France face Philly furnace as World Cup last 16 gets under way

Los Angeles: France are bracing for furnace-like temperatures when they face Paraguay in Philadelphia in the World Cup's last 16 on Saturday as co-hosts Canada prepare for a daunting date with African giants Morocco in Houston.

With a brutal heatwave roasting swathes of the United States as it celebrates July 4th, Les Bleus take on Paraguay at Lincoln Financial Field against a backdrop of extreme heat warnings.

Temperatures in the Pennsylvania metropolis touched 38 degrees Celsius (101 Fahrenheit) on Friday, and the US National Weather Service are warning of more of the same on Saturday when the game kicks off at 5:00pm local time. afnews.co.za

France coach Didier Deschamps said his team will be prepared for the conditions.

"It is something we need to take into account, but I think every team has prepared for it. It can have an impact on all the teams," said Deschamps.

"This will be our fifth game at the tournament and that will have an impact as well, but I am not fixated on the heat."

الأخبارالشمال يختتم معسكره الخارجياختتم الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي الشمال معسكره الإعدادي الخارجي في هولندا بنجاح، والذي استمر من 18 يوليو حتى 6 أغسطس بمدينة ميرلو، وذلك استعداداً لخوض منافسات الموسم الكروي ا...فتح →

France have been the outstanding team of the tournament so far, producing a series of scintillating attacking displays to surge into the last 16, scoring 13 goals in four games.

France will likely be without midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, however, ruled out with a thigh injury, according to reports. His place should be taken by Manu Kone.

Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro said the South Americans were more concerned by the "storm" of France's multi-pronged attack than the weather.

"France are like an electrical storm. We need to be aware that the storm is coming and try to be prepared for the lightning bolts," Alfaro said.

"We are used to the heat, and of course we have to suffer with it. You would never play a World Cup game at 5:00 pm in Paraguay, and if we did we might lose, but it's like when you go to Quito (to play Ecuador), and you have to be ready for the altitude."

Paraguay demonstrated in their victory over Germany in the last 32 that they are likely to present a rugged challenge to French hopes of reaching the quarter-finals.

France forward Bradley Barcola is fully expecting the South Americans to bring a physical approach to Saturday's game.

"It's a team that defends a lot. They're going to dish out a lot of knocks," Barcola said.

"But they are also a footballing team. We saw that against Germany."

In Saturday's early last-16 game, Canada are chasing what would be a massive upset when they take on 2022 World Cup semi-finalists Morocco in Houston.

The Canadians are riding high after beating South Africa in Los Angeles on Sunday to advance to the last 16.

But Canada coach Jesse Marsch says beating a side of the calibre of Morocco will require a whole new level.

"Morocco is a team that has literally zero weaknesses," Marsch said Friday.

"We have to try to be good at the things that we care about and that we are good at.

"We're going to need to handle the difficulty of what Morocco is going to throw at us at every moment, and make sure that we are understanding exactly who we are, how we want to play, who we want to be, and that we execute that at the highest level."

Morocco fought their way into Saturday's last 16 with a gruelling victory over the Netherlands, winning on penalties after extra-time.

Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi said the victory over the Dutch was already in the rear-view mirror as the Atlas Lions aim to keep moving through the tournament, where a possible quarter-final date with France awaits them.

"We have a lot of respect for (Canada), they have quality," Ouahbi said.

"The level we showed in these last games will not be enough. This is the most difficult game, because it is the next one."

"We already played against the Netherlands, it's in the past. If we have to play another match, that will be the hardest one."

In a boost for early departees Germany, Jurgen Klopp said Saturday he was recharged and "ready" for what he said would be "intensive discussions" over becoming the country's new coach following Julian Nagelsmann's resignation.

MADRID: Jose Mourinho returned to Real Madrid's Valdebebas training center on Monday to begin preseason training after taking charge of the club's first team for a second spell.

With many of Real Madrid's first-team players, such as Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe, still at the World Cup, Mourinho will not be able to train with the full squad for some time. However, he told Real Madrid TV that work had begun long before Monday's opening session.

"It's not like I arrived here today and everything starts now. We've been working hard for a long time with the club's structure at different levels," he explained.
Mourinho returns to the club 13 years after leaving in June 2013 and said he was delighted to be back.

"This feels like a mission. It's not about worrying about myself or whether I'll win a lot or a little. I'm here to help everyone become better players, staff, and to create a culture of work, responsibility, ambition, and responsibility."

"It's not about working at Real Madrid; it's about working for Real Madrid and that is the spirit with which I am here."

"Obviously, I would like to have all the players here, but you have to look at it positively. It's about getting to know the boys I'll be working with and giving them the opportunity to get to know me," explained Mourinho, who will include several players from Real Madrid's B team, Real Madrid Castilla, in the early training sessions.

Drop a loaded barbell on the wrong flooring, and you’ll find out fast whether you chose correctly — usually the hard way, with a cracked tile or a damaged subfloor. That’s exactly why how thick should gym flooring be is one of the most important questions to answer before you buy a single tile.

Whether you’re building a home gym corner, outfitting a commercial weight room, or designing a CrossFit box, flooring thickness directly affects safety, noise levels, equipment lifespan, and long-term maintenance costs.

This guide breaks down exactly what thickness you need for every type of training zone, so you can make a confident, informed decision the first time.

Why Gym Flooring Thickness Matters More Than You Think

Many gym owners treat flooring as a cosmetic afterthought, focusing on color and appearance rather than function. But flooring is fundamentally a protective system — it absorbs impact, reduces noise, and prevents damage to both equipment and the structure beneath it.

Getting the gym flooring thickness guide right from the start saves significant money long-term, since undersized flooring cracks, wears out quickly, and often requires costly replacement within just a year or two of heavy use.

For a complete breakdown of material options alongside thickness, our guide on choosing the right gym flooring in Qatar covers everything from rubber types to installation standards.

Best Gym Flooring Thickness for Weights: The Core Rule

The heavier the equipment and the higher the drop risk, the thicker your flooring needs to be. Understanding the best gym flooring thickness for weights by zone prevents both under-spending and over-spending.

General Thickness Guidelines by Zone

These ranges reflect the actual impact force different activities generate, from light dumbbell use to maximal barbell drops.

Rubber Gym Flooring Thickness: Why Rubber Is the Standard

Rubber gym flooring thickness matters because rubber remains the gold standard material across nearly every commercial and home gym application — dense, shock-absorbent, and resistant to punctures from dumbbells, barbells, and weight plates.

Why Rubber Outperforms Other Materials

• Superior shock absorption compared to foam or vinyl alternatives
• Resistant to punctures, cracking, and compression damage over time
• Naturally fire-resistant and anti-static when sourced from quality manufacturers
• Long lifespan even under heavy commercial use

Sports Village Qatar supplies two trusted rubber types — REMP and EPI — both fire-resistant, anti-static, and free of PVC and halogens.

Gym Flooring Thickness MM vs Inches: Understanding Measurements

Confusion often arises when comparing gym flooring thickness mm vs inches, especially since suppliers in different regions use different standards.

Quick Conversion Reference

• 6mm ≈ 0.24 inches (light-use areas)
• 20mm ≈ 0.79 inches (general free weight zones)
• 40mm ≈ 1.57 inches (heavy lifting zones)
• 80mm ≈ 3.15 inches (dedicated impact protection slabs)

Always confirm which measurement system your supplier uses before comparing quotes.

Weightlifting Platform Flooring Thickness: Protecting High-Impact Zones

Dedicated weightlifting platform flooring thickness requirements differ significantly from general gym flooring, since these zones absorb the most concentrated impact force in any facility.

Platform Flooring Best Practices

1. Use dual-layer systems — a compression underlay beneath a durable top tile
2. Install dedicated impact protection slabs (70mm–80mm) specifically under drop zones
3. Ensure platforms extend beyond the immediate lifting area to catch off-center drops
4. Choose EPDM rubber specifically, known for superior shock absorption under repeated heavy impact

Under-protecting platform zones is one of the most common — and costly — mistakes gym owners make.

Heavy Weight Drop Gym Flooring: Sizing for Maximum Protection

For facilities regularly hosting Olympic lifting, powerlifting, or strongman training, heavy weight drop gym flooring needs to go beyond standard thickness recommendations.

Signs You Need Thicker Flooring

• Members regularly perform deadlifts, cleans, or snatches with heavy loads
• You’ve experienced cracking, denting, or subfloor noise complaints
• Your facility hosts competitive or serious strength athletes
• You’re installing flooring over a raised or suspended subfloor

Combining a 40mm base tile with an additional 40mm impact slab creates a dual-layer system capable of handling near-maximal drop forces safely.

Gym Flooring Thickness for CrossFit: Balancing Function and Versatility

CrossFit and functional training present unique flooring challenges, since gym flooring thickness for CrossFit spaces must handle jumping, heavy lifting, and high-traffic movement all in the same zone.

CrossFit Flooring Considerations

• Shock-absorbing flooring reduces joint stress during high-impact movements like box jumps
• Anti-slip surface texture improves stability during dynamic training
• Durability against continuous, varied impact — not just static heavy lifting
• Consistent thickness across the entire training floor for uniform performance

Our dedicated guide on the best flooring for CrossFit and functional training gyms in Qatar covers zone-specific recommendations for boxes handling mixed training styles.

Interlocking Gym Floor Tiles Thickness: Commercial Favorite

Many facility owners prefer interlocking gym floor tiles thickness options around 20mm–40mm for their ease of installation and modular flexibility.

Advantages of Interlocking Tiles

• Snap-together edges eliminate the need for adhesive in most installations
• Individual tiles can be replaced without redoing the entire floor
• Flexible for custom layouts across different training zones
• Faster installation timeline compared to rolled flooring

Explore our rubber tile options, including standard 1-square-meter tiles and thicker 40mm models designed specifically for weightlifting areas.

Commercial Gym Flooring Thickness: Facility-Wide Planning

Designing flooring for an entire facility requires thinking beyond a single zone. Commercial gym flooring thickness planning should account for varying activity levels across different areas.

Zone-by-Zone Commercial Planning

• Reception and lounge areas — thinner, aesthetic-focused flooring (6mm–10mm)
• Cardio equipment zones — moderate thickness for vibration dampening (10mm–20mm)
• Free weight sections — standard commercial thickness (20mm–30mm)
• Dedicated lifting platforms — maximum protection thickness (40mm–80mm)

This zoned approach optimizes both cost and performance.

Gym Flooring for Garage Gym: Home Setup Considerations

Home gym owners often ask what’s genuinely necessary for gym flooring for garage gym setups, especially when working with a limited budget and smaller space.

Garage Gym Flooring Recommendations

• Light dumbbell/cardio use — 10mm–15mm is typically sufficient
• Moderate barbell training — 20mm rubber tiles offer solid protection
• Heavy lifting or dropped Olympic lifts — 30mm–40mm is strongly recommended

Garage floors are typically concrete slab-on-grade, generally more forgiving than suspended commercial subfloors — but noise transfer should still factor into your decision.

Gym Mat Thickness for Home Gym: Budget-Friendly Options

For home gym owners prioritizing budget, understanding gym mat thickness for home gym setups helps avoid overspending on unnecessary thickness.

Practical Home Gym Guidance

1. Start with your heaviest anticipated lift or drop weight
2. Add a buffer margin — err toward slightly thicker rather than thinner
3. Consider interlocking tiles for easier DIY installation
4. Factor in subfloor type (concrete slab vs. suspended wood flooring)

Rolled rubber flooring, available in options like our 6mm rubber floor roll, works well for lighter home gym applications.

Gym Flooring Noise Reduction Thickness: Protecting Relationships with Neighbors

For gyms in shared buildings, apartments, or multi-story facilities, gym flooring noise reduction thickness becomes just as important as impact protection.

Noise Reduction Strategies

• Dual-layer systems (underlay + top tile) significantly outperform single-layer flooring for sound dampening
• Thicker flooring generally correlates with better vibration absorption, though underlay quality matters more than top-layer thickness alone
• Consider acoustic underlayment specifically designed for impact noise reduction in upper-floor installations

Gym Flooring Thickness for Dumbbells: A Common Misconception

Many assume gym flooring thickness for dumbbells needs match barbell zones, but dumbbell-specific areas often require less extreme protection.

Dumbbell Zone Guidelines

• Standard dumbbell use (racked, controlled movement): 15mm–20mm is generally adequate
• Heavy dumbbell drops (common in commercial settings): 20mm–30mm recommended
• Dumbbell racks and storage areas: focus on durability over maximum thickness

Gym Flooring Installation Guide: Getting It Right the First Time

Even the correct thickness underperforms without proper installation. Following a solid gym flooring installation guide prevents common issues like lifting seams and uneven surfaces.

Installation Best Practices

1. Site assessment — measure the space and evaluate subfloor condition
2. Material selection — choose rubber type, tile size, or rolled flooring based on zone requirements
3. Subfloor preparation — ensure the surface is level, clean, and completely dry
4. Installation — lay tiles or rolls with properly secured seams
5. Finishing — trim edges and secure all zone transitions

Poorly fitted seams can lift over time, creating trip hazards and shortening your flooring’s lifespan.

Best Rubber Flooring for Gym: Choosing the Right Supplier

Beyond thickness, choosing the best rubber flooring for gym applications means evaluating material quality, not just specifications on paper.

What to Verify Before Buying

• ISO certification or equivalent quality standards
• Fire resistance and anti-static properties
• PVC and halogen-free composition for safety compliance
• Manufacturer warranty and expected lifespan under commercial use

Pairing your flooring investment with premium commercial gym accessories ensures your entire facility meets the same professional safety standard.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the minimum gym flooring thickness for a home gym?
For light to moderate use, 15mm–20mm rubber flooring is generally sufficient, though heavier lifters dropping weights should consider 30mm or thicker.

2. Is thicker gym flooring always better?
Not necessarily — thicker flooring costs more and isn’t always needed for low-impact zones like cardio or stretching areas; matching thickness to actual use case is more cost-effective.

3. What thickness do commercial gyms typically use for weightlifting platforms?
Most commercial weightlifting platforms use 40mm base tiles, often combined with additional 70mm–80mm impact protection slabs specifically under drop zones.

4. Does gym flooring thickness affect noise levels?
Yes, thicker flooring combined with a proper underlay significantly reduces impact noise and vibration transfer, especially important in shared or multi-story buildings.

5. Can I mix different flooring thicknesses in one gym?
Yes, zoning your facility with varying thickness — thinner in cardio areas, thicker in lifting zones — is standard commercial practice and helps optimize both cost and performance.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right gym flooring thickness isn’t about maximizing thickness everywhere — it’s about matching protection levels to actual use, zone by zone. Get this right, and your flooring protects your equipment, your subfloor, and your members for years to come.

Ready to plan the right flooring thickness for your facility? Visit the Sports Village Qatar to explore our full rubber flooring range and request a free consultation tailored to your space.

واصل ميكيل ميرينو كتابة اسمه بأحرف من ذهب في سجلات كأس العالم 2026، بعدما حقق إنجازًا تاريخيًا مع المنتخب الإسباني، ليؤكد قيمته الكبيرة كورقة رابحة في صفوف “الماتادور”.
وأصبح ميرينو أول لاعب في تاريخ بطولات كأس العالم يسجل هدف الفوز في مباراتين مختلفتين من الأدوار الإقصائية بعدما شارك بديلًا، ليحفر اسمه في تاريخ البطولة بإنجاز غير مسبوق. ولعب نجم المنتخب الإسباني دور “البديل الذهبي” خلال مشوار بلاده في المونديال، بعدما نجح في حسم مواجهات مصيرية من على مقاعد البدلاء، ليمنح منتخب إسبانيا أفضلية كبيرة في طريقه نحو الدور نصف النهائي.
ويعكس هذا الإنجاز التأثير الكبير الذي يقدمه ميرينو عند مشاركته، إذ أثبت أنه أحد أهم الأوراق الرابحة في تشكيلة المنتخب الإسباني، بفضل حضوره الذهني وقدرته على التسجيل في اللحظات الحاسمة.
ويأمل ميرينو في مواصلة تألقه خلال المواجهة المرتقبة أمام فرنسا في نصف نهائي كأس العالم، من أجل قيادة “لا روخا” إلى المباراة النهائية، ومواصلة كتابة التاريخ في النسخة الحالية من البطولة.

قدم منتخب الرأس الأخضر واحدة من أكثر العروض المشرفة في كأس العالم 2026، بعدما وقف نداً قوياً أمام حامل اللقب، وفرض عليه مباراة غاية في الصعوبة، قبل أن يغادر البطولة مرفوع الرأس، بعد أداء استحق عليه احترام الجميع.ورغم فارق الخبرة والإمكانات بين المنتخبين، فإن لاعبي الرأس الأخضر أظهروا شخصية قوية وشجاعة كبيرة، ونجحوا في مجاراة حامل اللقب خلال معظم فترات اللقاء، بل وصنعوا العديد من الفرص التي كادت تقلب موازين المباراة، مؤكدين أن وصولهم إلى الأدوار الإقصائية لم يكن محض صدفة، وإنما ثمرة عمل وجهد كبيرين.
ودخل منتخب الرأس الأخضر المباراة دون أي ضغوط، معتمداً على التنظيم الدفاعي والانضباط التكتيكي والسرعات في التحول الهجومي، وهو ما أربك بطل العالم الذي وجد نفسه أمام منافس عنيد رفض الاستسلام حتى اللحظات الأخيرة.
ورغم النهاية الحزينة بالخروج من البطولة، فإن منتخب الرأس الأخضر كسب احترام الجماهير والمتابعين، بعدما قدم بطولة استثنائية، ونجح في إثبات أن المنتخبات الصاعدة باتت قادرة على منافسة كبار العالم دون خوف.
كما حظي أداء الفريق بإشادة واسعة من وسائل الإعلام العالمية، التي وصفت الرأس الأخضر بأنه أحد أبرز مفاجآت النسخة الحالية، بعدما نافس بشجاعة وقدم كرة قدم حديثة ومنظمة، وترك انطباعاً رائعاً لدى كل من تابع مشواره.
ورغم أن حامل اللقب نجح في حسم بطاقة التأهل، فإنه اضطر لبذل أقصى ما لديه لتجاوز منافس لم يمنحه أي فرصة للراحة، في مباراة ستظل شاهدة على الروح القتالية والإصرار اللذين تحلى بهما لاعبو الرأس الأخضر.
ما تكون نهاية المشوار مؤلمة، لكنها لا تقلل إطلاقاً من قيمة الإنجاز الذي حققه المنتخب، بعدما أثبت أن كرة القدم لا تعترف فقط بالأسماء والتاريخ، بل بالعزيمة والإيمان والروح الجماعية.
غادر منتخب الرأس الأخضر البطولة، لكنه خرج وقد كسب احترام العالم، وكتب صفحة مشرقة في تاريخه الكروي، مؤكداً أن المستقبل يحمل الكثير لهذا المنتخب الطموح الذي ترك بصمة لن تُنسى في كأس العالم 2026.



ميســــــــي: كانت مبــــاراة صعـــبة جــــــــــدا

أظهرت الأمسية المجنونة التي شهدتها ميامي الجمعة حيث كادت الأرجنتين تتعرض لإخفاق مدو أمام الرأس الأخضر (3-2 بعد التمديد) ضمن دور الـ32 من كأس العالم 2026 لكرة القدم، مرة جديدة مدى اعتماد أبطال العالم على عبقرية ليونيل ميسي.وبوجه متعب وعلامات الإرهاق واضحة عليه بعد 120 دقيقة قضاها في الملعب، أقر «البرغوث» البالغ 39 عاما، بأنه كان يتوقع «مباراة صعبة جدا» حيث «لا يمنحك أحد شيئا». وأضاف «هذا ما يميز هذا المونديال الخاص: كل شيء متقارب جدا ومعقد جدا وكل المباريات ستكون في غاية الصعوبة»، من دون أن يعلّق على أدائه الشخصي. لكن الأرقام تتحدث عنه. فقد افتتح «الملك» ليو التسجيل بعد لمسة فنية رائعة تلتها تسديدة قوية بقدمه اليسرى، ثم كان وراء الهدفين التاليين إثر ركلتين ركنيتين.



سكان»كاب فيردي» يحتفلون

رغم خسارة الرأس الأخضر» كاب فيردي» بفارق ضئيل أمام الأرجنتين احتفل سكان برايا فجر السبت، مع انتهاء مسيرة «أسماك القرش الزرقاء» في كأس العالم بسيناريو حزين لكن مشرّف
وتمكنت الدولة الإفريقية الأرخبيل، التي يزيد عدد سكانها قليلا على 500 ألف نسمة، من بلوغ الأدوار الإقصائية في أول مشاركة له على الإطلاق في كأس العالم، بعدما تعادلت مع إسبانيا بطلة أوروبا، وأوروغواي، والسعودية، في دور المجموعات.
لكن بعد مواجهة ملحمية في دور الـ32 في ميامي، حيث دفعت الرأس الأخضر الأرجنتين إلى أقصى حدودها، انتزع أبطال العالم فوزا صعبا بنتيجة 3-2 بعد التمديد لوقت إضافي، ليواصلوا مشوارهم وتنتهي رحلة المنتخب الإفريقي العنيد.