Qatar to host 2026, 2028 FIP World Cup editions

DOHA: The International Padel Federation and the Qatar Padel Federation yesterday announced Doha as the host city for the 2026 and 2028 editions of the FIP World Cup, the most prestigious international competition for national teams.

Both editions will be held at the iconic Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex, a venue that has hosted some of the world’s most important international Padel events in recent years – including the Qatar Major Premier Padel four times, and the last World Team Championships – and has established itself as one of the sport’s leading destinations. newsbetting.cv

FIP’s flagship biennial event will see 16 men’s national teams and 16 women’s national teams compete for the world title in the two editions awarded to Qatar. As confirmed in the official FIP calendar, the 2026 edition will take place from November 2 to 7.

The decision to award the hosting rights for the 2026 and 2028 FIP World Cups to Doha was based on a series of key criteria, including the high quality of sporting infrastructure, the conditions offered to athletes and national delegations, proven experience in staging major international events, high safety standards, financial guarantees, and the strong sporting legacy developed by Qatar in recent years.

A further element reflecting the growth and ambition of the FIP World Cup is the prize money, which will reach unprecedented levels in the history of Padel and will be distributed equally between the men’s and women’s competitions.

The 2026 edition will offer a record prize fund of €1.2m, rising further to €1.35m in 2028. This represents the highest prize money ever awarded in an official Padel competition and underlines the commitment of FIP and the Qatar Padel Federation to further enhance the prestige of the event and showcase the highest level of competition among national teams.

“The awarding of the 2026 and 2028 editions of the FIP World Cup to Doha is a decision that looks to the future of our sport” said FIP President Luigi Carraro.

“Qatar has consistently demonstrated that it possesses all the necessary qualities to host world-class events, and awarding two consecutive editions of the World Cup to the country will provide continuity for the tournament’s growth, ensuring an outstanding experience for players, federations and fans”.

“Doha is one of the global homes of Padel. On more than one occasion it has demonstrated its ability to deliver exceptional standards of organisation and hospitality, and it holds a special place in the history of international Padel. We are confident it will once again help write new and historic chapters in the story of our sport, with the invaluable contribution of the Qatar Padel Federation, whom I thank for its commitment and passion in supporting the growth of Padel worldwide”.

Tareq Zainal, Secretary General of the Qatar Padel Federation, said: “We are honoured by the International Padel Federation’s decision to award Doha the hosting rights for both the 2026 and 2028 FIP World Cup. Having previously hosted the championship on two occasions, we are proud that Qatar continues to be entrusted with one of the sport’s most watched events”.

“This confidence reflects the dedication of the Qatar Padel Federation and all our partners to delivering world-class tournaments that meet the highest international standards. Hosting two consecutive editions presents a unique opportunity to build on our experience, further enhance the event, and create an exceptional experience for players, teams and fans from around the world. We look forward to welcoming the global Padel community back to Doha and contributing to the continued growth and success of our sport”.

Doha, Qatar: Spain have made winning look routine at the FIFA World Cup, but Belgium’s growing confidence suggests today’s quarter-final could be anything but.

A place in the last four is at stake when two of Europe’s biggest football nations meet at Los Angeles Stadium today (10pm Qatar time), with La Roja’s flawless campaign coming up against a Belgian side that has gathered momentum with every passing match.

European champions Spain arrived in North America as one of the favourites and have done little to challenge that tag.

They topped Group H before sweeping aside Austria 3-0 in the Round of 32 and edging Portugal 1-0 in a tense Iberian derby, where substitute Mikel Merino struck deep into stoppage time to seal their place in the quarter-finals.

More impressively, Luis de la Fuente’s men have yet to concede a goal, becoming the first team in World Cup history to register six successive clean sheets.

Spain’s defensive solidity has been matched by the quality throughout the side. Rodri continues to dictate play from midfield, Pedri and Dani Olmo provide the craft, while teenager Lamine Yamal remains one of the tournament’s biggest attractions despite the extra attention he receives from opposing defenders.

Mikel Oyarzabal has also been a key figure in Spain’s attacking surge, leading their scoring charts with four goals in five matches at the tournament.

“He brings so much to the team with his dribbling and presence. When he receives the ball, two or three opposing players close in on him, which opens up space,” Olmo said of his Barcelona teammate Yamal.

“Lamine scores and assists, he’s always done that in his short career, and even when he doesn’t, he’ll keep helping us with the work he’s doing.”

Spain’s success has been built as much on discipline as flair.

“We are a team where everyone attacks and everyone defends,” Olmo said. “The coach says the number nine is the first to defend and the others follow suit. The defensive line has been spectacular. If we keep a clean sheet, we’re closer to winning.”

Belgium’s Kevin De Bruyne in action during a training session yesterday. (PICS: AFP)

Belgium, meanwhile, have quietly grown into one of the tournament’s most dangerous teams. After opening with draws against Egypt and Iran, the Red Devils found their rhythm by thrashing New Zealand 5-1 to finish top of Group G. They then produced a stirring comeback from two goals down to beat Senegal 3-2 after extra time in the Round of 32 before dismantling co-hosts United States 4-1 in Seattle to reach the last eight.

Rudi Garcia’s side still leans on the experience of Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Thibaut Courtois, while Jeremy Doku, Leandro Trossard and Charles De Ketelaere have added pace, creativity and goals to Belgium’s attack.

The only major setback ahead of the showdown is the absence of Aston Villa midfielder Amadou Onana, who has been ruled out for the rest of the tournament after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament against the United States.

Today’s contest will renew a World Cup rivalry that has produced one win apiece. Belgium eliminated Spain on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the 1986 quarter-finals before La Roja responded with a 2-1 victory in the group stage at Italia ‘90.

Overall, Spain have enjoyed the upper hand in the fixture, winning 12 of their 22 meetings, with Belgium claiming five victories and five matches ending level.

Spain’s perfect record and defensive resilience make them deserved favourites, but Belgium’s ability to overcome adversity and hurt opponents in different ways makes this one of the World Cup’s most intriguing quarter-finals.

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Celtic have reportedly offered £3.4 million for Real Oviedo winger Haissem Hassan after his performances for Egypt at the World Cup.

Celtic have submitted a €4 million bid, worth about £3.4 million, for Egypt winger Haissem Hassan, according to reports.

Real Oviedo are studying the offer for the 24-year-old, who played for Egypt during their historic run to the World Cup round of 16.

If the move goes through, Oviedo would receive around €2.4 million from the proposed deal, with the remainder linked to ownership or sell-on arrangements. Haissem Hassan also has interest from Saudi Arabia, but no formal offer has arrived from there.

The France-born forward joined Real Oviedo in 2024 after spells with Chateauroux, Villarreal, Mirandés, and Sporting Gijón.

Hassan started for Egypt in their 3-2 defeat to Argentina in the World Cup round of 16. He also featured in Egypt’s knockout win over Australia, after which he said that the team had made “120 million people in Egypt happy.”

Egypt exited the World Cup after their deepest tournament run, having reached the knockout stage and won a knockout match for the first time.

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