Qiddiya City to Host Inaugural FIA Extreme H World Cup in October

Qiddiya City to Host Inaugural FIA Extreme H World Cup in October
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Qiddiya City to Host Inaugural FIA Extreme H World Cup in October

Qiddiya City to Host Inaugural FIA Extreme H World Cup in October

The FIA Extreme H World Cup, the world’s first hydrogen-powered motorsport, confirmed Qiddiya City in Saudi Arabia as the host location for its first event, taking place from October 9 to 11, 2025.

The race will take place with the dramatic backdrop of the Tuwaiq Mountains, close to the site, which is currently undergoing transformation to become a world-leading motorsport venue, according to SPA.

Extreme H’s inaugural event in Qiddiya City marks a major milestone in its evolution and aligns with Saudi Arabia’s bold motorsport ambitions. The racing will take place in a specially designed off-road location. It will form part of Qiddiya City’s broader vision to become a global hub for motorsport, innovation, and entertainment.

At the heart of this vision is the newly unveiled Speed Park Track, a cutting-edge circuit. The track symbolises Qiddiya City’s commitment to world-class motorsport, with dramatic elevation changes, iconic features like the 20-storey “Blade” turn, and integration with entertainment landmarks such as its new Six Flags Theme Park and Aquarabia.

The FIA Extreme H World Cup and Qiddiya City share a joint vision when it comes to sustainability standards, making the city an ideal location for Extreme H’s mission to deliver purpose-driven sport and clean mobility solutions.

The city aims to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2060, with initiatives that include 100% wastewater reuse, renewable energy infrastructure, and EV charging in 80% of parking spaces.

A major tree planting focus is also central to plans, as part of the city’s commitment to the Saudi Green Initiative, which has a broader national goal of planting 10 billion trees in Saudi Arabia by 2030 to combat desertification, improve air quality, and enhance biodiversity.

Racing will kick off with the ‘final fling’ Extreme E Desert X Prix, taking place on October 4 and 5, providing an official conclusion to the previous championship. The baton will then be handed over to start Extreme H on October 9-11.

Managing Director of Qiddiya Investment Company Abdullah AlDawood said: “Qiddiya City is envisioned not just as a destination for play, but as an example of contemporary, sustainable urban planning and design. Hosting the inaugural FIA Extreme H World Cup underscores our commitment to showcasing sustainable motorsport while positioning Saudi Arabia as a global hub for future-focused experiences.”

For his part, founder and Chairman of Extreme H Alejandro Agag said: “Qiddiya City is the ideal launchpad for the FIA Extreme H World Cup, a new frontier for motorsport that embodies purpose, innovation and entertainment. More than just a race venue, it is a statement of intent. A visually stunning, technologically ambitious location that sets the tone for a new era of motorsport. We are proud to showcase the power of hydrogen and sustainable technology.”

CEO of Saudi Motorsport Company Eng. Mansour Almokbel said: “Hosting the Final Lap of Extreme E in Saudi Arabia marks a powerful moment; celebrating five years of innovation, impact, and truly boundary-pushing racing. This series has redefined sustainable motorsport, captured global attention, and showcased our stunning landscapes to millions around the world.

As we mark this finale, our focus is firmly on the future. The launch of Extreme H marks the next bold chapter in racing, and Saudi Arabia is proud to play a central role in shaping the sport's future direction. These milestone events reflect our ambition to be a global home for pioneering motorsport, driving progress, sustainability, and the spirit of innovation.”

Further details on the sporting format, teams, drivers and partners, will be revealed over the coming weeks as the event countdown continues at pace.



FIFA President Infantino Condemns "Unacceptable Scenes" In AFCON Final

Senegal fans celebrate in Turin, Italy Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, after Senegal won the Africa Cup of Nations final soccer match against Morocco. (Giulio Lapone/LaPresse via AP)
Senegal fans celebrate in Turin, Italy Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, after Senegal won the Africa Cup of Nations final soccer match against Morocco. (Giulio Lapone/LaPresse via AP)
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FIFA President Infantino Condemns "Unacceptable Scenes" In AFCON Final

Senegal fans celebrate in Turin, Italy Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, after Senegal won the Africa Cup of Nations final soccer match against Morocco. (Giulio Lapone/LaPresse via AP)
Senegal fans celebrate in Turin, Italy Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, after Senegal won the Africa Cup of Nations final soccer match against Morocco. (Giulio Lapone/LaPresse via AP)

FIFA President Gianni Infantino condemned "some Senegal players" for the "unacceptable scenes" during Sunday's AFCON final in which the eventual champions walked off the pitch in protest at a penalty awarded to Morocco.

"We strongly condemn the behavior of some 'supporters' as well as some Senegalese players and technical staff members. It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner," said Infantino in a statement sent to AFP.


Senegal Stun Hosts Morocco to Win AFCON Title after Ugly Scenes Mar Final

Morocco's forward #10 Brahim Diaz kicks the ball to miss a penalty in the nets of Senegal's goalkeeper #16 Edouard Mendy during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) final football match between Senegal and Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on January 18, 2026. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)
Morocco's forward #10 Brahim Diaz kicks the ball to miss a penalty in the nets of Senegal's goalkeeper #16 Edouard Mendy during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) final football match between Senegal and Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on January 18, 2026. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)
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Senegal Stun Hosts Morocco to Win AFCON Title after Ugly Scenes Mar Final

Morocco's forward #10 Brahim Diaz kicks the ball to miss a penalty in the nets of Senegal's goalkeeper #16 Edouard Mendy during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) final football match between Senegal and Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on January 18, 2026. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)
Morocco's forward #10 Brahim Diaz kicks the ball to miss a penalty in the nets of Senegal's goalkeeper #16 Edouard Mendy during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) final football match between Senegal and Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on January 18, 2026. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)

Senegal stunned Morocco in Sunday's Africa Cup of Nations final as Pape Gueye's goal gave them a 1-0 extra-time win over the hosts at the end of a match marred by disgraceful scenes following a controversial penalty award.

Brahim Diaz could have won the trophy for Morocco when he stepped up to take the spot-kick in the 24th added minute at the end of normal time, said AFP.

But Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy easily saved the weak attempted chip by the Real Madrid winger, who was clearly distracted by the long delay of almost 20 minutes that followed the penalty award.

Congolese match referee Jean-Jacques Ndala gave the penalty right at the end of the allotted eight added minutes following a VAR check for a challenge on Diaz in the box by Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf.

Diaz, the rest of the Moroccan team and their bench vehemently protested to the referee to check the images, but the decision to eventually give the spot-kick was met with fury by Senegal and their fans.

As most of their players walked off the pitch, some Senegal supporters in the small section of away fans at the opposite end of the stadium threw chairs and other objects and attempted to get onto the field of play.

They were eventually contained by a large barrier of police and stewards, and their anger turned to delight and disbelief when the penalty was saved.

The Senegal team had initially been riled by the referee's decision to disallow for a foul a goal they scored in the second added minute when Abdoulaye Seck headed off the post at a corner and Ismaila Sarr nodded in the rebound.

After Diaz's penalty miss, however, it felt almost inevitable that a galvanized Senegal would go on to score, and they did so in the fourth minute of extra time to stun the home fans in the crowd of 66,526 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

Gueye the hero

Sadio Mane won possession in midfield and found Idrissa Gana Gueye, who released his namesake Pape Gueye.

The Villarreal midfielder held off the backtracking Moroccan captain Achraf Hakimi as he advanced towards the box before beating goalkeeper Yassine Bounou with a superb strike into the top corner.

Morocco were distraught, in particular Diaz who was promptly substituted.

They could still have forced a penalty shoot-out, with Nayef Aguerd heading against the crossbar in the second half of extra time.

But it was not to be for the hosts, who had been dreaming of winning the title in front of their own fans to end a 50-year wait to become African champions for just the second time.

Senegal could have been more comfortable had Cherif Ndiaye not squandered a glorious chance to make it 2-0 late in the extra period, but they held on.

It is their second Cup of Nations title in the last three editions, after they defeated Egypt on penalties in Yaounde in 2022 to win the trophy for the first time in their history.

They can now look forward to heading to the United States for the World Cup in June, and will hope to persuade star man Mane to play at another AFCON after he declared that the final would be his last ever game at the tournament.

Any investigation into the disgraceful scenes during the game will focus on the conduct of the Senegal team and their fans as well as any shortcomings by Moroccan organizers.

The incidents came at the end of a tense final which had been low on goalmouth action -- not exactly surprising given the defensive strength of Africa's best teams according to the FIFA rankings.

Senegal's Iliman Ndiaye was denied by Bounou when clean through with the best chance in the first half, while Morocco should have scored just before the hour mark but Ayoub El Kaabi prodded wide from a Bilal El Khannouss cross.

Then came the late drama, with Senegal surviving the penalty award before Gueye became their hero -- remarkably that was the first goal scored by the Lions of Teranga in an AFCON final after they had failed to find the net in any of their three previous appearances in the tournament's deciding game.

It was an agonizing way for Morocco's campaign to end, and many of their fans had left the stadium before the final whistle on a cold and wet night in Rabat.


Sonmez Becomes Fan Favorite in Melbourne After Coming to Aid of Ball Girl

 Zeynep Sonmez of Türkiye and umpire Chase Urban help a ball kid who fainted, from the court during her first round match against Ekaterina Alexandrova of Russia at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026. (AP)
Zeynep Sonmez of Türkiye and umpire Chase Urban help a ball kid who fainted, from the court during her first round match against Ekaterina Alexandrova of Russia at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026. (AP)
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Sonmez Becomes Fan Favorite in Melbourne After Coming to Aid of Ball Girl

 Zeynep Sonmez of Türkiye and umpire Chase Urban help a ball kid who fainted, from the court during her first round match against Ekaterina Alexandrova of Russia at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026. (AP)
Zeynep Sonmez of Türkiye and umpire Chase Urban help a ball kid who fainted, from the court during her first round match against Ekaterina Alexandrova of Russia at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026. (AP)

Zeynep Sonmez earned a place in fans' hearts as well as the second round at the Australian Open on Sunday when the Turkish qualifier rushed to the aid of a ball girl who had fainted in the punishing Melbourne heat.

The world number 112 was locked in battle with ‌11th seed ‌Ekaterina Alexandrova and waiting ‌to ⁠receive serve ‌in the second set when the girl, who was positioned beside the chair umpire, suddenly wobbled and fell on her back.

The girl picked herself up but stumbled again moments later, prompting ⁠23-year-old Sonmez to stop play and run towards ‌her.

With the crowd applauding, ‍Sonmez put the ‍girl's arm over her shoulder and ‍guided her to a seat so medical staff could provide treatment.

Sonmez went on to lose the set but she was able to secure a 7-5 4-6 6-4 win and become the ⁠first woman from Türkiye to reach the second round of the Melbourne Park Grand Slam.

Her victory comes on the back of a 2025 season in which she reached the third round at Wimbledon, marking the best Grand Slam result in the professional era for a Turkish woman.

She also reached the ‌second round of the US Open.