Favourites Spain aim to reclaim glory on world stage

Doha, Qatar: Spain head into the 2026 FIFA World Cup determined to reassert themselves among football’s elite, carrying both the legacy of past triumphs and the ambition of a new generation ready to define a new era.

La Roja arrive with an impressive record in international football. Their finest moment came at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, where they defeated the Netherlands 1-0 after extra time to secure their first and only world title.

Since then, Spain have remained a major force in European football. They have won a record four UEFA European Championship titles (1964, 2008, 2012 and 2024), including becoming the first nation to retain the trophy with back-to-back triumphs in 2008 and 2012. Spain also lifted the UEFA Nations League in 2023. amunra.help

Their most recent World Cup campaign in 2022 ended in disappointment, as they were eliminated in the Round of 16 after a penalty shootout defeat to Morocco. That result has since fuelled a renewed sense of purpose within the squad.

This time, expectations are high but carefully measured. Spain’s blend of emerging talent and experienced leaders has positioned them as one of the most balanced sides heading into the tournament, with belief growing that they can challenge for the title once again.

Spain’s Group H campaign begins with an opening fixture against Cape Verde on June 15 at Atlanta Stadium. The match will be an important initial test for the squad before they face their remaining group opponents, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay, later in the stage.

Head coach Luis de la Fuente has repeatedly cautioned against overconfidence despite Spain’s status among the favourites.

“If we think that being favourites guarantees anything, we’re on the wrong track… it guarantees nothing!” he said, underlining the competitiveness of modern international football.

He also highlighted the physical strain of the tournament schedule, noting the importance of squad rotation and player management across a demanding month of football.

De la Fuente has built a squad that blends technical quality with tactical discipline, led by midfield anchor Rodri, whose control and intelligence remain central to Spain’s system.

Alongside him, Pedri and Gavi continue to shape Spain’s midfield identity, while the emergence of Lamine Yamal has added fearlessness and creativity in attack. Nico Williams and Dani Olmo provide further attacking depth, giving Spain multiple options in the final third.

Rodri has stressed humility as key to success at the highest level. “We need to try to play without the ball like a small team. With that mindset of not thinking you’re the best,” he said.

Gavi, reflecting on his continued involvement with the national team, spoke of the pride of representing Spain on football’s biggest stage. “Representing Spain in the World Cup is one of the greatest things there is,” he said.

Yamal enters the World Cup with high confidence after fully recovering from his April hamstring tear. Backed by his coach’s total trust and his own quick return to training, he is mentally and physically ready to make an immediate impact for Spain.

The young star has also highlighted the team’s belief in their style of play while acknowledging the challenge ahead. “Being the favourites doesn’t mean anything once you’re on the pitch. You still have to take it match by match.” he said.

Coach de la Fuente believes Spain’s strength lies not only in talent, but in unity and mentality.

“We’ve always been aware of our potential but, at the same time, we realise that every match presents different challenges,” he said.

Kuala Lumpur: President of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), HE Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa said the 2026 FIFA World Cup will serve as a powerful symbol of unity, bringing together fans and cultures from around the world while opening new horizons for global football.

He expressed his support for the AFC's representatives as they prepare to write a new chapter in football history at the tournament, which will feature an expanded 48-team format for the first time.

HE the AFC President noted that Asia will enjoy its strongest-ever representation at a World Cup, with first-time qualifiers Jordan and Uzbekistan joining Qatar, Australia, Iran, Iraq, Japan, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia.

He said Asian teams, players, and referees are preparing to perform on football's biggest stage, adding that the expanded tournament provides an unprecedented opportunity for the continent to strengthen its global standing and achieve new milestones outside Asia.

Al Khalifa concluded by expressing full support for FIFA, the host nations, and local organizing committees, wishing them success in delivering the historic expanded edition of the World Cup.

نيابةً عن سعادة الشيخ جوعان بن حمد آل ثاني، رئيس اللجنة الأولمبية القطرية، التقى سعادة الدكتور ثاني بن عبدالرحمن الكواري، النائب الثاني لرئيس اللجنة الأولمبية القطرية، في مكتبه صباح اليوم، سعادة السيد خوسي إنريكي إنريكيز رودريغيز، سفير جمهورية كوبا لدى دولة قطر.

وجرى خلال اللقاء استعراض العلاقات الثنائية التي تجمع بين دولة قطر وجمهورية كوبا، إلى جانب بحث أوجه التعاون الرياضي بين البلدين وسبل تعزيزها وتطويرها خلال المرحلة المقبلة، بما يسهم في دعم تبادل الخبرات وتعزيز الشراكة في المجالات الرياضية والأولمبية.

ويأتي اللقاء في إطار حرص اللجنة الأولمبية القطرية على تعزيز علاقاتها الدولية وتوسيع آفاق التعاون الرياضي بما يسهم في دعم التنمية الرياضية وترسيخ جسور التواصل بين الشعوب.

Doha, Qatar: From a fan's perspective, the 24 Hours of Le Mans stands apart from any other motorsport event in the world. Every year, more than 300,000 fans travel to the Circuit de la Sarthe to experience the unique atmosphere that makes Le Mans unlike any other race. From the famous drivers’ parade in the town center, to the spectacle of racing through the night at more than 300km/h, the event has become a week-long celebration of sports car culture and racing heritage.

For Team Qatar by Iron Lynx, racing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans represents a landmark moment on the international motorsport stage. Participation in one of the world’s biggest races places the team alongside some of the largest manufacturers, such as Ferrari, Toyota and Porsche, reinforcing Qatar’s presence within elite motorsport.

Steeped in history and tradition, the legendary endurance classic is the ultimate test of innovation, teamwork, speed, and stamina. Since the inaugural event in 1923, the race has continuously pushed the limits of technology and human performance, earning its reputation as one of the most prestigious events in global sport.

As one of the three races that form motorsport’s famous Triple Crown, Le Mans carries enormous prestige. It sits alongside IndyCar’s showpiece event, the Indianapolis 500, and the jewel in Formula 1’s crown — the Monaco Grand Prix. To date, only one man has achieved victory in all three: British racer Graham Hill. And only one driver has come close to matching Hill’s historic treble.

Formula 1 double champion Fernando Alonso secured back-to-back victories at Le Mans in 2018 and 2019. He won Monaco for the first time in 2006 and came close to winning the Indy 500 in 2017. As an active competitor, he may still achieve motorsport’s holy trinity, while only one racing team, McLaren, has achieved success in all three races.

While many drivers have crossed over from F1 to race at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the endurance classic has also attracted household names who have been drawn to the famous event. Actor Paul Newman finished second overall and won his class in 1979. More recently, Manchester United goalkeeper Fabian Barthez enjoyed a hat-trick of appearances in the race, while his footballing team-mate Zinedine Zidane had the honor of flying the flag to start the great race in 2024.

Zidane followed in the footsteps of famous faces who have waved the French tricolor to get the race underway. The Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), which organizes Le Mans, has entrusted the flag-waving duty to a figure of international standing every year since 1949, when the race returned following the Second World War. While the role was predominantly reserved for politicians and motorsport executives, in recent years, sporting icons have taken on the honor.

In the last decade, tennis legends Roger Federer (2025) and Rafael Nadal (2018) have waved the national flag, while basketball superstar LeBron James had the privilege in 2023. The official starter for the 94th 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2026 will be Sir Mark Cavendish, the Tour de France’s all-time stage wins record-holder. He will drop the tricolor at precisely 4pm on Saturday, June 13.

Another aspect of competing for 24 uninterrupted hours is that it pushes every competitor to their physical and mental limits. Drivers must maintain concentration through darkness, changing weather conditions and relentless traffic. Endurance racing is also built on teamwork, strategy, and trust as engineers and mechanics work around the clock with precision and discipline.

It is these aspects which make the race such a fascination for spectators, who make the annual pilgrimage to the French countryside in the middle of summer. The long, sunlit nights offer a perfect climate for fans to enjoy the atmosphere of the campsites and the thrill of seeing headlights rush along the legendary Mulsanne Straight beyond the hours of sunset. Their renowned location also includes the famous funfair and the Ferris wheel that offers panoramic views of the track.

Another enduring characteristic of the 24 Hours of Le Mans is the track itself. Much of the 13.6km Circuit de la Sarthe still uses public roads of France’s Pays-de-la-Loire region, preserving the spirit of early motor racing from more than a century ago. The layout includes some of the most famous corners in world motorsport, including Tertre Rouge, Indianapolis, Arnage and the sweeping Porsche Curves.

Fans are also drawn to the scale and spectacle of the competition. This year, 62 cars across three categories will fight for position on track at the same time. Le Mans has always been famous for the diversity of its competitors. Experienced champions race alongside rising young talent, while professional drivers share cars with ambitious amateur racers. The balance between Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze-rated drivers creates a distinctive spirit within sports car competition, where collaboration is just as important as outright speed.

For every team that reaches the chequered flag, simply finishing Le Mans is an achievement that commands respect. Victory remains one of the highest honors, but the race is equally celebrated for its spirit of endurance, resilience, and teamwork. For Team Qatar, competing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans is a milestone moment for Qatari motorsport, establishing itself as a credible force within endurance racing and an inspiration for future generations.