Hosting a FIFA World Cup is a matter of immense pride for any nation. Countries spend billions of dollars on infrastructure development, building and renovating stadiums, and upgrading facilities to stage the greatest show on earth. In return, they receive significant economic benefits through the arrival of millions of football fans from around the world.

"We achieved one dream when we arrived here, to be here, and now today is another little dream," the Spaniard told reporters.

Qatar's Boualem Khoukhi stunned Switzerland with a late equaliser as the sides played out a 1-1 draw in their opening match at the World Cup on Saturday.

European Championship winners Spain will face Copa America champions Argentina in the 'Finalissima' game in Qatar in March next year, European soccer body UEFA announced on Thursday.

Chief Adviser Yunus’ keynote address urged an end to the systemic barriers that restrict the potential of young people.

The Gulf emirate, which has hosted Hamas's political leadership since 2012 with US blessing, has been involved in months of protracted diplomacy aimed at ending the war triggered by the Palestinian group's October 7 attack on Israel last year.

India coach Igor Stimac condemned what he called an "irregular" goal in a 2-1 defeat at Qatar that ended his team's World Cup 2026 qualifying hopes, saying: "It shouldn't happen."

Israeli Anastasia Gorbenko shrugged off boos from the crowd at the world swimming championships in Doha on Sunday.

Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei said several of his ageing stars are facing "the last dance" as they prepare to meet hosts and holders Qatar in Wednesday's Asian Cup semi-final.

Hosts and holders Qatar moved into an Asian Cup semi-final against Iran after beating Uzbekistan 3-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw on Saturday.

Defending champions Qatar survived a scare to beat Palestine 2-1 and advance to the Asian Cup quarter-finals thanks to goals from Hassan Al-Haydos and Akram Afif at Al Bayt Stadium on Monday.

Friday's opening ceremony of the Asian Cup drew attention to the war in Gaza, with Palestine's captain taking the stage for the players' oath and Palestinian music at the beginning and end.

The countries are: China, Egypt, Pakistan, Qatar, Turkey, Myanmar, Thailand, the Netherlands and the UAE

New Zealand did not return for the second half of the match after an incident that occurred shortly before the break with them leading 1-0.

Holders and hosts Qatar will take on China, Tajikistan and Lebanon in the group stages of the Asian Cup finals in January after the draw was conducted in Doha on Thursday.

The report added that the consortium will submit an initial bid for the club by the end of the week, and that officials from Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) are helping with preparations for the bid

He replaces fellow Argentinian Gerardo Martino, who left after failing to lead the side past the group stage in Qatar last year

This Sunday, December 18, although it may seem strange because of the date, the Qatar 2022 World Cup ended with Argentina as champion, winning the cup again 36 years after Maradona lifted it.

The Qatar World Cup has delivered a rich feast of soccer for the past month, with shocks, great goals, incredible celebrations and record-breaking feats served up by the assembled cast.

There have been five red cards at the Fifa World Cup 2022 in Qatar so far. The first sending-off came for Wales when they played Iran in their Group B clash. Wayne Hennessey was shown a red card for clobbering Mehdi Taremi in the last 10 minutes of their second game.