Abunada ready to seize World Cup moment with Qatar

Doha, Qatar: For a long time, Meshaal Barsham was the undisputed presence between the posts for Qatar. As one of the heroes of the country’s Asian Cup 2023 triumph, the goalkeeper’s place rarely came under discussion.

Now, with the FIFA World Cup only days away, Mahmoud Abunada has emerged as Julen Lopetegui’s preferred option in goal and appears set to carry Qatar’s hopes into the biggest tournament of his career.

The 26-year-old arrives in North America on the back of a breakthrough season. He helped Al Rayyan lift the QSL Cup and Gulf Club Champions League titles, earned the Qatar Football Association’s Best Goalkeeper of the Season award and strengthened his position in the national team with assured displays in recent friendlies against Ireland and El Salvador. akupunkturabielsko.pl

For Abunada, however, the journey to this point carries a significance that goes beyond trophies and individual recognition.

“Honestly, it’s an indescribable feeling, a national joy, a country’s joy,” Abunada said while reflecting on Qatar’s historic qualification for the World Cup.

“InshaAllah, we can perform at our best in the World Cup.”

Qatar secured their place at the tournament by overcoming the United Arab Emirates in a tense qualifier at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, a victory that sealed the country’s first-ever qualification through the competitive route.

Abunada still remembers how his own national team story began.

“My first call-up was in 2020. I was 20 years old. My family and I were sitting together when suddenly the squad list was posted on social media,” he said.

“Honestly, it’s an indescribable feeling. Representing the national team is a huge thing in my career.”

The goalkeeper’s path started at Al Arabi, where he progressed through the club’s youth ranks before making his professional debut in 2019. Since then, he has steadily developed into one of the country’s leading goalkeepers.

Behind that rise, he says, has been the support of his family.

“Maybe the stage I’ve reached is thanks to my parents’ prayers,” he said.

“My father, may Allah have mercy on him, passed away last year. I wish he could be with me in these moments.”

Drawn in Group B, Al Annabi open their campaign against Switzerland on June 13 before facing co-hosts Canada in the early hours of June 19 Qatar time and Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 24. Switzerland enter the tournament as group favourites, while Canada will enjoy home support.

Yet Qatar believe they are better prepared than they were during their home World Cup four years ago.

“There is nothing easy in the World Cup,” Abunada said.

“Reaching this stage means you are among the best in the world. In football there is no such thing as an easy group or a difficult group. We have to give all our energy on the pitch.”

Qatar’s target is clear. After exiting the 2022 World Cup at the group stage, Al Annabi are determined to reach the knockout rounds for the first time.

Competition for places has intensified under Lopetegui, and Abunada credits the Spanish coach for pushing players to improve.

“The coach always tries to keep me away from the comfort zone in order to motivate me,” he said.

“I always tell myself to give my absolute best in every training session as if it were my last.”

That approach has helped Abunada move from a promising goalkeeper into a player trusted with one of the most demanding roles in the team.

When Qatar begin their World Cup campaign, the goalkeeper knows expectations will be high. It is a responsibility he embraces.

“When you grow up as a passionate fan and then become a footballer, you dream of playing even for just one minute to try to help the national team and help your country,” he said.

“I hope I can represent my country in the best possible way.”

Abunada also knows Qatar will not be facing the challenge alone. He pointed to the impact supporters had during the decisive victory over the UAE and believes their backing can again make a difference.

“The fans are the ones who bring out the very best in a player,” he said.

“We saw in the UAE match they played a huge role in changing the course of the game and creating pressure. Their happiness means a lot to us.

“I thank all the fans and, InshaAllah, we will make you proud in every match.”

Doha, Qatar: Morocco head to the 2026 FIFA World Cup as Africa’s strongest team and one of the leading forces in Arab football, determined to build on the history they made four years ago in Qatar.

The Atlas Lions have enjoyed remarkable success in recent years. Alongside their historic World Cup achievements, Morocco won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2025 to claim their second continental title after their 1976 triumph. They have also lifted the African Nations Championship twice (2018, 2020) and the FIFA Arab Cup twice (2012, 2025).

Their defining moment, however, came at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where they became the first African and Arab nation to reach a World Cup semi-final. Morocco defeated Belgium, Spain and Portugal on their way to a fourth-place finish, eventually losing 2-1 to Croatia in the third-place play-off.

This time, expectations are even higher.

Morocco’s Group C campaign begins with one of the tournament’s standout fixtures against five-time world champions Brazil on June 13 - the match kicking off in the early hours of June 14 Qatar time - at New York New Jersey Stadium. The high-profile clash is expected to provide an immediate test of Morocco’s ambitions before matches against Scotland and Haiti.

Captain Achraf Hakimi believes Morocco can go even further than they did in Qatar.

“A World Cup is coming this summer, and we’re going to give everything. The group is confident, and we’re preparing to have a great tournament, like we did in Qatar in 2022. Why not do even better than we did in Qatar and go as far as possible?” Hakimi said.

The Paris Saint-Germain star added: “Our objective is clear: to make football history.”

Hakimi will once again lead a talented squad that includes goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, midfielder Sofyan Amrabat and forward Brahim Diaz, combining experience with a new generation of emerging stars.

Among them is 18-year-old Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, who recently chose to represent Morocco over France and is set to make his World Cup debut.

Calling his selection a “dream come true”, Bouaddi said: “I am aware of the privilege I have to defend these colours, and I will give everything to represent my country in the best possible way.”

Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi believes the country’s growing talent pool is one of its greatest strengths heading into the tournament.

“We really kept tabs on a great many players. That proves one thing: we have a huge pool of talent,” Ouahbi said.

Speaking about Bouaddi, he added: “We’re very proud and delighted to have him with us. The most important thing is that he is very proud to represent Morocco.”

No longer viewed as underdogs, Morocco arrive in North America carrying genuine expectations. After breaking barriers in Qatar and adding more trophies to their collection since then, the Atlas Lions believe they can once again challenge football’s biggest nations.

Their opening match against Brazil will provide the first opportunity to show that their historic run in 2022 was only the beginning.

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Why Qatar’s Fitness Centers Cannot Afford to Skip an AMC

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One of the most practical advantages of a gym maintenance contract cost Qatar structure is financial predictability. Instead of facing unexpected repair invoices that can run into thousands of riyals, your facility pays a single fixed fee per year that covers all scheduled visits, routine servicing, and agreed repairs.

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Who Needs a Gym Equipment Annual Maintenance Contract in Qatar?

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Hotel and Resort Fitness Centers

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Commercial Gyms and Health Clubs

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What Is Included in a Sports Village Qatar AMC?

Our gym equipment AMC package price Qatar is tailored to the size and type of your facility. A standard AMC with Sports Village Qatar includes:

• Scheduled preventive maintenance visits — regular technician visits to inspect, clean, lubricate, and calibrate all equipment
• Safety and performance checks — every machine tested against manufacturer standards at each visit
• Treadmill belt and deck lubrication — one of the most common causes of treadmill failure, covered as standard
• Cable and pulley inspection — checking tension, alignment, and wear on all strength equipment
• Electronic console and display diagnostics — testing all displays, heart rate sensors, and electronic systems
• Motor and drive system inspection — cardio equipment motors checked for overheating, unusual noise, and performance
• Genuine fitness machine spare parts Qatar — access to manufacturer-approved parts from our local stock, ensuring fast repairs without waiting for international shipping
• Priority emergency response — AMC clients receive priority booking for breakdown repairs ahead of non-contract customers
• Service reports and documentation — written records of every visit for your compliance and audit trail

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The Precor Service Advantage

As an authorized distributor and service partner for Precor in Qatar, Sports Village Qatar offers a unique advantage for facilities running Precor equipment. Our Precor gym equipment service Qatar technicians are trained to manufacturer standards and use only genuine Precor parts — ensuring that your equipment warranty remains valid and your machines perform exactly as designed.

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Reactive vs Preventive: The Real Cost Comparison

Many facility managers choose to deal with repairs only when something breaks. On the surface, this seems like a cost-saving approach. In reality, it is consistently more expensive.

Here is why:

	Reactive Maintenance	AMC (Preventive)
Cost structure	Unpredictable, emergency rates	Fixed annual fee
Response time	Days to weeks	Priority same/next day
Parts availability	Delays due to urgent sourcing	Pre-stocked locally
Equipment downtime	Frequent, extended	Minimal
Equipment lifespan	Shorter due to neglected wear	Extended by 30–50%
Documentation	None	Full service records
Compliance	At risk	Fully covered

The gym equipment breakdown repair Doha cost for a single treadmill motor replacement, for example, can exceed the annual cost of a full preventive maintenance contract for a small gym. When you multiply that across an entire facility, the financial case for an AMC becomes undeniable.

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How to Get Started With a Gym Equipment Annual Maintenance Contract in Qatar

Getting started with Sports Village Qatar’s AMC service is straightforward:

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4. Ongoing peace of mind — regular visits, priority support, and full documentation throughout the year

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a gym equipment annual maintenance contract in Qatar include?

A standard AMC in Qatar covers scheduled preventive maintenance visits, safety and performance testing, lubrication and calibration of all machines, electronic system diagnostics, cable and pulley checks, access to genuine spare parts, priority emergency response, and full documentation of all service visits.

Why every gym needs a maintenance contract Qatar?

Every gym needs a maintenance contract in Qatar because the country’s hot and humid climate accelerates mechanical wear, commercial equipment faces intensive daily use from multiple users, and facility managers have legal and liability obligations to ensure equipment safety. A maintenance contract prevents costly breakdowns, extends equipment lifespan, and ensures consistent performance for members and guests.

How much does a gym maintenance contract cost in Qatar?

The gym maintenance contract cost in Qatar depends on the number of machines, type of equipment, facility size, and service frequency required. Sports Village Qatar offers flexible AMC packages starting from small facilities to large commercial gyms. Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote tailored to your specific facility.

How often should gym equipment be serviced in Qatar?

For commercial facilities, most equipment should be visually inspected weekly, functionally checked monthly, and professionally serviced quarterly or every six months depending on usage volume. Treadmills and other high-use cardio equipment typically require more frequent service intervals than strength machines.

Can Sports Village Qatar service equipment from other brands?

Yes. While we are the authorized service partner for brands such as Precor, Torque, Hoist, and Concept 2, our trained technicians have extensive experience servicing all major fitness equipment brands. Contact us to discuss your facility’s specific equipment requirements.

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Protect Your Fitness Investment — Get Your Free AMC Quote Today

Your gym equipment is the heart of your fitness facility. Every day a machine runs below peak performance, it is costing you — in member satisfaction, in long-term repair costs, and in the lifespan of your investment.

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Contact Sports Village Qatar Today +974 44501166 [email protected] Building No 86, Street 340, Zone 39, Near Jarir Book Store, Ramada Signal, Salwa Road, Doha, Qatar www.sportsvillageqatar.com

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Sports Village Qatar — Qatar’s Most Trusted Gym Equipment Supplier and Service Partner Since 2006

DOHA: For millions of football fans around the world, watching every FIFA World Cup match is already a dream. Now, one lucky supporter could turn that dream into a paid job.

FOX Sports and its streaming platform FOX One have announced a nationwide search for a "FOX One Chief World Cup Watcher Hired Through Indeed", a unique role that will pay $50,000 to a football enthusiast willing to watch every match of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The successful applicant will be tasked with watching all 104 matches of what will be the largest FIFA World Cup in history. But this is far from an ordinary viewing experience.

Instead of watching from home, the chosen fan will spend the tournament in a custom-built viewing space located in the heart of New York City's Times Square, one of the world's busiest and most iconic destinations.

Surrounded by thousands of tourists and visitors each day, the Chief World Cup Watcher will effectively become the face of football fandom during the tournament.

According to FOX Sports, the role involves watching every minute of the broadcaster's World Cup coverage, creating and sharing social media content throughout the competition, and demonstrating the passion, excitement and emotions that make the World Cup one of the world's most-watched sporting events.

"Raw emotions, group hugs and high-fives, all while being paid to watch the biggest FIFA World Cup in history," FOX Sports said in announcing the opportunity, describing it as a once-in-a-lifetime summer job.

For aspiring applicants, however, simply being a football fan is not enough.

FOX Sports said candidates must update their Indeed profiles to highlight skills related to reporting, journalism, and content creation. Applicants must also enable profile visibility so FOX Sports recruiters can find them through the platform.

In addition, candidates are required to post a short video on social media explaining why they are the ideal person for the role, using the hashtag “ChiefWorldCupWatcher.”

While millions of supporters will be following the action from around the world, only one person will earn a salary for making football their full-time job during the 39-day tournament.

For football enthusiasts who already spend every World Cup glued to their screens, it may be the closest thing yet to turning passion into a profession.

Mohamed El Shenawy said winning the World Cup remains his dream, but Egypt must first advance from Group G.

Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy said his ambition is to win the 2026 World Cup, while stressing that the team must first reach the knockout stage.

El Shenawy made the comments in an interview with FIFA before Egypt’s fourth appearance at the tournament.

The veteran said the coveted tournament remains the highest target for any player. He said Egypt must move step by step, starting with qualification from the group.

Egypt will play in Group G with Belgium, New Zealand and Iran. The Pharaohs will open their campaign against Belgium in Seattle on June 15.

El Shenawy added that Egypt’s players now understand the tournament better after the 2018 World Cup in Russia. He said he, Mohamed Salah and Trezeguet can pass that experience to the rest of the squad.

Egypt lost all three group matches in 2018 and have never won a World Cup match. El Shenawy was named man of the match in Egypt’s 1-0 defeat to Uruguay in that tournament.

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