Qatar Sport

Doha, Qatar: Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) and Lusail International Circuit (LIC) confirm that the Qatar 1812 KM, part of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), has been rescheduled and will now take place from October 22 to 24, 2026 at Lusail International Circuit. Originally scheduled for March, the event was postponed earlier this year following a decision made by FIA WEC, while QMMF and LIC confirmed their respect and support for the decision. The new October date ensures the race will remain on the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship calendar, allowing teams, partners and fans to experience endurance racing at one of the Middle East’s premier motorsport venues later in the season. Additionally LIC will play a pivotal role as it will be hosting the penultimate race of the season creating a more dramatic environment for leading teams. The Qatar 1812 KM has quickly established itself as a key event on the FIA WEC calendar since Qatar joined the championship in 2024. As one of the world’s leading endurance racing series, the FIA WEC brings together some of the most prestigious automotive manufacturers to compete in long distance races that test speed, strategy and mechanical resilience. Entering its 14th season, the championship continues to showcase a remarkable level of global competition. In 2026, 14 major manufacturers with 35 full season entries including 17 Hypercars and 18 LMGT3 cars will be represented, including Alpine, Aston Martin, BMW, Cadillac, Ferrari, Genesis, Peugeot and Toyota in the premier Hypercar class, alongside leading GT manufacturers such as Corvette, Ford, Lexus, McLaren, Mercedes-AMG and Porsche in LMGT3. Together, these brands create one of the most diverse and competitive grids in international motorsport. The championship’s endurance format, where teams of up to three drivers share a single car over races lasting several hours, combines engineering excellence with strategic precision. From hybrid prototype Hypercars to production based LMGT3 machines, the FIA WEC continues to highlight innovation, sustainability and technological development at the highest level of motorsport. All previously purchased tickets will remain valid for the rescheduled event. Ticket holders seeking additional information may contact tickets@lcsc.qa. Further details regarding the race weekend and spectator activities will be announced in due course. QMMF and LIC remain committed to supporting the long term growth of the FIA World Endurance Championship in Qatar, reinforcing the nation’s position as a key destination on the global motorsport calendar.

Football

London: Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior hailed Reece James as the "best player in world football in his position" after the captain signed a new six-year deal at Stamford Bridge. The England defender, 26, who first trained with the club 20 years ago, said he wanted to remain at the club for his "peak years". James has won five major trophies with Chelsea, including the Champions League and Club World Cup twice. He has made more than 200 appearances for the Blues, over 50 of which have been as captain. "I can't stop smiling because we've secured the best player in world football in his position," manager Rosenior said Friday. "He had many, many opportunities to leave this magnificent club and the good thing is not just the size and the stature of the club that he's come through from a very, very young age, but it's his belief and confidence in what we're doing here, where we want to go. "We've had many conversations about it. For him to sign a deal and put his faith in us is a massive step." Rosenior, who took over as Chelsea manager in January, said James, mainly a right-back, had the ability to play in many positions. "Technically he can score goals, he defends, his athleticism, tactical understanding," he said. "The thing that impresses me most about him is his humility and him as a person." Rosenior added that James will be "my leader" as long as he remains in charge of the Blues. James said he was confident Chelsea could build on their previous successes. "I came through at this club, I love the club, I've experienced winning here and I believe there's still lots more to come in the future," he told reporters. "I've spoken to everyone from the top of the club down, from ownership to sporting directors and I'm fully behind the project and what we're trying to build." Chelsea won the Conference League and Club World Cup last season, but have failed to mount a serious bid for the Premier League since an American consortium took control of the club from Roman Abramovich in 2022. The Blues, who host Newcastle on Saturday, are fifth in the Premier League with nine games to go and were beaten 5-2 by Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Wednesday. James is expected to be Thomas Tuchel's starting right-back at the World Cup for England after overcoming a series of injury problems. He has played 35 times in all competitions this season, his highest tally since 2021/22.

Football

Doha, Qatar: Qatar SC dealt a major blow to Al Gharafa’s Qatar Stars League (QSL) title hopes with a 2-0 victory at Al Thumama Stadium as the competition resumed yesterday following a brief disruption caused by regional tensions. Elsewhere, a stoppage-time strike from Pau Prim earned fellow title contenders Al Shamal a 1-0 win over Al Wakrah, while Al Duhail cruised past relegation-threatened Al Sailiya 4-0, with Krzysztof Piatek scoring twice. The results saw Al Shamal draw level with Al Gharafa on 34 points, both four behind leaders Al Sadd, who are in action today. Qatar SC moved up to 27 points, while Al Duhail climbed to sixth place with 24 points. Qatar SC down Al Gharafa Qatar SC looked the sharper side from the outset, with Niall Mason forcing Al Gharafa goalkeeper Khalifa Ababacar into early action with a powerful long-range effort. Their attacking intent paid off in the 26th minute when Mus’ab Al Battat capitalised on a defensive lapse to slot the ball into the right corner and give Qatar SC the lead. Al Gharafa suffered another setback just before halftime when Seydou Sano’s yellow card was upgraded to a red following a VAR review for a foul on goal-bound Faiz Selamani, reducing them to 10 men. Joao Pedro sealed the victory in the 66th minute with a brilliant solo effort, carrying the ball from the halfway line before finishing clinically from outside the box. Prim’s late strike lifts Al Shamal At Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Al Shamal and Al Wakrah were evenly matched for much of the contest, with both teams creating chances but unable to find the breakthrough. Neither side managed to score during regulation time, with the crossbar denying each team once in a tightly fought encounter. Al Wakrah’s task became more difficult late in the game when Radwan Berkane was sent off with around 10 minutes remaining. Al Shamal finally found the decisive moment deep into stoppage time when Spanish midfielder Prim struck from the centre of the box following a corner to secure three valuable points for the title contenders. Piatek brace powers Al Duhail At Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, Piatek starred as Al Duhail cruised to a commanding 4-0 win over Al Sailiya. The Polish striker opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a powerful header, rising high to meet Benjamin Bourigeaud’s corner as goalkeeper Ahmed Kone could only watch the ball sail into the net. The Bourigeaud–Piatek combination struck again in the 55th minute, with Piatek heading home another superb delivery from the French midfielder. Eight minutes later, Piatek turned provider, setting up Bourigeaud to make it 3-0, before Ibrahima Bamba wrapped up the victory with the fourth goal in the 78th minute. Al Sailiya remained on 15 points, edging Al Ahli on goal difference and sitting just one point ahead of bottom side Al Shahania. Al Sadd aim to extend winning run Defending champions Al Sadd will host Umm Salal today at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium as they look to extend their impressive 10-match winning streak and strengthen their grip on the top spot. “The match is very important for us, and getting the three points means a lot. From now on, all the remaining matches in the league are crucial, and we must aim to win every one of them,” Al Sadd star forward Akram Afif said at a press conference. “We are ready to face Umm Salal. Our focus is on securing the three points so we can continue leading the league and retain the title,” he added. Al Sadd assistant coach Sergio Allegri also expects a tough challenge from Umm Salal, who sit ninth with 16 points. “The match will certainly be difficult. We are confident, but we know it will be a very tough game and we must give 100 percent of our effort to win the three points,” he said. “We have to continue playing this way and maintain this level. This is the right path for us. Our goal is to keep winning and extend our lead in the Doha Bank Stars League.” In other matches today, fourth-placed Al Rayyan (24 points) will face bottom side Al Shahania at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, while Al Arabi (24 points) take on Al Ahli (15 points) at Al Thumama Stadium.