There is obviously another World Cup going on at the moment, but it will not be long before the world’s sporting attention turns to the Middle East’s first football World Cup. This is EasternEye’s comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about the forthcoming competition.
Who will win?
We will start with the million-dollar question. In fact, the World Cup 2022 odds have remained relatively steady for over a year, with Brazil, France, England and Argentina being the four teams that everyone, bookmakers included, fancy. France are going into the tournament as reigning champions, but that has tended to be a burden rather than an advantage.
Only once in the last five tournaments have the defending champions even managed to get out of the group stages. No one has won back-to-back tournaments since 1962. Brazil and Argentina are both on incredible undefeated runs, but Brazil haven’t lifted the trophy since 2002 and Argentina are winning matches without really looking like world beaters. England appear to have lost the momentum that took them to the semi-finals in Russia and the final in Euro 2020. Other teams who stand a chance are Spain, The Netherlands, Germany and Belgium.
When does the tournament take place?
The first match, between Qatar and Ecuador, kicks off on Sunday the 20th of November. Due to the compressed nature of the tournament (it takes place over a month) the games are scheduled to take place throughout the day, every day until the round of 16 games, which take place between the 3rd and 6th of December. The quarter-finals are on the 9th and 10th, the semis on the 13th and 14th, the third/fourth play-off is on Saturday the 17th, with the final on Sunday the 18th of December.
Where are the games being played?
It has been an immense building project
Caption: It has been an immense building project
Eight purpose-built stadiums have been built for this World Cup, and all of them are within a relatively short distance of each other, another departure from the normal state of affairs where teams are based sometimes hundreds of miles from each other. Those stadiums are:
Al Bayt Stadium: the most northerly located venue. It has a capacity of 60,000 and hosts eight matches, including the opening game, a quarter-final and a semi-final.
Khalifa International Stadium: Originally built in 1976, this 40,000-seater arena plays host to seven games including the third/fourth play-off.
Al Thumama Stadium: this 40,000-capacity arena will see seven World Cup matches including a quarter-final.
Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium: a 40,000-seat stadium that will host six matches.
Lusail Stadium: Like the Al Bayt Stadium, this 80,000-seat arena is located north of Doha, and will host eight games at the tournament including a semi-final, quarter-final and the final itself.
Ras Abu Aboud Stadium (Stadium 974): 40,000-capacity stadium in Doha that will see six matches played there.
Education City Stadium: a 40,000-seat stadium that will host seven matches including a quarter-final.
Al Janoub Stadium: Another 40,000-seat stadium, this one will host six matches at the tournament.
Why was it controversial?
The political and human rights issues aside, the awarding of this World Cup was a hugely controversial decision and not just in the manner the vote was won. It is a World Cup that will take place in a country with little or no football heritage, or indeed infrastructure. The heat in Qatar could not only be detrimental to the quality of the games, but could even be a danger to the players. In an attempt to offset that, the tournament has been moved to the Northern Hemisphere’s winter, something that has never happened before, and has meant the halting of the major European leagues for over a month.
As the world prepares for the second edition of the World Championship of Legends (WCL), one of its most exciting franchises, the Meteora England Champions, is being led by a compelling force. Mahima Sharma is not just making her mark in cricket – she is quietly redefining leadership in a male-dominated industry.
In an industry long regarded as a boys’ club, Sharma brings a refreshingly unapologetic approach. She is strategic, deeply rooted in her love for the game, and proudly feminine. “Cricket has always felt like home to me,” she says. “I come from a culture where cricket is an emotion, and stepping into this role carries a great deal of responsibility. Growing up, I saw very few women leaders in cricket. To now find myself in this position 15 years later feels like coming full circle.”
As co-owner and the driving force behind the Meteora England Champions, Sharma is part of a small group of women leading professional cricket teams. For her, this is not about tokenism, it’s about legacy. “I do not want to be the exception,” she says. “I want to be part of a movement where women leading in sport is normalised. As more women step into leadership, we must not only create space but also change the environment so others can thrive.”
The journey has not been without its obstacles. Sharma recalls the doubt she encountered in the early days. “You walk into certain rooms and feel it – the unspoken question of how a twenty-something woman is in charge,” she says. But instead of backing away, she leaned in. “I chose not to internalise that doubt. I focused on proving myself through action.”
Each branding move, player decision, and strategic step has helped reshape perceptions. “We are not here to just participate. We are here to lead – with vision, knowledge and authenticity.”
Sharma’s leadership story is closely tied to her family. She co-owns the team with her father, a self-made entrepreneur who built the wider Meteora Group. Their dynamic is one of mutual respect. “We do not always agree – and that is our strength. We challenge each other, and that leads to better decisions.”
This blend of tradition and innovation shapes how she runs the team. From revamping fan experiences to reviving iconic rivalries, Sharma brings together nostalgia and bold new energy. “We are embracing history while writing new chapters,” she says. “Through storytelling, digital content and match-day experiences, we are bringing legends back into the spotlight in meaningful ways.”
Those legends include the likes of Eoin Morgan and Alastair Cook – cricketing greats now representing Meteora. “It has honestly been a dream,” Sharma says. “These players are not just icons – they are grounded, inspirational, and passionate about the future of the game.”
The team is also shaped by dynamic women behind the scenes. One key figure is Bhakti Bansal, the team’s creative strategist. “Her leadership has helped shape how the Meteora brand speaks and connects,” Sharma says. “It is not about having women in leadership for the sake of it – it is about having the right leadership.”
Empowerment runs through Sharma’s journey. She is not content with simply climbing the ladder – she wants to rebuild it. “As more women take on leadership roles, we carry the responsibility not just to make space, but to transform the environment so others can thrive.”
As WCL enters its second season, Sharma is scaling upwclegends.uk
For Sharma, inclusivity and creativity are core values. “It starts internally. Our team is deliberately diverse – not just in terms of gender or ethnicity, but in background and thinking styles.” This inclusivity informs every decision, from interns to executive planning. “Everyone has a seat at the table.”
As WCL enters its second season, Sharma is scaling up. “The challenge is in the scale and speed – logistics, player schedules, fan engagement, sponsorships. But the challenges are real, and so is our drive.”
Asked what message she would give young women pursuing careers in sport or business, Sharma is clear. “You do not have to choose between being passionate and being powerful. You do not need all the answers on day one – but you do need to believe you belong.”
Her approach is grounded in authenticity. “Resilience and self-awareness are everything. You must know who you are and hold your ground, even when you do not see yourself reflected in the room.”
She adds, “You can be assertive without being abrasive, strategic without being cold, and emotional without being weak.”
Despite the pace and pressure of running a franchise, Sharma’s love for cricket keeps her grounded and ambitious. “It is still my greatest passion,” she says. But she is open to other opportunities if they align with her values.
At the heart of her leadership is a principle passed down from her father: “Build long-term relationships based on trust.” It is a value she holds close as she navigates partnerships, negotiations and team dynamics.
When she needs inspiration, she turns to her support system. “My family, my friends, my dog Lexi – and the fans. Just being in a packed stadium, hearing the cheers, wearing your team’s jersey – that feeling is unmatched.”
Sharma closes with a simple yet powerful philosophy: “We walk into the room each day with a game plan, positive energy, and a clear vision.”
As the second season of WCL approaches, it is clear that Mahima Sharma is building more than a cricket team – she is building a legacy. One that says, without apology: the future of sport belongs to everyone. And yes, that includes the women who dare to lead.
The World championship of legends cricket 2025 takes place from July 18 – August 2. wclegends.uk
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Mahmood, a pace bowling allrounder, played 143 one-day internationals and 21 Tests for Pakistan. (Photo: Getty Images)
PAKISTAN on Monday appointed former all-rounder Azhar Mahmood as the interim head coach of the men’s Test team. He is the fourth person to hold the position in the past 18 months.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said the 50-year-old will remain in the role until January.
Mahmood, a pace bowling allrounder, played 143 one-day internationals and 21 Tests for Pakistan. He has been serving as assistant coach since last year.
“The PCB announces Mahmood as the acting red-ball head coach of the Pakistan men’s team,” said a PCB press release.
Mahmood replaces Aaqib Javed, who was interim head coach for the Test series in South Africa in December-January and the home series against the West Indies.
Javed stepped down after Pakistan lost all four Tests and finished ninth and last in the third cycle of the World Test Championship.
Before Javed, former Australia fast bowler Jason Gillespie had taken over but quit six months into his stint in December 2024 following differences with the PCB.
Prior to Gillespie, former Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez was the team director and had overseen a 3-0 Test defeat in Australia.
Monday’s appointment is part of a series of changes by the PCB aimed at improving the national team’s performance following a difficult two years.
Last month, New Zealand’s Mike Hesson was named white-ball head coach for two years.
Pakistan will host South Africa in October in their first series of the new World Test Championship cycle. They will then play Sri Lanka at home in December-January.
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Indian cricket head coach Gautam Gambhir. (Photo by PUNIT PARANJPE/AFP via Getty Images)
GAUTAM GAMBHIR is under growing pressure ahead of the second Test against England after India's loss at Headingley made it seven defeats in 11 red-ball matches since he became coach last year.
The 43-year-old former opening batsman is facing flak from some quarters for his selections, man management and how he carries himself in press conferences.
India are ushering in a new era following the retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, with Gambhir widely reported to have played a part in the exit of at least one of the two veteran stars.
Led by new captain Shubman Gill, the visitors were beaten by five wickets in the opening Test of the five-match England series, adding to a growing sense of alarm.
The second Test at Edgbaston starts on Wednesday (2) and patience is wearing thin back home.
"Gautam Gambhir is under significant pressure. The situation is becoming increasingly tense," former India batsman Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
"He has managed two wins against Bangladesh and one against Australia, but we've lost three matches to New Zealand, three to Australia and now one to England.
"He has been losing and losing."
Gambhir, who as a player had a key role in India's ODI World Cup triumph in 2011, succeeded Rahul Dravid in July last year.
Dravid signed off a largely successful three-year tenure by winning the T20 World Cup.
Gambhir was chosen as his successor almost exactly a year ago but he and his side suffered a significant bloody nose when they went down 3-0 to New Zealand.
It was India's first Test series defeat at home in 12 years.
Along with chief selector Ajit Agarkar, Gambhir was criticised for leaving middle-order batsman Sarfaraz Khan out of the squad for England.
Karun Nair was picked ahead of Sarfaraz, who had scores of 68 not out and 56 against a visiting England last year, and made 150 versus New Zealand in Bengaluru.
Gambhir's detractors say he is hot-headed and accuse him of acting too much on instinct.
Speaking ahead of the series, Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik said that "tactically, Gauti (Gambhir) is a very good coach.
"Man management is the area that I am sure he would be looking at," he told Sky Sports' cricket podcast.
"But one thing about him is that he is looking out for his players, which is massive.
"What I feel at times is that the way he is aggressive as a captain, you can't be as a coach."
Critics don't like Gambhir's press conferences. Following the defeat at Headingley, Gambhir looked ruffled and snapped in reply to a question about Rishabh Pant's centuries in each innings.
The visiting batsmen scored five centuries in the match but still lost.
Former batsman Sanjay Manjrekar has said that Gambhir should be kept away from the media, after the coach bit back at Ricky Ponting ahead of the tour to Australia last year.
India went on to lose the series 3-1.
On the last day of the first England Test, when the hosts chased down 371, senior batsman KL Rahul and Gill's deputy Pant were seen making the fielding changes, rather than the skipper.
In the final overs it appeared pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah rejected Gill's idea of bringing him back into the attack.
Bumrah, who will only play two more Tests in the series to manage his workload, returned figures of 5-83 in England's first innings of 465 but went wicketless second time around.
A fit, firing and content Bumrah is key to India's chances.
South African great AB de Villiers questioned whether it was "mismanagement" or injury that was the cause of Bumrah being rested at a crucial point of the match.
Lack of bowling support for Bumrah and India's lower-order collapses -- from 430-3 to 471 all out in the first innings and 333-4 to 364 in the second -- also hurt the team in Leeds.
(AFP)
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Spectators take photos as the order of play board is set up on day one of the Wimbledon 2025 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on June 30, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
THE four Grand Slams offer a trophy and place in the history books as well as significant prize money. Here is what you need to know about the prize pot on offer at Wimbledon 2025, the third major of the year:
When is Wimbledon 2025 happening?
The Championships will run from Monday (30) to July 13.
What is the total prize fund at Wimbledon 2025?
The total prize money is a record £53.5 million ($71.63m), a seven per cent increase on 2024 and double what they offered a decade ago.
How much will men's and women's singles players earn at Wimbledon 2025?
First round: £66,000 Second round: £99,000 Third round: £152,000 Round of 16: £240,000 Quarter-finals: £400,000 Semi-finals: £775,000 Runner-up: £1,520,000 Champion: £3,000,000
How does the winner's prize compare to Wimbledon 2024?
The winners of the men's and women's singles in 2024, Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz and Czech Barbora Krejcikova, received £2.7m ($3.61m) each in prize money.
What about the other grand slams in 2024 and 2025?
Australian Open 2025 singles champions, Italian Jannik Sinner and American Madison Keys, received $2.26m (£1.8m) each in prize money.
French Open 2025 singles champions, Alcaraz and American Coco Gauff, took home $2.92m (£2.15m) each. US Open 2024 singles champions, Sinner and Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka, received $3.6m (£2.66m) each. Significant pay hikes at the Grand Slams were central to the demands of the world's top players in their letter to the four majors recently.
What is the prize money on offer in men's and women's doubles at Wimbledon 2025?
First round: £16,500 Second round: £26,000 Third round: £43,750 Quarter-finals: £87,500 Semi-finals: £174,000 Runners-up: £345,000 Champion: £680,000
What is the prize money on offer in mixed doubles at Wimbledon 2025?
First round: £4,500 Second round: £9,000 Quarter-finals: £17,500 Semi-finals: £34,000 Runners-up: £68,000 Champion: £135,000
(Reuters)
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Jack Draper during a practice session REUTERS/Andrew Couldridge
BRITISH tennis players come under the spotlight at Wimbledon like nowhere else and the full glare will be trained on world number four Jack Draper as he leads a sizeable home assault at the All England Club starting on Monday (30).
The 23-year-old left-hander's rapid rise up the rankings means he is the highest British seed since two-time winner Andy Murray arrived as defending champion in 2017.
Draper's run to the US Open semi-final last year and his title this year at Indian Wells have raised expectations that he is ready to emulate Murray and win the title.
The hype is already building up and should he avoid any early banana skins and make a deep run, Draper knows the weight of expectation will grow more heavy on his broad shoulders.
Dealing with life in the Wimbledon pressure cooker will be a huge test for a player who has won only two matches in his three previous main draw appearances at the All England Club.
But he says employing breathing coach Ann Coxhead has helped him to cope with the anxiety he experienced earlier in his career and which occasionally led to him vomiting on court.
"It was important for me in tennis where there's such small margins, such small percentages," Draper told reporters at a sultry and tranquil Wimbledon.
"The work I've done with her has been invaluable. It's been a real asset to my tennis. I think I'm still a work in progress with it, but definitely my physicality and my general well-being on the court has improved."
Draper faces dangerous 38th-ranked Argentine Sebastian Baez in the first round on Tuesday (1) and things will not get much easier after that with former US Open winner and Wimbledon runner-up Marin Cilic a likely second-round opponent.
Seven-time champion Novak Djokovic is a potential quarter-final barrier and then it could be world number one Jannik Sinner and two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in the final. Sensibly, Draper is not looking too far ahead.
"I look at my first round, who I have. I respect every person in the draw. Obviously I've got Baez on Tuesday, and I'm not looking further than that," he said. "I know he's a strong player. He's here off his own merit."
Draper and British women's number one Emma Raducanu will lead a 23-strong home contingent in the singles draws, albeit including 14 wild cards, the most since 1984.
Emma Raducanu during a practice session REUTERS/Andrew Couldridge
While Draper is happy to talk up his chances, Raducanu, who stunned the tennis world by winning the US Open as a teenaged qualifier in 2021, says she has lower expectations.
"Truthfully I don't expect much from myself this year," she told reporters. "I know I've just been dealing with certain things. I just want to go out there and embrace the moment. I want to embrace the occasion."
She will start on Monday against compatriot Mingge Xu, one of three British teenaged wild cards in the women's draw.
"I think it's a very dangerous match, very difficult. I think Mimi is a really, really good player," Raducanu said.
"For her it's one where there's nothing to lose. I remember when I had my first Wimbledon here and I was 18. It's a great feeling. You just feel, like, completely fearless."
Two British players have big incentives to reach the second round. Veteran Dan Evans, a wild card after falling outside the world's top 100, could seal a clash with seven-times champion Novak Djokovic if he beats fellow Briton Jay Clarke, while qualifier Oliver Tarvet, ranked 719, is one win away from a possible dream clash with defending champion Alcaraz.
"About 9,000 people have messaged me about it," Evans said.