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)

The UAE Boxing Federation is taking a major step onto the global stage, officially applying for World Boxing membership after receiving approval from the National Olympic Committee and the Ministry of Sports.

The decision comes hot on the heels of the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Executive Board proposal on Monday to include boxing in the Los Angeles 2028 (LA28) Olympic Games program. The final decision will be made during the 144th IOC Session in Costa Navarino, Greece, from March 19-21, 2025.

This development follows World Boxing’s provisional recognition by the IOC in February, officially positioning the organisation as the new global governing body for the sport. It replaces the International Boxing Association (IBA), which has been banned by the IOC since 2019 due to governance and financial issues.

UAE Boxing Federation Secretary-General Hassan Al Hammadi confirmed that the country was among the first Arab and Asian nations to back the newly established World Boxing, following necessary approvals from the country’s sports authorities.

“We have obtained official approvals, and our membership application will be submitted before the end of the week as we prepare to join World Boxing,” Al Hammadi stated.

“Our goal is to ensure UAE athletes can compete at the highest level, including the Olympic Games, while meeting the required rankings and standards. Every athlete dreams of representing their country with pride, and we are committed to making that a reality,” he added.

Founded on April 13, 2023, World Boxing currently boasts 78 member federations and was created to restore credibility and integrity to the sport. With the IBA’s expulsion from the IOC, boxing at the Paris 2024 Olympics is being overseen directly by the IOC, ensuring fair competition and governance.

(Source: Wam)