Manchester City, one of England’s top Premier League clubs, has launched the Ramadan Esports Football Cup, a regional gaming tournament open to players across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Algeria.

The competition, which will take place online across multiple gaming platforms, gives football gaming fans a chance to showcase their skills and compete for exclusive prizes.

How the Tournament Works

• Players will first compete in national qualifiers, where they will have five hours to play up to ten matches against others from their country.
• The top players from each country will move on to the semi-finals, scheduled for April 4 at 1:00 PM (local time).
• Winners from the semi-finals will face off in the grand final later that same day.

Exciting Prizes for Finalists

The tournament winners will receive:

• A one-on-one match with a Manchester City Esports pro player.
• An official Manchester City jersey, signed by the entire first team.

This competition is a great chance for football gaming enthusiasts in the UAE and beyond to test their skills and experience top-level esports action during Ramadan.

(Source: Wam)

Japan became the first nation to seal qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, securing their place in emphatic fashion with a 2-0 victory over Bahrain at Saitama Stadium on Thursday.

Second-half strikes from Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo ensured Hajime Moriyasu’s side maintained their flawless march through Group C of Asia’s preliminaries, keeping them nine points clear at the summit. Kamada, introduced from the bench, broke the deadlock in the 66th minute before Kubo added gloss to the scoreline three minutes from time.

Elsewhere, Australia cemented their position in second place with a commanding 5-1 win over Indonesia in Sydney, easing Patrick Kluivert into his first game in charge of the visitors. Saudi Arabia was set to host China later on Thursday in the remaining Group C fixture.

UAE remain in contention despite setback in Tehran

The UAE’s World Cup qualification hopes took a hit with a 2-0 defeat to Iran, but Paulo Bento’s side remains firmly in the fight for a place at football’s grandest stage. Goals from Sardar Azmoun and Mohammad Mohebbi put Iran on the brink of their fourth consecutive World Cup appearance, while The Whites must now regroup for a crucial run of fixtures.

Drawn in a competitive Group A alongside reigning Asian champions Qatar, as well as Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and North Korea, the UAE’s campaign is still alive with key games ahead.

Meanwhile, in Group B, South Korea were held to a 1-1 draw by Oman at Goyang Stadium, a result that kept the Taeguk Warriors atop the standings with 15 points, while Oman remained in fourth with seven.

With only the top two teams from each group sealing automatic qualification, the battle for progression remains intense. The third and fourth-placed teams will enter a six-team playoff round, where two further direct berths are up for grabs, while a final qualification spot will be determined via an intercontinental playoff.

For Japan, the job is done. For the UAE, the mission is far from over.

(Source: Wam)

The UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation is getting ready for the first round of the Jiu-Jitsu President’s Cup, the country’s most prestigious local championship. The event will take place on Thursday, 20th March, at Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi.

This highly anticipated competition will feature top athletes in the Adults and Under 21 categories, known for their skill, dedication, and exciting matches.

A Platform for Champions

Yousef Abdullah Al Batran, a board member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, said,
“The Jiu-Jitsu President’s Cup is the biggest challenge for athletes in the UAE. It helps them track their progress and compete at the highest level. With so many talented competitors, this event promises thrilling matches. Our goal is to deliver a high-quality championship that prepares athletes for international competitions.”

An Open Challenge for All Athletes

The tournament will use an open belt system, meaning athletes of all belt levels will compete together in the same category. This format encourages learning and skill development as competitors face opponents of different experience levels.

Weigh-Ins and Competition Preparations

Athletes must complete their weigh-ins on 19th and 20th March at various locations:

Where: Mubadala Arena (Abu Dhabi), ADMA Mirdif (Dubai), Al Nahyaniya Hall (Al Ain)
 Timings: 4 pm – 6 pm

Clubs and academies have been training hard for this event, aiming to earn top rankings. Fans can expect intense and action-packed matches as teams fight for the championship title.

Al Wahda Club Aims to Defend Its Title

Mahmoud Al Sayed, Director of the Jiu-Jitsu Academy at Al Wahda Club, said,
“Our athletes are ready to defend their title. We’ve trained hard, and we’re confident in our abilities. The competition will be tough, but we’re determined to make our club proud.”

Last year, Al Wahda Club won the men’s title, while Baniyas Club finished second and Al Ain Club took third place.

(Source: Wam)