Morocco Beat Canada to Reach World Cup Quarter-Finals

Morocco beat Canada 3-0 in Houston to become the first team to reach the World Cup quarter-finals and extend their second straight deep run. grenadier.co.za

Morocco became the first team to reach the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals after beating co-hosts Canada 3-0 in Houston on Saturday.

Azzedine Ounahi scored twice in the second half before Soufiane Rahimi added a third in stoppage time, sending Morocco into the last eight for the second consecutive World Cup.

Canada held Morocco to a goalless first half and limited clear chances before Ounahi opened the scoring in the 50th minute from a set-piece routine.

Ounahi doubled the lead in the 82nd minute after a Moroccan counterattack, finishing from inside the area after a cutback by Brahim Díaz.

Rahimi sealed the win in the eighth minute of stoppage time after another break, finishing across goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau.

Canada captain Alphonso Davies started on the bench and was not used. The result ended Canada’s run after the co-hosts reached the knockout stage for the first time.

Morocco reached the semi-finals in Qatar in 2022, becoming the first African and Arab team to do so. Their campaign has now moved into the quarter-finals, keeping alive the possibility of another historic run.

Morocco will face either France or Paraguay in the quarter-finals in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on July 9.

The post Morocco Beat Canada to Reach World Cup Quarter-Finals appeared first on KingFut.

أكد السيد عبدالرحمن بن عبداللطيف المناعي، رئيس الاتحاد القطري للسيارات والدراجات النارية، أن وفاة المغفور له بإذن الله تعالى، صاحب السمو الأمير الوالد الشيخ حمد بن خليفة آل ثاني، رحمه الله، تمثل خسارة كبيرة للوطن والأمتين العربية والإسلامية، لما قدمه من إسهامات تاريخية ورؤية استثنائية أسست لنهضة شاملة وضعت دولة قطر في مصاف الدول المتقدمة.
وقال المناعي: «بقلوب مؤمنة بقضاء الله وقدره، ننعى قائدًا استثنائيًا ورجل دولة من الطراز الرفيع، كرّس حياته لخدمة وطنه، وأرسى برؤيته الثاقبة وحكمته دعائم نهضة تنموية غير مسبوقة، نقلت دولة قطر إلى آفاق واسعة من التقدم والازدهار، ورسخت مكانتها إقليميًا ودوليًا».
وأضاف: «سيظل الأمير الوالد، رحمه الله، حاضرًا في ذاكرة الوطن بما تركه من إرث حضاري وإنجازات استراتيجية غيّرت وجه قطر في مختلف القطاعات، وكان للرياضة نصيب وافر من دعمه واهتمامه، إذ وضع اللبنات الأساسية لمسيرة رياضية طموحة أثمرت بنية تحتية عالمية وإنجازات تاريخية، جعلت من قطر وجهةً لاستضافة أكبر الأحداث الرياضية الدولية، وعززت مكانتها على خريطة الرياضة العالمية».
وتابع: «إن ما تحقق لدولة قطر من إنجازات خلال العقود الماضية هو امتداد لرؤية قائد آمن بالإنسان القطري، واستثمر في بناء الدولة ومؤسساتها، وجعل من التنمية المستدامة والتميز نهجًا راسخًا سيبقى مصدر إلهام للأجيال القادمة».



الشيخ تميم بن فهد:بناء للإنسان قبل العمران

عبر سعادة الشيخ تميم بن فهد آل ثاني رئيس النادي العربي عن بالغ الحزن والأسى لوداع رمز من رموز الوطن، وقائد صنع مرحلة تاريخية ستظل مضيئة في ذاكرة قطر، هو سمو الأمير الوالد الشيخ حمد بن خليفة آل ثاني. لقد كان صاحب رؤية نافذة وإرادة صلبة، قاد بها الوطن نحو آفاق واسعة من التنمية والتقدم والريادة.
ولم تكن إنجازاته مجرد مشاريع، بل كانت بناءً للإنسان قبل العمران، وإيمانًا بأن مستقبل الوطن يبدأ من الاستثمار في أبنائه، فكان التعليم والصحة والرياضة والثقافة من أهم ركائز نهضته المباركة.
وسيظل اسم سموه مقرونًا بكل إنجاز تحقق على أرض قطر الحديثة، وستبقى سيرته مصدر فخر واعتزاز للأجيال القادمة. نسأل الله تعالى أن يرحمه رحمة واسعة، وأن يسكنه الفردوس الأعلى، وأن يجزيه عن وطنه وشعبه خير الجزاء، وأن يديم على قطر نعمة الأمن والاستقرار.



أحمد الشعبي:التاريخ سيروي سيرة قائد صنع المجد

تحدث أحمد الشعبي رئيس اتحاد كرة اليد قائلا: اليوم تذرف القلوب دموع الوفاء وهي تودع سمو الأمير الوالد الشيخ حمد بن خليفة آل ثاني، الذي كتب اسمه بحروف من نور في سجل القادة العظماء، بعدما قاد قطر نحو نهضة شاملة غيرت ملامح الوطن ورسخت مكانته بين الأمم.
لقد كان سموه قائدًا استثنائيًا، جمع بين الحكمة وبعد النظر، فأسس لدولة قوية بمؤسساتها، مزدهرة باقتصادها، متقدمة بتعليمها وصحتها، ورائدة برياضتها. وكان يؤمن بأن النجاح الحقيقي هو بناء الإنسان، ولذلك جاءت إنجازاته ممتدة في كل قطاع.
إن رحيله خسارة كبيرة، لكن عزاءنا أن إرثه سيبقى خالدًا، وأن الأجيال ستظل تستلهم من سيرته معاني القيادة الصادقة والإخلاص للوطن. نسأل الله أن يتغمده بواسع رحمته، وأن يجعل الجنة مثواه.



محمد عيسى الفضالة:سيبقى اسم سموه مقترنًا بكل إنجاز حققته قطر

تحدث محمد عيسى الفضالة رئيس الاتحاد القطري لألعاب القوى قائلا اننا وبقلوب مؤمنة بقضاء الله وقدره، نودع سمو الأمير الوالد الشيخ حمد بن خليفة آل ثاني، الذي كان رمزًا للعطاء، وصاحب رؤية صنعت مستقبل قطر، ورسخت مكانتها بين دول العالم. لقد آمن بأن بناء الإنسان هو الطريق إلى بناء الوطن، فكانت إنجازاته أكبر من أن تختصرها الكلمات.
شهدت قطر في عهده نهضة شاملة في مختلف القطاعات، وكان للرياضة نصيب وافر من اهتمامه، حتى أصبحت الدولة مركزًا عالميًا لاستضافة البطولات وصناعة الأبطال، وهو إرث نفخر به جميعًا.
لقد كان قائدًا استثنائيًا، جمع بين الحكمة والطموح والإنسانية، وسيبقى اسمه محفورًا في ذاكرة الوطن، وستظل منجزاته شاهدًا على مرحلة تاريخية صنعت مستقبل الأجيال. نسأل الله سبحانه وتعالى أن يتغمده بواسع رحمته، وأن يسكنه الفردوس الأعلى، وأن يجزيه عن قطر وأهلها خير الجزاء.

سلمان عبدالله عبدالغني:سيظل خالدًا في ذاكرتنا

قال سلمان عبدالله عبدالغني نائب رئيس نادي الوكرة السابق إن الكلمات تعجز عن التعبير أمام رحيل سمو الأمير الوالد الشيخ حمد بن خليفة آل ثاني، ذلك القائد الذي صنع بعمله وإخلاصه مرحلة فارقة في تاريخ قطر، ورسخ دعائم نهضتها الحديثة حتى أصبحت نموذجًا يُحتذى به في التنمية والاستقرار.
لقد كان سموه يؤمن بأن النجاح لا يتحقق إلا بالإرادة والعمل، فقاد الوطن نحو إنجازات كبيرة في الاقتصاد والتعليم والصحة والرياضة، وأسس لمستقبل مزدهر تنعم ثماره الأجيال اليوم. وكان قريبًا من أبناء شعبه، يحمل همومهم، ويعمل من أجل رفعة وطنهم بكل إخلاص.
رحل القائد، لكن سيرته ستبقى حاضرة في القلوب، وستظل إنجازاته تتحدث عنه في كل شبر من أرض قطر. نسأل الله تعالى أن يغفر له ويرحمه، وأن يجعل ما قدمه لوطنه في ميزان حسناته، وأن يحفظ قطر قيادةً وشعبًا.

محمد أحمد المضاحكة:كان رمزًا للحكمة وبعد النظر

بنبرة حزينة تحدث محمد المضاحكة رئيس اتحاد الشطرنج قائلا: برحيل سمو الأمير الوالد الشيخ حمد بن خليفة آل ثاني، يفقد الوطن قائدًا حكيمًا حمل مسؤولية بناء الدولة بكل إخلاص، حتى أصبحت قطر قصة نجاح يرويها العالم، ومثالًا في التخطيط والإنجاز والتنمية المستدامة.
لقد كانت رؤيته أساسًا لكل ما تحقق من تطور في مختلف المجالات، وكان يؤمن بأن الأمم لا تبنى إلا بالعلم والمعرفة والإنسان، فكانت إنجازاته ممتدة في الاقتصاد والتعليم والصحة والثقافة والرياضة، لتصبح قطر في مصاف الدول المتقدمة.
سيظل اسم الأمير الوالد مقرونًا بالحكمة والإرادة والوفاء، وستبقى سيرته مصدر فخر واعتزاز لكل أبناء الوطن. نسأل الله تعالى أن يرحمه رحمة واسعة، وأن يجزيه خير الجزاء على ما قدمه لوطنه وأمته، وأن يديم على قطر نعمة الأمن والاستقرار.

علي غانم الكواري:آمن بالشباب فصنع لهم مستقبلا مشرقا

قال علي غانم الكواري رئيس اتحاد الكرة الطائرة إنه وبرحيل سمو الأمير الوالد الشيخ حمد بن خليفة آل ثاني، تفقد قطر أحد أعظم قادتها الذين سخروا حياتهم لخدمة الوطن والإنسان. لقد كان قائدًا صاحب رؤية بعيدة، استطاع أن يقود الدولة إلى مرحلة غير مسبوقة من التنمية، وأن يجعلها نموذجًا يحتذى به في مختلف المجالات.
ولم يكن اهتمامه بالرياضة مجرد دعم للبطولات والمنشآت، بل كان إيمانًا راسخًا بدورها في بناء الإنسان وتعزيز قيم الانتماء والتميز، وهو ما جعل قطر تتبوأ مكانة مرموقة على خريطة الرياضة العالمية.
سيبقى الأمير الوالد حاضرًا في ذاكرة كل قطري بما تركه من إرث وطني خالد، وستظل إنجازاته مصدر إلهام للأجيال القادمة. نسأل الله أن يرحمه رحمة واسعة، وأن يثيبه على ما قدمه لوطنه وشعبه، وأن يلهم الجميع الصبر والسلوان.

Praia, Cape Verde: Applause erupted, drums began to beat and car horns honked: Cape Verde's narrow loss to Argentina was cause for celebration early Saturday in Praia as the Blue Sharks' World Cup dream run came to a sad but brilliant end.

The African archipelago of just over 500,000 people progressed to the knockout stages in their first ever World Cup after drawing with European champions Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia in the group stage.

However after an epic last-32 contest in Miami where Cape Verde pushed Argentina to the brink, the reigning world champions snatched a 3-2 win to move on, and the rank outsiders' journey was over.

"We lost the match, but we feel like we achieved a victory because we held our own against the world champions," fan Adilson Soaresz told AFP. "Cape Verde was magnificent".

The Atlantic island nation has become one of the fairytale stories of this year's expanded 48-team tournament, confounding expectations.

In Praia, festivities continued until nearly 3:00 am (0400 GMT) with vuvuzelas and live music blasting in the streets.

"Cape Verde leaves the World Cup with its head held high", supporter Pedro Ramos told AFP from a fan zone in Praia, where Cape Verdeans and visitors had gathered to watch the clash.

"We were so close to beating Argentina. We were allowed to dream", he said, gleeful that the Blue Sharks had made "the Argentines sweat".

Down to wire

The overwhelmingly Argentine crowd in Florida was stunned on the hour mark when Deroy Duarte fired in an equaliser for the Blue Sharks to take the game to an extra 30 minutes.

However an own goal from Diney Borges under pressure from Argentina's Cristian Romero in the 111th minute settled the match, with Argentina moving on to face Egypt.

Cape Verde's wild success against the world champions and the match's down-to-the-wire nature made fans feel like they were witnessing something special.

"It felt like watching a World Cup final", said Armando Lopes, a diplomat. "Who would have ever imagined that Cape Verde would push Argentina to extra-time in a World Cup match?"

Ahead of the game Cape Verde coach Bubista had said that "we are calm because we earned our place here on merit and there is nothing to fear or worry too much about".

"We know the importance of the match ahead. It is the match of our lives, but we are going to enjoy it and give our best."

Walk into any modern Pilates studio and one piece of equipment almost always takes center stage: the reformer. It looks part exercise machine, part medieval contraption, with springs, straps, and a sliding carriage. Yet it’s one of the most versatile tools in fitness today.

If you’re opening a studio, upgrading your equipment, or simply curious what all the fuss is about, this Pilates Reformer Machine Guide breaks down exactly how reformers work, why they matter, and how to choose the right one for your space in Qatar.

What Is a Pilates Reformer?

What is a Pilates reformer, exactly? At its core, it’s a bed-like frame with a flat carriage that rolls back and forth on wheels within the frame. Springs attached beneath the carriage create adjustable resistance, while straps, a footbar, and shoulder blocks let users perform a wide range of controlled movements.

Originally developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century, the reformer has evolved into precision-engineered studio equipment used by physiotherapists, professional dancers, and everyday fitness clients alike.

How Does a Pilates Reformer Work?

Understanding how does a Pilates reformer work helps explain why it’s so effective for building strength without heavy impact on the joints.

• The user lies, sits, or stands on the sliding carriage
• Springs beneath the carriage provide resistance that can be increased or decreased
• Pushing or pulling the carriage using the footbar, straps, or handles engages the core, legs, arms, or back depending on the exercise
• Because the carriage moves smoothly along a fixed track, movements stay controlled and low-impact throughout the full range of motion

This spring-based resistance system is what separates reformer Pilates from mat-based Pilates or traditional weight training.

Pilates Reformer vs Mat Pilates: What’s the Difference?

A common question from new studio owners and clients alike is Pilates reformer vs mat Pilates — which is better?

Mat Pilates uses body weight alone, performed on a padded mat with minimal equipment. It’s accessible, requires little space, and works well for beginners building foundational core strength.

Reformer Pilates adds adjustable spring resistance, sliding movement, and support from straps and the footbar. This allows for:

• Greater resistance variety, from gentle rehabilitation work to advanced strength training
• Improved alignment support for clients recovering from injury
• A broader range of exercises targeting multiple muscle groups in one session

Most studios offer both, but the reformer is typically the equipment that drives membership growth and higher-value class pricing.

Types of Pilates Reformers

Not all reformers are built the same. Knowing the types of Pilates reformers available helps studio owners and instructors choose equipment suited to their space and clientele.

Classic Reformers

Traditional wood or metal frame reformers with a straightforward spring and pulley system. Popular in boutique studios that favor a classic aesthetic and simple mechanics.

Studio Reformers

Heavier-duty frames built for continuous commercial use, often with reinforced components designed to withstand multiple daily classes.

Tower or Combo Reformers

These integrate a vertical tower attachment, allowing instructors to add standing, kneeling, or suspended exercises without needing separate equipment.

Home Reformers

Compact, foldable designs intended for personal use rather than commercial rotation, generally lighter-duty than commercial Pilates reformer machines.

Sports Village Qatar’s Pilates equipment range includes several of these configurations, sourced through established fitness equipment brands.

Pilates Reformer Benefits

The Pilates reformer benefits driving its popularity across Doha’s fitness and wellness scene include:

• Low-impact resistance training suitable for a wide range of ages and fitness levels
• Improved core strength, posture, and flexibility
• Support for physiotherapy and post-injury rehabilitation programs
• Full-body conditioning in a single session, targeting arms, legs, glutes, and back
• Scalable resistance, making it appropriate for both beginners and advanced practitioners

Many physiotherapy clinics and wellness centers in Qatar now include reformer sessions specifically because of this rehabilitation value.

Pilates Reformer for Beginners: What to Expect

If you’re introducing reformer classes for the first time, understanding the Pilates reformer for beginners experience matters for client retention.

New users should expect:

1. A brief orientation on how the springs, straps, and footbar function
2. Lighter spring resistance during the first few sessions
3. Guided instruction on breathing and controlled movement, since the reformer relies on precision rather than speed
4. Gradual progression to more advanced exercises as core stability improves

Studios that invest in proper beginner onboarding tend to see stronger client retention than those that rush new members into advanced classes.

Reformer Pilates Classes Explained

Reformer Pilates classes explained simply: sessions are typically capped at small group sizes, often six to ten participants, so instructors can adjust spring tension and monitor form individually. Classes generally run 45 to 55 minutes and combine flowing sequences with isolated strength work.

This small-class format is part of why reformer studios can command premium pricing compared to general group fitness classes.

Pilates Studio Equipment List: What You Actually Need

Beyond the reformer itself, a complete Pilates studio equipment list typically includes:

• Reformers (the centerpiece of most class formats)
• Stability balls and props for supplementary exercises
• Studio-grade flooring designed to handle repeated equipment movement
• Storage solutions for straps, blocks, and accessories
• Mirrors for form correction, where space allows

Sports Village Qatar supplies both the Pilates accessories and props studios need alongside reformers, as well as rubber gym flooring suited to studio environments.

How to Choose a Pilates Reformer for Your Studio

Knowing how to choose a Pilates reformer comes down to matching the equipment to your studio’s actual usage pattern.

Consider:

• Class volume — commercial studios running back-to-back classes need heavier-duty frames than boutique or home setups
• Space constraints — some reformers fold or stack for studios with limited storage
• Client demographics — rehabilitation-focused studios may prioritize smoother spring adjustment and added stability features
• Brand reliability — established manufacturers typically offer better warranty support and spare parts availability
• Maintenance support — ongoing servicing matters more for high-traffic commercial equipment than home units

Sports Village Qatar is an authorized distributor for Merrithew, a globally recognized name in Pilates and reformer equipment, giving Qatar-based studios access to genuine, warrantied machines.

Buying a Pilates Reformer Machine in Qatar

When buying a Pilates reformer machine, studio owners in Qatar should look beyond price alone. Genuine manufacturer warranties, local after-sales support, and proper installation all affect the equipment’s long-term value.

Before purchasing, it helps to:

• Confirm whether the supplier is an authorized distributor for the brand
• Ask about delivery and installation timelines
• Clarify what maintenance and servicing support is included
• Compare commercial-grade versus home-grade models if you’re unsure of your class volume

Best Pilates Reformer for Studios: Commercial vs Home-Grade

The best Pilates reformer for studios is rarely the same model recommended for home users. Commercial environments need frames built for constant use across multiple daily classes, reinforced joints, and components that can be serviced quickly if worn.

Sports Village Qatar’s commercial Pilates category is built specifically around this distinction, separating studio-grade equipment from the lighter models designed for personal home use.

Pilates Reformer Maintenance Tips

Protecting your investment starts with basic upkeep. Useful Pilates reformer maintenance tips include:

• Inspecting springs and straps regularly for wear or fraying
• Keeping carriage tracks clean and free of dust or debris
• Scheduling professional servicing at manufacturer-recommended intervals
• Training staff on correct setup and breakdown between classes to avoid unnecessary strain on components

Commercial studios running high class volumes should treat maintenance as a scheduled part of operations, not an afterthought.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is a Pilates reformer good for beginners?
Yes. With proper instruction, reformers are well suited to beginners, since spring resistance can be adjusted to a comfortable starting level and gradually increased as strength improves.

2. How much does a commercial Pilates reformer cost?
Costs vary significantly based on brand, build quality, and features like tower attachments. Commercial-grade machines generally cost more than home models due to reinforced construction for continuous use.

3. Can reformer Pilates help with injury recovery?
Many physiotherapists incorporate reformer exercises into rehabilitation programs because the controlled, low-impact resistance supports safe movement patterns during recovery.

4. How is a Pilates reformer different from a regular gym machine?
Unlike fixed-resistance gym machines, a reformer uses a sliding carriage and adjustable springs, allowing for a much wider range of motion and exercise variety in a single unit.

5. What should studio owners look for when buying reformers in Qatar?
Look for authorized distributors offering genuine equipment, manufacturer warranties, local installation, and after-sales maintenance support, rather than sourcing unverified imports.

Ready to Equip Your Pilates Studio?

Choosing the right reformer is one of the most important equipment decisions a studio owner will make. Whether you’re outfitting a new space or upgrading existing machines, working with an authorized supplier ensures genuine equipment, proper installation, and long-term support.

Visit Sports Village Qatar to explore commercial and home Pilates reformer options, or request a free consultation to plan your studio’s complete equipment setup.

Written by the Sports Village Qatar content team, in consultation with our Pilates and fitness equipment specialists.

Doha, Qatar: Brazil’s pursuit of a record-extending sixth FIFA World Cup crown faces its biggest examination yet when they meet Norway in a Round of 16 clash at the MetLife Stadium, New York New Jersey, today at 11pm Qatar time.

A quarter-final against either co-hosts Mexico or 1966 champions England awaits the winners, but for now the spotlight is firmly on a high-voltage duel between South America’s giants and Europe’s rising force led by Erling Haaland.

Brazil arrive after edging Japan 2-1 in stoppage time through Gabriel Martinelli, a result that highlighted both their resilience and their lingering inconsistencies.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side topped Group C with seven points after a 3-0 win over Haiti, a 1-1 draw with Morocco and a narrow win over Scotland. The structure is stable, the defensive core experienced, but questions remain over control in midfield and occasional vulnerability when pressed.Erling Haaland

Vinicius Junior has been the standout force, scoring four goals and carrying Brazil’s attacking weight as Ancelotti’s undisputed talisman. The Real Madrid forward has defined their rhythm in transition and remains central to their hopes.

Neymar, however, remains a subplot. The 34-year-old has played just 14 minutes in the tournament, yet Ancelotti insists he remains ‘an important figure’ despite his frustration. The Brazil coach has also hinted the forward is now capable of playing a full match, leaving his role against Norway uncertain but potentially decisive.

Norway, meanwhile, arrive with belief sharpened by history and Haaland’s firepower. The Manchester City striker has already scored five goals at the tournament, including the winner against Cote d’Ivoire in the Round of 32, and continues to define their attack alongside Martin Odegaard.

Stale Solbakken’s lost to France 4-1 after resting 10 players against the Les Bleus as wins over over Iraq and Senegal were enough to send them through.

Their fans have been one of the stories of the tournament, turning stadiums into waves of red, white and blue energy, sustaining chants that have carried into every match. Norway’s return to the World Cup after 28 years has been marked by intensity, directness and a refusal to play within expectations.

The two sides share a rare historical link. At France 1998, Norway stunned Brazil 2-1 in the group stage, a match still remembered for Kjetil Rekdal’s late penalty after Bebeto’s opener. That remains their most iconic meeting and adds a layer of psychological intrigue to this knockout clash.

Solbakken has been clear about the task ahead, particularly in dealing with Vinicius Junior, acknowledging Brazil’s favourites tag while insisting his side are “not playing for fun” but to reach the quarter-finals. Odegaard has echoed that confidence, stressing Norway’s belief that they can challenge anyone.

Ancelotti, too, has maintained calm authority, praising his side’s progress while admitting they are still chasing consistency at the highest level.

“We are performing but we want to play better,” he said.

For Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland, belief comes from preparation and collective discipline, even against elite attacking threats.

“We know we can stop anyone,” he said.