Category: Sports

Speaking with state broadcaster IRIB TV3 and sports portal Varzesh3 on Monday, Taj addressed the escalating conflict and its impact on “Team Melli’s” appearance in the upcoming tournament, which is primarily hosted by the United States.

While stopping short of an official withdrawal, Taj indicated that the federation’s enthusiasm for the competition has evaporated following the attacks.

“What is certain is that after these strikes, it is hard to look at the World Cup with hope,” Taj stated. “I cannot say with certainty what the final outcome will be, but there will inevitably be consequences.”

The remarks come in the wake of the February 28, 2026, coordinated strikes by U.S. and Israeli forces targeting Iranian military infrastructure and leadership. Iran responded within 24 hours with a massive wave of retaliatory drone and missile attacks against U.S. military installations across the Middle East, including bases in Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain, and Kuwait.

Taj noted that the decision to travel to the U.S. is no longer a purely sporting matter. “All relevant football and high-ranking governing authorities in Iran will convene to take an appropriate decision,” he said. “At this moment, given the scale and intensity of the attacks, I do not believe this is a World Cup we are looking forward to.”

Tensions between the federation and the host nation were already high prior to the military escalation. In December 2025, Iranian representatives boycotted the World Cup draw in Washington, D.C., after the U.S. government denied visas to several members of the delegation, including Taj himself.

Iran is currently slated to compete in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand. All three of their group-stage matches are scheduled to take place on U.S. soil, with fixtures in Los Angeles and Seattle beginning June 15. FIFA has stated it is “monitoring the situation closely,” but has yet to comment on a potential replacement should Iran formally withdraw.

Riding for the NSN Development Team, Kretschy, competing in his third Tour du Rwanda, took the yellow jersey on Wednesday after finishing second in Stage 4 from Karongi to Rubavu. He held onto it with composure through the final stages, ultimately crossing the finish line 2 minutes and 8 seconds ahead of compatriot Johannes Adamietz of the Rembe | Rad-net team.

With this win, Kretschy becomes the 16th rider to claim the Tour du Rwanda since 2009 and the third European champion, following Spanish rider Cristian Rodriguez in 2021 and Frenchman Fabien Doubey in 2025. Riders from nine countries, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Eritrea, Spain, Rwanda, South Africa, the USA, and Morocco, have now stood atop the podium in the race’s history.

Eritrea’s Henok Mulubrhan shines

The final stage also saw Eritrean star Henok Mulubrhan shine, claiming victory in Stage 8, an 83.8 km circuit around Kigali City. Mulubrhan, 26, who previously won the 2023 Tour du Rwanda, became the only African stage winner of this year’s race. He last won a stage in 2025, taking the Rukomo-Kayonza segment and finishing second overall that year.

Stage 8 featured an early break by Araya and Da Silva, before the peloton gradually reeled them in. Riders battled over the cobbled climbs of Kimihurura, including the iconic Kwa Mignonne, as teams pushed for positioning ahead of the final 35 km city loop through Nyabugogo, Kimisagara, Tapis Rouge, and Kwa Migonne, ending at KCC.

Brazilian rider Bruno Martins of Team Localiza took both the first- and second-category King of the Mountain points, while Aman Awet of Istanbul Team and Jermaine Zemke of Rembe also put in strong performances during the climbs.

By the finish, Kretschy’s dominance was clear, topping the general classification with a total time of 23:08:48, followed by Adamietz (+2:08) and Belgium’s Duarte Marivoet (+2:32). Mulubrhan finished fourth in the GC, just 4 minutes 38 seconds behind Kretschy, highlighting his consistency and stage-winning power.

Stage 8’s top 10 finishers included Mulubrhan, Mauro Cuylits (BEL), Pau Marti Soriano (ESP), Even Yemane (ERI), Yafiet Mulugeta (ERI), Hodei Muñoz Gabiña (ESP), Eric Muhoza (RWA), Matteo Vanhuffel (BEL), Erazem Valjavec (SLO), and Oliver Mattheis (GER).

Other notable performances included Brazilian Bruno Martins (Localiza), who took both the first- and second-category King of the Mountain points, and young Belgian rider Duarte Marivoet, who impressed as the best young rider. Eritrean Amaniel Desta was recognized as the best African rider and best young African rider, while Miguel Heidemann (REMBE | Rad-net) earned the title of best climber.

Rwandan riders also shone in the home race: Eric Muhoza was named best Rwandan in Stage 8, while Samuel Niyonkuru received recognition as the best Rwandan overall.

Top honors and awards included:

·       Overall winner: Moritz Kretschy (GER, NSN Development Team)

·       Stage 8 winner: Henok Mulubrhan (ERI)

·       Best team: Lotto-Groupe Wanty

·       Best sprinter: Henok Mulubrhan (ERI)

·       Best climber: Miguel Heidemann (REMBE | Rad-net)

·       Best young rider: Duarte Marivoet (BEL)

·       Best African rider: Amaniel Desta (ERI)

·       Best young African rider: Amaniel Desta (ERI)

·       Best Rwandan rider Stage 8: Eric Muhoza (RWA)

·       Best Rwandan overall: Samuel Niyonkuru (RWA)

·       Most time in the lead: Aman Awet (Istanbul Team)

Top 10 general classification (GC)

1. Moritz Kretschy (GER) – 23:08:48

2. Johannes Adamietz (GER) – +2:08

3. Duarte Marivoet (BEL) – +2:32

4. Amaniel Desta (ETH) – +3:13

5. Jurgen Zomermaand (NED) – +4:13

6. Henrique Ribeiro Bravo (BRA) – +4:21

7. Matteo Vanhuffel (BEL) – +4:33

8. Henrique Da Silva Avancini (BRA) – +4:33

9. Oliver Mattheis (GER) – +4:35

10. Henok Mulubrhan (ERI) – +4:38

Stage 8 top 10 finishers

1. Henok Mulubrhan (ERI) – 1:59:37

2. Mauro Cuylits (BEL) – 1:59:37

3. Pau Marti Soriano (ESP) – 1:59:38 (+0:01)

4. Even Yemane (ERI) – 1:59:40 (+0:03)

5. Yafiet Mulugeta (ERI) – 1:59:40 (+0:03)

6. Hodei Muñoz Gabiña (ESP) – 1:59:40 (+0:03)

7. Eric Muhoza (RWA) – 1:59:40 (+0:03)

8. Matteo Vanhuffel (BEL) – 1:59:40 (+0:03)

9. Erazem Valjavec (SLO) – 1:59:40 (+0:03)

With Kretschy’s overall victory and Mulubrhan’s stage triumph, the 2026 Tour du Rwanda concluded as a showcase of international competition, tactical racing, and local fan enthusiasm across Kigali’s streets and Rwanda’s challenging terrain.

10. Oliver Mattheis (GER) – 1:59:40 (+0:03)

The stage, which consisted of nine nine-kilometre loops around Rubavu, saw riders constantly jostling for position in what became a tense, high-speed race. In the final sprint, Zemke surged ahead to cross the finish line first in a time of 1:44:27, narrowly outpacing Israel’s Itamar Einhorn (NSN Development Team) and Eritrea’s Mulueberhan Henok, who finished just seconds behind.

Other riders who featured prominently in the Stage 5 sprint included Even Yemane (Bike Aid), Muñoz Gabiña Hodei (Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team), Pareta Sala Roger (Movistar Team Academy), Erazem Valjavec (Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team), Da Silva Avancini Henrique (Localiza Meoo / Swift Pro Cycling), Johannes Adamietz (Rembe | RAD-NET), and Mulgeta Yafiet (Eritrea), all finishing within a handful of seconds.

Stage 5 was a showcase of strategic riding and teamwork. German rider Moritz Kretschy (NSN Development Team) retained the coveted yellow jersey, continuing to lead the general classification after 663 kilometres of racing across the first five stages. Meanwhile, Jurgen Zomermaand (Development Team Picnic PostNL) held the distinction of the longest time spent in the lead during the race so far.

Several special awards were also presented after the stage. Eritrea was recognized as the Best Team by Inyange Industries, while Samuel Niyonkuru (Team Amani) received the Best Rwandan Rider honor from BPR Bank. Amaniel Desta (Team Amani) claimed both the Best African Rider and Best Young African Rider awards, while Miguel Heidemann (Rembe | RAD-NET) was acknowledged as the Best Climber. Desta Teweldemedhn Amaniel (Team Amani) was named Best Young Rider of the stage by Prime Insurance, and Mauro Cuylits (Lotto-Groupe Wanty) won the sprint award.

The victory for Zemke adds to a growing momentum for Rembe | RAD-NET in this year’s Tour du Rwanda, setting up an exciting Stage 6 on Friday. The next stage will cover 84.1 kilometres from Rubavu to Musanze, beginning at 1:00 PM local time.

Fans are eagerly anticipating whether Germany’s top riders will maintain their dominance or if local and African competitors will mount a challenge in the hilly northern terrain.

Stage 5 top 10 results

1. Jermaine Zemke (Rembe | RAD-NET) – 1:44:27
2. Itamar Einhorn (NSN Development Team) – +6s
3. Mulueberhan Henok (Eritrea) – +9s
4. Even Yemane (Bike Aid) – same time
5. Muñoz Gabiña Hodei (Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team) – same time
6. Pareta Sala Roger (Movistar Team Academy) – same time
7. Erazem Valjavec (Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team) – same time
8. Da Silva Avancini Henrique (Localiza Meoo / Swift Pro Cycling) – +2s
9. Johannes Adamietz (Rembe | RAD-NET) – same time
10. Mulgeta Yafiet (Eritrea) – same time

Riding for Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team, the 20-year-old showed composure and power in the closing meters to edge out Kretschy of NSN Development Team, capping off one of the most exciting stages of this year’s race.

Rambo climb proves decisive

The pivotal moment came on the Rambo climb at kilometre 111, a three-kilometre ascent positioned within the final 15 kilometres of the stage. De Clercq surged to take maximum mountain points ahead of Kretschy and Mauro Cuylits, tightening the battle at the front.

With 20 kilometres remaining, De Clercq, Kretschy and Cuylits held a slender 20-second advantage over their nearest rivals, while the peloton trailed by five minutes and 30 seconds. Attacks soon began within the leading trio as each rider sensed an opportunity to break clear.

By the final 10 kilometres, De Clercq and Kretschy had distanced Cuylits by 50 seconds, with the chasing group sitting 1 minute and 40 seconds behind. The two leaders worked together before launching into a head-to-head sprint that saw the Belgian narrowly prevail on the line.

Kretschy takes the yellow jersey

Despite finishing second on the stage, Kretschy moved into the overall race lead and donned the coveted yellow jersey. Thanks to the time bonuses and the gap to the previous leader, Zomermaand, Kretschy successfully reclaimed the yellow for the NSN Development Team.

The 23-year-old German becomes the fourth rider to wear yellow in four days, highlighting not only his strong performance today but also the strategic depth of his team.

Stage 4 top 10 results

1. Matthijs De Clercq (Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team) – 3:05:55
2. Moritz Kretschy (NSN Development Team) – 3:05:55
3. Luke Finlay Tarling (NSN Development Team) – +2:15
4. Zachary Marriage (NSN Development Team) – +2:15
5. Hodei Muñoz Gabiña (Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team) – +2:15
6. Jacob Bush (Development Team Picnic PostNL) – +2:15
7. Johannes Adamietz (Rembe | Rad-Net) – +2:15
8. Duarte Marivoet Scholiers (Lotto – Groupe Wanty) – +2:15
9. Merhawi Kudus (Eritrea) – +2:15
10. Sebastian Castro Castro (Movistar Team Academy) – +2:

Stage 5 awaits

The Tour du Rwanda continues on Thursday, February 26, with Stage 5 set for an 82-kilometre circuit in Rubavu. Riders will tackle a nine-kilometre loop nine times, starting at 3:00 PM, promising another tactical showdown as Kretschy defends the yellow jersey and De Clercq looks to build on his breakthrough victory.

After four stages, the race for overall glory remains wide open, and Rubavu has already delivered a thriller.

Jules Karangwa, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Rwanda Premier League, explained that the closure is the reason for several changes in scheduled matches.

“The stadium is being prepared for FIFA Series matches,” Karangwa told RBA. “After the recent match between Kiyovu Sports and APR FC, it was closed for maintenance. It is expected to reopen after March 2026.”

He added, “We have looked into alternatives, but in order to meet FIFA’s standards for the tournament, the stadium must remain closed. We will continue to organize matches at other venues in the meantime.”

Amahoro Stadium was originally set to host the match between Rayon Sports and Al Hilal SC. The fixture has now been moved to Kigali Pelé Stadium and will take place on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

During the FIFA Series 2026, starting on March 26, Amahoro Stadium will host Group A matches, featuring Estonia, Grenada, Kenya, and Rwanda. Group B matches, including Aruba, Liechtenstein, Tanzania, and Macau, will be played at Kigali Pelé Stadium.

The 20-year-old, who also won a yellow jersey, made his decisive move with just three kilometers remaining, breaking clear from the peloton and holding off the chasing riders to cross the line solo. At the 1 km mark, he had a lead of 45 seconds, which had slightly narrowed to 35 seconds, while Pau Marti, in the yellow jersey, struggled to maintain pace in the chasing group.

Earlier in the stage, the front group of 12 riders had established a 50-second gap over the peloton, featuring riders such as Ribeiro, Mulugeta, Mulubrhan, Aman, Vanhuffel, and Marti. Zomermaand also claimed the final climbing points at Bushenge Hill (km 127), edging past Mulubrhan and Vanhuffel. Solo breakaway attempts by Eritrea’s Nahom Araya earlier in the stage added drama, but the chasing group gradually reeled him back, including Duarte Marivoet of Lotto – Groupe Wanty.

Rwanda’s top rider

Rwanda’s own Samuel Niyonkuru of Team Amani finished 10th, emerging as the highest-placed Rwandan on Stage 3. Tackling the hilly 145 km course with determination, Niyonkuru stayed with the leading group for most of the stage, fending off the chasing pack to secure a top-ten finish.

Stage 3 Results (Elite – Top 10)

1. Jurgen Zomermaand (Development Team Picnic PostNL) – 3:44:53
2. Lucas Van Gils (Lotto – Groupe Wanty) – +20.36s
3. Matteo Vanhuffel (Development Team Picnic PostNL) – +20.50s
4. Henrique Ribeiro (Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team) – +22.70s
5. Jose Said Cisneros Diaz De Leon (Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team) – +28.22s
6. Yafiet Mulugeta (Eritrea) – +28.43s
7. Henrique Da Silva Avancini (Localiza Meoo / Swift Pro Cycling) – +28.93s
8. Oliver Mattheis (Bike Aid) – +29.09s
9. Awet Aman (Istanbul Team) – +29.27s
10. Samuel Niyonkuru (Team Amani) – +43.81s

The race continues on Wednesday, February 25, with Stage 4 starting in Karongi at 12:00 and concluding in Rubavu over a 127.2 km route.