- Face painting
- Cake or cookie decorating
- Slime station
- Kinetic sand station
- Play dough fun
- Bead making
- Art station
If you’d like to be active with your guests, we can arrange:
- Horse riding
- Sports activities
- Fun, active games
- Zumba dancing
- Martial arts
- Archery
We can meet all of the catering needs for your event… biscuits to burgers, popcorn to pizza, tasty treats, simple snacks, or plentiful platters – you decide! Your celebration cake can also be ordered according to your own design through our Riding Café. We cater to your needs, putting you in control while we do all of the hard work.
And just so that you can capture those fun and exciting moments, why not include the photo booth, or even our professional photographer?
| Booking Fee | Fixed fee | 500QR |
| Use of small private room | Fixed fee | 500QR |
| Use of large private room | Fixed fee | 800QR |
| Trail Ride – 30 minutes | Per child | 80QR |
| Paint the Pony | Per pony – up to 4 children | 120QR |
| Grooming session – 1 hour | Up to 8 children | 350QR |
| Classroom session – 1 hour | Up to 8 children | 350QR |
| Party menu | — | 2000QR |
| Place settings | Price upon asking | — |
| Birthday cake | Price upon asking | — |
Finger Food
Chicken Salami
(Toast Bread, Cucumber, Chicken Salami, Honey Mustard Sauce)
Tuna-Fish
(English Muffin Bread, Tartar Sauce, Tuna-Fish, Spring Onion)
Beef Salami
(Toast Bread, Beef Salami, Kashkaval Cheese, Olive Paste, Cherry Tomato)
Hot Food
Chicken Nuggets with Dip
(Chicken Nuggets, Garlic, Parmesan Cheese, Mayonnaise, Lemon, White Pepper)
Mini Mix Pizza
(Pizza Cheese, Beef Salami, Smoked Turkey, Chicken Salami, Olives, Bell Peppers)
Sandwiches
Mini Cheese Sandwich
(Turkish Bread, Lettuce, Feta Cheese,Tomato, Cucumber)
Mini Panini Sandwich
(Panini Bread, Lettuce, Tomato,Chicken Mortadella, Cheddar Cheese)
Cookies
- Mini Ginger Cookie
- Mini Chocolate Chip Cookie
- Mini Nutella Cookie
- Almond Coffee Cookie
Desserts
- Mini Éclair
- Cream De Coffee
- Mini Nutella Cookie
- Chocolate Mousse
- Lollypop Brownie
Coffee & Juice Selection
ENQUIRE
Website:- https://www.alsamriyaestate.com/riding
Facebook:- https://www.facebook.com/alsamriyaridingschool/?ref=page_internal
