Two-time Asian champions Qatar on Monday will be looking for a winning start at the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup when they take on Palestine at Al Bayt Stadium.
Coached by Julen Lopetegui, Qatar qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in October. With their match on Monday, Qatar will be officially launching their preparations for next year's FIFA World Cup that starts in seven months' time.
Having won the Asian Cup on home soil last year and finished third at the previous edition of the Arab Cup, which they also hosted, Lopetegui’s side will be aiming to ride home support to secure another major title.
Qatar coach Lopetegui said in a press conference on Sunday: "We are delighted to be participating in the Arab Cup. I watched Palestine's previous matches; they have outstanding players and our match against them will not be easy."
The Qatar coach added: "Our focus is solely on the first match, and we aim to progress through the tournament step by step. We have turned the page on the past and are striving to write a new chapter in the history of Al-Annabi (the Qatari national team).
"We have many new players in this tournament, and our goal is not limited to participation or trying out some players. Rather, we aim to win, develop, and prepare for the upcoming stages."
Qatar player Al-Hashemi Al-Hussein said on Sunday: "Preparations for the tournament have gone well despite the limited time available, but playing on our home ground and in front of our fans gives us a huge incentive."
He added: "Representing the national team is a source of pride, an honour, and a dream for every player. This gives us a great incentive, and we strive to capitalize on the coach's confidence in us as young players."
"The fans of Al-Annabi are the number one player for us, and they have proven this in all previous tournaments. Our goal is to make them happy, and we hope for their presence and strong support in the stands," Al-Hussein said on Sunday.
For Qatar coach Lopetegui, a young Qatar squad will miss several seasoned players like Almoez Ali, Hasan Al Haydos, Boualem Khoukhi, Karim Boudiaf and Pedro Miguel who have been dropped.
Feared midfielder Akram Afif will lead the home charge when Qatar arrive at the Al Bayt Stadium on Monday. Afif will be paired with the reliable forward Mohammed Muntari, the first goal-scorer at the FIFA World Cup for Qatar in 2022.
Afif is not only a star of the Qatari league; he is one of the most influential players in the Arab world. A mercurial attacking threat, the versatile forward is a two-time winner of the AFC Player of the Year award and also claimed MVP honours as Qatar tasted continental success last year. Palestine, coached by Ehab Abu Jazar, just last week qualified for the 16-team Arab Cup with a sensational play-off win against Libya.
After their hard-fought win following a penalty shoot-out at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, an emotional Gazar said: "We are different from other teams. They play to compete, but we play for two goals: to send messages through football and to develop Palestinian football. Our team has become a big name in Asia and was close to reaching the World Cup playoff. We play for more than trophies – we play to send a message and bring joy to our people."
Playing the first match in Group A will clearly be another huge occasion for Palestine on Monday.
Palestine's Oday Dabbagh, at the age of just 26, is already his nation’s all-time record scorer and appears on course to set a mark that will take some time to beat. Powerful, quick, strong in the air and on the ground, the Zamalek marksman boasts European experience in the Portuguese, Belgian and Scottish leagues and is sure to be central to his nation’s hopes of progression in Qatar.
FAN SUPPORT FOR AL ANNABI
As the Arab Cup approaches, Khalid Mubarak Al-Kuwari, the Director of Marketing and Communications for the Qatar Football Association (QFA), has issued a definitive rallying cry. His message to the nation is clear: when it comes to backing Al-Annabi, everyone has a jersey in the game.
Al-Kuwari predicts that the Qatari faithful are poised to be the decisive factor, promising that they will provide the "strongest voice in the stands." He views the upcoming campaign not just as a series of matches, but as a collective mission where every fan is a partner in the team's pursuit of glory.
"Our promotional campaign is diverse, and we strive to involve everyone to be a part of it," Al Kuwari said.
Behind the scenes, the QFA is executing a high-level strategy to unify support. Al-Kuwari revealed that coordination meetings have been held with local clubs to combine forces, utilizing their platforms to amplify support for the national team.
Simultaneously, the digital game is being stepped up. The team is constantly evolving its social media content to match the intensity of the tournament, recognizing the vital role that dedicated fan accounts play in building the narrative.
With the tournament atmosphere building, Al-Kuwari urged fans not to wait until the final whistle to make their move. The directive is to secure tickets now for all national team matches rather than waiting for the last minute, ensuring the stands are packed and the energy is electric from kickoff to the final whistle.
Qatar squad:
Mahmoud Abunada, Meshaal Barsham, Shehab Al Laithi (goalkeepers), Abdulaziz Hatem, Ahmed Alaaeldin, Ahmed Fathy, Akram Afif, Al Hashemi Al Hussein, Ayoub Mohammed, Assim Madibo, Edmilson Junior, Issa Lay, Homam Al Amin, Jassim Jaber, Khalid Ali, Lucas Mendes, Mohammed Khalid, Mohammed Mannai, Mohammed Muntari, Mohammed Waad, Sultan Al Brake, Tarek Salman, Yousuf Ayman