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The FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, in its eleventh edition to be hosted in Doha from Dec. 1 to 18, represents an ideal preparatory opportunity for Arab national teams, especially since seven of them will compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals scheduled to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.Seven Arab teams have secured qualification for the World Cup. They are Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria. Iraq meanwhile will play the intercontinental playoff, with high hopes of raising the historic number of Arab teams participating in the World Cup to eight.The Arab Cup, which brings together Arab teams from Asia and Africa, is a true test for these teams in their pursuit of optimal readiness, particularly as the tournament may witness direct matchups between nations already qualified for the World Cup finals.The importance of the Arab Cup for the qualified teams lies in its being a key preparatory station before the major global event, especially given the limited official international breaks listed on the FIFA calendar prior to the World Cup.The last international window this year was from Oct. 10 to 18, while next year 2026 will include only two international breaks. The first will be from Mar. 21 to 31, and the second from Jun. 1 to 9, with only two matches allowed in each window.Additionally, players will be released from their clubs on May 30 to prepare for the World Cup finals scheduled from Jun. 11 to Jul. 19, which makes the Arab Cup an important opportunity to prepare, given the tournament's competitive strength and large fan attendance, helping the national teams maintain an ideal competitive atmosphere as a real test for players and coaches ahead of the world's most prestigious competition.FIFA's decision to classify matches of the Arab Cup in the next three editions (2025, 2029, and 2033) as international friendlies that count toward the monthly FIFA World Ranking gives the tournament additional value, as it allows teams to gain ranking points that influence their global positioning, commonly used when determining seeding levels before draws for international, continental, and regional tournaments.Despite the long-term importance of this recognition, matches in the current edition will not affect team rankings ahead of the World Cup draw scheduled for Dec. 5, since the latest ranking (based on which the 48 teams were distributed across four seeding levels) was issued on Nov. 19 before the start of the tournament. However, points earned will be added to the teams' totals for the next ranking to be published on Dec. 19.According to the group allocations, the tournament features promising matchups between Arab teams qualified for the World Cup: Group A includes a clash between host Qatar and Tunisia, Group B features Morocco vs. Saudi Arabia, Group C includes a highly anticipated match between Egypt and Jordan, and Group D will see Algeria face Iraq.The extent to which Arab teams benefit from the tournament will vary depending on the squads called up by coaching staff and the availability of players, especially since FIFA does not require clubs to release their players for the Arab Cup. Therefore, any decision to pause domestic leagues during the tournament remains at the discretion of national federations and is not mandated by FIFA.African teams such as Algeria, Morocco, Egypt, and Tunisia will not be able to fully benefit from their European-based professional players during the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, even though those professionals make up the core of their main squads.The reason is that clubs retain the option to release their players and may approve or refuse their participation.In contrast, other teams, particularly those from the GCC and West Asia, will benefit more, as most of their players are concentrated in local and regional leagues, which will pause during the Arab Cup period, such as the Qatari and Saudi leagues. This will allow coaching staff to monitor and prepare players more easily.The Arab Cup also gains additional importance for African teams, given that the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco will begin on December 21. Thus, the Arab Cup becomes an opportunity to broaden coaching options in selecting ready players for the senior national teams participating in AFCON.African national teams often participate in the Arab Cup with squads composed of local players or those competing in Arab leagues, particularly in the Gulf, with the possibility of integrating some of them later into the senior teams.For the host nation Qatar, the Arab Cup represents an important stage for the coaching staff led by Spaniard Julen Lopetegui to test tactical plans and boost team readiness ahead of the World Cup, especially since the Qatari league will pause during the tournament. This opens the door for the coach, who assumed leadership of the national team recently, specifically since the last two matches of the third round of World Cup qualifiers, to introduce different tactical ideas in an effort to elevate the overall performance of the team.The Arab Cup will be an ideal opportunity for Lopetegui to test the abilities of certain players, particularly the young ones called up for the tournament, before settling on the final squad for the World CupGCC teams, including Qatar, enjoy the advantage of having all their players in the domestic league, which gives coaching staff the ability to closely monitor them and test additional options through available tournaments, including the Arab Cup-a key competitive platform offering unique challenges through contact with different styles of play.

The eleventh edition of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, which will be hosted in Doha from Dec. 1 to 18, is witnessing impactful changes in the regulations and instructions that will enhance the tournament’s status at the regional and international levels.This is the second consecutive edition held under the umbrella of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), after the 2021 Doha edition, which marked a historic transformation when FIFA recognized the tournament for the first time since its launch in 1963, giving it an international dimension and major attention.The success of the previous tournament contributed to FIFA continuing to provide international backing for three upcoming editions in 2025, 2029, and 2033, on the condition that they are held in Doha, to ensure the same remarkable success seen in the tenth edition.The eleventh edition will witness many changes aligned with FIFA’s efforts to develop the tournament at the level of regulations, systems, and match value, in order to grant it more momentum.The first fundamental change in the new edition is what FIFA issued in April 2024 at the same time as the decision to grant the State of Qatar the right to host the next three editions of the tournament under FIFA’s umbrella, when the competitions of the Arab Cup were approved as international friendly matches despite being played outside the designated windows listed on the official calendar, and that the points of these matches would be calculated within the global ranking system for national teams issued monthly by FIFA, a historic transformation that grants the tournament an official dimension it did not previously have.According to the decision, the participating teams in the Arab Cup matches will receive the same ranking points granted to teams in international friendly matches, which enhances the importance of the tournament and doubles its value for the participating teams, especially those seeking to improve their positions in the world ranking.The second change in the new edition concerns amending the instructions related to breaking ties between teams to determine the qualifiers from the group stage to the quarterfinals, an amendment that FIFA has never applied in any of the tournaments it supervises.According to the tournament system, the 16 teams participating in the finals have been divided into four groups, each group containing four teams, such that the first and second place finishers from each group qualify for the quarterfinals, completing the eight qualified teams.According to the regulations of the previous tenth edition in 2021, paragraphs (A, B, C) of Article 13 stated that if two or more teams were tied on points at the end of the group stage, the tie would be resolved regarding qualification by overall goal difference in group matches, then by the highest number of goals scored in all group matches, then by goal difference in direct encounters between the tied teams, then by the highest number of goals scored in direct encounters between the tied teams, then by fair play according to the difference of yellow and red cards, and if the tie persisted, a draw would be conducted to determine the qualifier.In the official 2025 edition, paragraphs (A, B, C) of Article 13 have witnessed a fundamental amendment, as the first criterion has become the goal difference in the results of direct encounters between the concerned teams instead of relying on the overall goal difference in all group matches as was applied in the previous edition, then afterward resorting to the highest number of goals scored in the direct encounters between the concerned teams, and if the tie persists, resorting to the overall goal difference in the group, then the highest total number of goals in group matches, and finally relying on fair play (yellow and red cards).FIFA also amended in the instructions of the 2025 Arab Cup the last criterion in differentiating between teams in the event of a tie after fair play, as the principle of conducting a draw as a final option was canceled, and instead the positions in the latest monthly ranking issued before the tournament were adopted, so that the higher-ranked team qualifies, in a step that confirms the adoption of Arab Cup match points within the international ranking of teams.The tournament also saw development in terms of financial prizes. Despite the prize pool reaching a record number in the 2021 edition when it amounted to 25 million dollars, it is expected that the new edition will record an increase in prize value to reach 36.5 million dollars, equivalent to about 132.9 million Qatari riyals, in a step reflecting the growing interest in the tournament and encouraging the participating teams.These financial, organizational, and technical developments confirm the continued growth of the competitive and technical value of the Arab Cup, which has taken a different form and content since its recognition by FIFA in the tenth edition, and opens the door to continuing its development and raising its status in the upcoming editions in 2029 and 2033.

With robust infrastructure, comprehensive planning, and growing international backing, Qatar is set to deliver an exceptional and memorable FIFA Arab Cup 2025, further cementing its position as a leading hub for major global sporting events.Preparations are entering the final stretch with authorities confident of delivering another world-class sporting event when the tournament kicks off from December 1 to 18.As part of its nationwide readiness plan, Qatar Rail has confirmed that the Doha Metro and Lusail Tram networks are fully equipped to transport the thousands of fans expected to attend both the Arab Cup and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2025 Finals. Service hours will be extended on match days to accommodate late kickoffs, ensuring that spectators can rely on smooth and efficient journeys long after matches conclude. Complementary metrolink, metroexpress, and selected Park and Ride facilities will operate throughout the tournament to support increased passenger flows.To meet the anticipated demand, Qatar Rail will deploy 6-car trains on the Red Line and operate up to 110 trains during peak periods, reinforcing Qatar’s commitment to seamless mobility and enhanced fan experience. Adjustments to parking availability at certain stations, including Education City and Lusail QNB, have also been made to streamline match-day operations.Qatar Tourism, in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and the Permanent Committee for Managing Visitor Entry, has announced updates to the "Hayya" GCC Residents Visa (A2). The new features are designed to make travel to Qatar smoother and more convenient during a season rich in international sporting, cultural, and entertainment events.Beyond operational readiness, the 2025 edition gains special significance as a key preparation platform for seven Arab national teams already qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Teams from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria, and Jordan are set to benefit from competitive, World Cup-level matchups. Iraq, meanwhile, heads into an intercontinental playoff aiming to expand Arab representation to a historic eight teams.The tournament also enters a new era with enhanced regulations introduced by FIFA. For the first time, Arab Cup fixtures will be recognised as official international friendlies, contributing points to the FIFA world rankings—an upgrade that elevates the tournament’s competitive and global profile. Qatar’s successful organisation of the 2021 edition has prompted FIFA to award the country hosting rights for the next three editions in 2025, 2029, and 2033. 

His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, attended the final match of the FIFA U-17 World Cup held at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha. Portugal beat Austria 1-0 to be crowned champions for the first time.Following the final, FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented Portuguese team with the gold medals and the championship trophy. Italy claimed third place after defeating Brazil 4–2 in a penalty shootout, following a goalless draw in the third-place playoff.Jassim bin Rashid al-Buenain, Secretary-General of the Qatar Olympic Committee and President of the Qatar Football Association also took part in the awarding ceremony.

Portugal clinched their first-ever FIFA U-17 World Cup title after overcoming Austria in a gripping final in Doha. Anisio Cabral’s first-half goal sealed the triumph at Khalifa International Stadium, completing a remarkable 2025 double for the newly-crowned world and reigning European U-17 champions. Austria, appearing in their first World Cup final at any level, fought relentlessly in search of an equaliser and nearly found it, with Daniel Frauscher rattling the inside of the post in the closing stages.Portugal made a fast start and almost bagged an early opener when Duarte Cunha dragged a shot wide. Austria’s rapid counter-attacking has been a feature of their U-17 World Cup campaign, though, and from one such break Hasan Deshishku burst clear and forced a fine save from Romario Cunha.**media[387120]**The Portuguese would strike the first blow, with Cabral applying the finishing touch from close range after a slick team move. It was his seventh goal of the tournament – only adidas Golden Boot winner Johannes Moser scored more, with the Austria star netting eight times. The Austrians have displayed impressive powers of resilience all tournament long and refused to buckle after falling behind. Early in the second half, Deshishku was denied again by Cunha, with the goalkeeper making a sprawling save from the striker’s curling free-kick. Cunha was in fabulous form, and he athletically tipped a Ifeanyi Ndukwe header over the bar to preserve Portugal's lead. The goalkeeper was grasping at thin air when substitute Frauscher took aim on 85 minutes, but the Austrian's effort came crashing off the post. The collective relief among the Portugal players was palpable and, despite some more late pressure from their spirited opponents, they held out to secure the nation's maiden global title at U-17 level. Longoni saves bag Italy bronze Earlier, at the Aspir Zone’s Pitch No. 7, Alessandro Longoni was the shootout hero, as his pair of penalty stops ensured Italy secured bronze in the U-17 World Cup. The complexion of the game changed less than a quarter of an hour in. Vitor Fernandes was booked after just six minutes for a late clash with Antonio Arena, and he received his marching orders eight minutes later for another late and needless challenge against Leonardo Bovio. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Brazil almost took the lead when Ruan Pablo dragged a shot wide. Italy started to test their South American counterparts thereafter, with Valerio Maccaroni dancing inside and putting an effort just past the post, with Federico Steffanoni doing the same soon after. Brazil hung on in the second half and looked to have taken the lead just after the hour. Dell headed a near-post corner goalwards which Longoni did brilliantly to initially save, before Felipe Morais headed in from an offside position. Penalties would decide it. While Joao Pedro saved another spot-kick to deny Andrea Luongo, Longoni made back-to-back saves to foil Luis Pacheco and Luis Eduardo, allowing Alessio Baralla to rattle home the winning kick. Massimiliano Favo, Italy coach, was proud of his team. “We played the best football of the tournament, and I’m proud of the boys. From the point of view of controlling the game, we did something incredible. It would have been sad to leave without a medal – we’re happy. The first 48-team World Cup, being the third-best in the world and having deserved even more is very important and meaningful," Favo said. "It was nice because I was able to contribute to the team’s victory, I was able to help the team. This is what makes me most proud, besides the result we achieved. We faced a great team in the semi-final, unfortunately we took a heavy blow, but we stayed together as a group, we didn’t split up, we remained united. We struggled in this match too – it happens, it’s normal – we were up against a great team. By holding on, we managed to bring home an excellent result because we made history".Alessandro Longoni, Italy goalkeeper Award winners Golden Ball: Mateus Mide (POR)Silver Ball: Johannes Moser (AUT)Bronze Ball: Mauro Furtado (POR) Golden Boot: Johannes Moser (AUT)Silver Boot: Anisio Cabral (POR)Bronze Boot: Dell (BRA) Golden Glove: Romario Cunha (POR) FIFA Fair Play Trophy: Czech Republic

The Qatari national team is aiming to secure its first-ever Arab Cup title as it hosts the 11th edition of the tournament, scheduled from Dec. 1-18, marking Al Annabi's fourth appearance since the competition's launch in 1963.In its three previous appearances, Qatar reached the semi-finals each time. Its most notable achievement came in its second appearance, when it finished runner-up in the seventh edition held on home soil in 1998, delivering outstanding performances throughout the tournament.The Qatari national team made its Arab Cup debut in the fourth edition hosted in Taif, Saudi Arabia, from July 3-12, 1985. With the draw placing them in Group A alongside host nation Saudi Arabia and Jordan, the Qatari national team began its campaign with a 1-0 loss to Saudi Arabia, before defeating Jordan 2-0 with goals from Ibrahim Khalfan in the 32nd minute and Mansour Muftah in the 66th. The win secured Qatar a place in the semifinals as group runners-up behind Saudi Arabia.In the semi-finals, Qatar faced Bahrain and lost 1-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, with Mansour Muftah scoring Qatar's goal in the 40th minute. Qatar then played Saudi Arabia in the third-place playoff, losing 3-1 on penalties after a goalless draw in regular time, finishing the tournament in fourth place.Qatar did not take part in the fifth and sixth editions in 1988 (Jordan) and 1992 (Syria), before returning in the seventh edition hosted in Doha from September 22 to October 1, 1998.The 1998 tournament featured the largest number of participating teams at the time, with 12 national sides competing across matches played at Khalifa International Stadium and Jassim bin Hamad Stadium.The teams were divided into three groups. Qatar was placed at the top of Group A alongside Jordan and Libya. The hosts opened with a 2-1 win over Libya, courtesy of Adel Khamis and Mubarak Mustafa, before beating Jordan 2-0 through goals by Mustafa and Khamis once again, advancing to the semifinals with a perfect record.Al Annabi then faced the UAE, winners of Group C, and claimed a 2-1 victory with goals from Yasser Nazmi and Mubarak Al Kuwari to reach the final.Despite Qatar's strong performances, the team lost the final 3-1 to Saudi Arabia. Obeid Al Dosari scored all three goals for Saudi Arabia, while Mubarak Mustafa scored Qatar's lone goal and later received the tournament's Best Player award, shared with Kuwait's Bader Hajji.The Qatari national team had achieved remarkable results at that time, reaching the final stages of the 1998 FIFA World Cup qualifications and having previously won its first Gulf Cup title in 1992. They also reached the quarterfinals of the Barcelona Olympics that same year. The squad included standout names such as Mubarak Mustafa, Adel Khamis, Yousef Adam, Abdulaziz Hassan, goalkeeper Ahmed Khalil, Abdulaziz Al Obaidly, Yasser Nazmi, Fahad Al Kuwari and others.Former national team star Adel Khamis, who played in the 1998 tournament, told Qatar News Agency (QNA) that Qatar delivered strong performances throughout that edition, topping its group before advancing to the final with a squad that blended experienced players with emerging talents.He emphasized that the Qatari team entered the competition with a strong desire to win the title, given their status as hosts, backed by significant fan support that helped drive the team through the group stage and into the final.Khamis pointed out that the seventh edition of the Arab Cup witnessed a significant technical surge with the participation of all teams fielding their top players, which was reflected in the overall level of play. The competition was particularly fierce among the Gulf teams, whose strong presence was notable, with Qatar and Saudi Arabia reaching the final.The seventh Arab Cup, he added, introduced many promising players and served as a launching pad for some, especially given the large crowds that played a major role in creating a competitive atmosphere. For his part, former Qatari national team player and current coach Yousef Adam stated that the 1998 Arab Cup, remains one of the most important participations for Qatari football, as Qatar hosted the tournament for the first time in its history, with the participation of elite Arab teams.He explained that Qatar was not initially considered a title contender, following a period of rebuilding with the introduction of new players. However, the team delivered strong results, topping Group A with wins over Jordan and Libya, then defeating the UAE in the semifinals to reach the final.Adam noted that Qatar lost 3-1 in the final to the Saudi national team that included several players who had competed in the 1998 World Cup in France. He explained that it was a tough match, decided by a few small details, and that Qatar came very close to securing its first Arab Cup title, making the experience an important milestone in the team's history.Qatar's third Arab Cup appearance came during the exceptional tenth edition of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021, which marked a major step forward for the competition after it received official recognition from FIFA.The tournament served as a key operational test for the stadiums that later hosted the historic FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. The Arab Cup achieved resounding success, contributing to FIFA's decision to continue hosting the next three editions under its auspices.The tournament featured a record-breaking 23 teams, with nine qualifying directly and 14 progressing through the preliminary rounds, bringing the total to 16 teams in the finals.The Qatari national team topped Group A, which included Iraq, Oman, and Bahrain. They began their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Bahrain, courtesy of a goal from Abdulaziz Hatem. They then defeated Oman 2-1, with goals from Akram Afif and an own goal by Omani defender Fahmi Said. Qatar followed this with a 3-0 win against Iraq, with Akram Afif scoring twice and Hassan Al Haydos adding another.In the quarterfinals, Qatar beat the UAE 5-0, with goals from Abdulaziz Hatem, Almoez Ali (two goals), Boualem Khoukhi, and an own goal by UAE defender Ali Salmeen.Qatar narrowly missed out on the final after a 2-1 extra-time loss to Algeria, who went on to win the title by defeating Tunisia 2-0 in the final.Al Annabi secured third place by beating Egypt 5-4 on penalties following a goalless draw in regular and extra time.Former Qatar star Abdulaziz Hassan told QNA that Qatar delivered strong performances in the 2021 Arab Cup, entering the tournament as a top contender after winning the 2019 AFC Asian Cup and benefiting from major home support as host nation. He added that the tournament served as a key step in preparing the team for the 2022 World Cup.He added that the team delivered outstanding performances in the group stage, winning all three matches against Oman, Iraq, and Bahrain and topping the group with a perfect record. The team then advanced through the knockout rounds, beating the UAE and battling strongly against Algeria in the semifinal before securing third place.Across the three Arab Cup editions in which Qatar has competed (1985, 1998, and 2021), the national team played 14 matches, winning eight, drawing three, and losing three, scoring 22 goals and conceding 10. 

The upcoming 11th edition of the FIFA Arab Cup 2025, to be held in Qatar from December 1st to 18th, will mark a historic transformation for the tournament since its 10th edition in Doha in 2021.Despite the noble vision behind the tournament's inception over six decades ago, strenuous efforts have been made to ensure its continued existence as a consistent football competition capable of withstanding challenges. The previous 10th edition proved pivotal, propelling the tournament to new heights after gaining official recognition from FIFA, thus becoming a FIFA-sanctioned event for the first time.FIFA's recognition of the Arab Cup transformed it from a mere regional tournament seeking a place on the calendar into a global competition garnering widespread attention and a tangible impact on the football landscape, propelling it into the mainstream after it had moved beyond the margins of the international schedule.FIFA saw the 2021 Arab Cup as an ideal opportunity to test the operational capabilities of Qatar's stadiums and infrastructure ahead of the global event of the 2022 World Cup. The resounding success of the first two editions of the tournament contributed to this transformation, leading to the inclusion of the Arab Cup in FIFA's calendar for three more editions: 2025, 2029, and 2033. This inclusion is contingent upon all three tournaments being held in Qatar to ensure a replication of the success achieved in the inaugural edition following its recognition.The foundations upon which the resounding success of the 10th edition was built were the solid groundwork laid for maintaining the international umbrella, with ideal infrastructure, iconic stadiums, and excellent accommodation and transportation options. This provided an ideal environment for both players and fans, resulting in record-breaking attendance figures. It seemed as though the Arab Cup had launched a new global spectacle right here in Doha.For the first time in its history, the tournament was held in World Cup stadiums, after the organizing committee selected six venues that would later host matches for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The tournament also witnessed the inauguration of two World Cup stadiums: Al Bayt Stadium, which hosted the opening match between Qatar and Bahrain, and Stadium 974, the first fully demountable stadium in World Cup history.In remarks to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Former Assistant Secretary General of the Qatar Football Association and former Qatari national team manager Majed Al Khelaifi, said that the 10th edition of the Arab Cup in 2021 witnessed unprecedented success in terms of both fan attendance and technical quality. Consequently, fans are eagerly anticipating the next edition, which is expected to be even more prestigious in terms of both attendance and technical level. This is because the tournament serves as a preparatory event for some of the teams that have qualified for the 2026 World Cup finals. Furthermore, the increased prize money will significantly enhance the competition among the participating teams.The previous edition of the tournament was held in World Cup stadiums, which greatly boosted fan attendance and positively impacted the overall quality of play. The diverse fan activities also contributed to record attendance, and this number is expected to rise further given the high demand for match tickets for the upcoming edition, he added.Current sports analyst on Qatar's Al-Kass channels Al Khelaifi, said that hosting the Arab Cup before the 2022 World Cup has positively impacted the tournament, elevating it from a regional to a global event. Most importantly, the tournament's schedule has been confirmed for three more editions under FIFA's auspices, ensuring continuity and contributing to the development of Arab football. For his part, journalist Khaled Jassim, in an exclusive interview with QNA, described the Arab Cup as a gathering of Arab nations, exemplified by the strong fan support in Doha. He noted that the resounding success of the previous edition has become a lasting legacy, prompting Qatar, in cooperation with FIFA, to secure the tournament's dates for three more editions.He further said that holding the tournament in World Cup stadiums gives it significant momentum and greatly contributes to increasing the number of fans, who also gather in various fan zones such as Souq Waqif, the Old Port, Lusail, Sealine, and other well-known locations in Doha.He pointed out that the Arab Cup is an opportunity to discover Arab talents, and the upcoming edition is expected to witness fierce competition, regardless of whether the participating teams field their first or second-string squads.It also presents an opportunity for some Arab teams that have qualified for the World Cup finals to prepare optimally for the global tournament, he added.The previous tournament saw a record number of participating teams, with 16 teams appearing in the finals, in addition to those that participated in the qualifiers - a first for the tournament.The tournament was characterized by an exceptional level of play, with intense competition at all stages, from the group stage through the knockout rounds to the final match, which saw Algeria claim the title by defeating Tunisia. The host nation, Qatar, secured third place after overcoming Egypt.The tournament set attendance records, with 571,605 fans attending matches, according to official FIFA statistics, averaging 18,000 fans per match. A total of 631,742 tickets were sold, and attendance at many matches exceeded 80% of stadium capacity.The tournament also set a record for the highest single-match attendance, with 63,439 fans attending the quarter-final match between Qatar and the UAE at Al-Bayt Stadium.A total of 272 million viewers worldwide watched the matches, with hundreds of millions of fans from the region and beyond following the tournament.The highest viewership was recorded for the group stage match between Algeria and Egypt, and the quarter-final match between Morocco and Algeria. 2.5 million fans used Qatar's advanced public transportation system during the tournament. The stadiums were easily accessible via the Doha Metro, and bus services were available between the metro stations and the stadiums.Despite the tournament's significant development and its status as a FIFA-sanctioned international competition, it retained its Arab identity as a sporting and cultural event that unites Arab nations under one banner, contributes to strengthening Arab unity through sports, and presents a positive image of the Arab region and its progress on the world stage.The upcoming FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 will further solidify Qatar's leading role and Doha's position as a global sporting capital, especially as it has just hosted another major international event: the FIFA U-17 World Cup, the first of five editions awarded to Qatar by FIFA.

When Portugal take on Austria in the final of the inaugural 48-team FIFA U-17 World Cup at the Khalifa International Stadium today, it will mark the first time in 34 years that a final has featured two sides contesting their maiden final. Ghana’s 1-0 win over Spain in 1991 was the last time a pair of final debutants battled for the title. History will be made no matter who comes out on top in the all-European showdown. Portugal are hunting their first-ever U-17 global crown, while Austria are aiming to win their maiden FIFA World Cup in any category. Portugal came into the tournament as European champions and have displayed their elite quality throughout the competition. Their attacking flair has been on show in thumping wins over the likes of Morocco and Mexico, while they demonstrated their defensive grit and resilience to dig deep and see off Brazil on penalties in the semi-finals. While the Portuguese have suffered one defeat in the competition – against Japan in the group stage – Austria have triumphed in each of their seven matches so far. Hermann Stadler’s team have been exceptional, scoring 17 times and conceding just once on their way to the final. Powerhouse nations England and Italy are among the sides they have left in their wake. Speaking ahead of the final, Portugal coach Bino Macaes said: “We’re up against an Austria side that deserves a lot of credit. They’re a very difficult team to beat, having conceded only one goal in the competition. That tells you how difficult it is to score against Austria. We have to prepare well for this match.” Hermann Stadler, Austria coach, said: “It’s the first time the Austrian team is in the final. It’s fantastic. It’s a dream come true. What an incredible story! When we arrived at the World Cup, our goal was to get through the group stage, but we’ve been getting better with every match.” Portugal captain Rafael Quintas combines tenacity, technical ability and outstanding football intelligence in the middle of the park. Teammate Jose Neto hailed him as “the brains of the team”. He added: “Rafael is the one who gets us into the right mindset when things aren’t going well and keeps us fired up.” Portugal’s leading goalscorer is Anisio Cabral with six strikes at Qatar 2025. Cabral has spearheaded his team’s charge to the final. Athletic, focused and clinical, he looks up to both Cristiano Ronaldo and the Brazilian Ronaldo. Coach Bino has saluted Cabral’s desire for self-improvement. “He’s evolving,” said Bino. “He’s a boy who loves to listen and to learn, and that’s what is helping him to keep progressing and get stronger and stronger.” For Austria, Jakub Pokorny is rock at the heart of a mean, superbly-organised defence, captain Pokorny’s inspiring leadership has drove his team on at the U-17 World Cup. His stirring pre-match speeches have earned praise from team-mate Johannes Moser while Pokorny explained: “I just say what comes into my head. I normally always give a speech before the games to push the guys, and it usually works! We are together and I feel like nobody can stop us.” Moser, Austria’s talisman has lit up the U-17 World Cup, delivering a series of exhilarating performances. The leader of the adidas Golden Boot race with eight goals, his tally includes the winner in the quarter-final against Japan and two wonderful goals in their 2-0 semi-final victory over Italy. The attacking midfielder blends power, grace and ruthlessness in the final third. He will be out to finish a remarkable individual campaign on the biggest high imaginable. 

The FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar will conclude Thursday at Khalifa International Stadium, where either Portugal or Austria will create history by lifting the trophy in their maiden final. But the 20th edition has already secured its own place in history over the past 25 days at the state-of-the-art competition complex in Aspire Zone. This is the first FIFA event of any kind to feature 48 teams and marks the beginning of an annual cycle, with Qatar set to host five consecutive editions. It is also the first U-17 World Cup staged in a centralised “football festival” and “grand-slam style” setting, and it has proved a resounding success. The group stage featured 72 consecutive matches in nine days – eight matches per day – a first for any FIFA event. By contrast, the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 staged 64 matches over 29 days. Thousands of fans passed through the competition complex each day, with an innovative ticketing system including Day Pass options giving supporters access to multiple pitches. According to FIFA, daily crowd figures averaged between 7,000 and 9,000. Arsenal’s legendary former manager Arsene Wenger, now FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, lauded the quality of the pitches, Qatar’s flawless organisation and the significance of having 48 nations compete at the World Cup. After a media briefing by tournament’s FIFA’s Technical Study Group Wednesday, Wenger said: “We have now played 102 games, and when you look at the quality of the pitches, they are still in a marvellous state. Secondly, the overall structure of the organisation was perfect. You see that Qatar has the knowledge now to organise competition, and what I like as well is they always have the desire for quality in what they do, and I have a big respect for that.” Wenger expressed strong optimism about the tournament’s impact on global youth development. He highlighted the progress made by lesser-known teams, including Uganda, who reached the round of 16 in their first-ever FIFA tournament. They were among five debutants at this level along with El Salvador, Fiji, Ireland and Zambia – with Ireland and Zambia also advancing from their groups to the knockout stage. “I would say this tournament will change football in the world,” the 76-year-old Wenger said. “I’m very optimistic about that, that every country will do more effort to develop their youth to come here and to compete, and so overall the impact will be very positive and much bigger than people expected it to be, because even the smaller countries can realise they have a chance to compete if they work well and develop their youth system, and we know if you want to make results at the top level, you need to develop your youth system.” He added that media and broadcast coverage exceeded expectations, showing the tournament’s growing global appeal. “Well, you know, we know that at that level, what was the most important for us is to have the 48 countries together for the first edition and overall to have a good organisation. The media coverage has been bigger than we expected it to be. The TV coverage, of course, you cannot have the same sophistication on the smaller pitches that you have in big stadiums and we have to accept that, and I still think I watched some games when I had to move back to Europe on my iPad and it still was enjoyable to watch,” the Frenchman said. Wenger said he plans to return to Qatar for the Arab Cup quarter-finals, semi-finals and final, noting the passion the tournament evokes in the region. “I find it very interesting to watch the Arab Cup because it’s a special motivation. You feel the pride between the different Arab countries is very high and the commitment is absolutely total, so I’m very excited to watch that.”

The FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 Local Organising Committee (LOC), in collaboration with FIFA, has launched the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 Daily Fantasy Game, a game that allows fans across the region and beyond to step into the role of football managers and compete in a daily fantasy challenge throughout the tournament. The game is available in the Play Zone tab of the FIFA app and can also be accessed on play.fifa.com. Daily Fantasy invites users to build a team of seven players from the nations competing on each match day. Points are awarded based on real-life performances, giving fans the chance to test their football knowledge and tactical skills. Additional points can be collected through clean sheets, assists, key passes and successful tackles according to each player’s performance on the pitch. Building on the success of the FIFA Arab Cup 2021, which generated hundreds of millions of views across the region and benefited from high mobile connectivity, the new Daily Fantasy game is expected to become a major fan-favourite throughout the tournament. FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 Daily Fantasy is completely free of charge and offers fans an accessible, interactive way to deepen their engagement with the tournament. Fans need to login or create a FIFA account to save and submit their team selections. The app is available in all FIFA languages, including Arabic, ensuring ease of access for users worldwide. To further elevate the experience, the LOC will award daily prizes to the top-scoring users at the end of each match day, including tickets. Fans can also create private mini-leagues to compete with friends, colleagues, or community groups. The FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 will take place from 1–18 December across six venues used during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022: Al Bayt Stadium, Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Education City Stadium, Khalifa International Stadium, Stadium 974 and Lusail Stadium. A total of 16 teams will have a chance to lift the coveted FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 trophy. Nine of the highest FIFA ranked teams have qualified automatically, while 14 teams will vie for the remaining 7 spots in a series of qualifiers. The qualifying matches will be held ahead of the tournament on 25-26 November in Qatar. Throughout the competition, fans will also be treated to a variety of entertainment and cultural activities. All venues are connected seamlessly by public transport and will offer a barrier-free experience to disabled fans. The FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 is part of several tournaments that Qatar will be hosting up until the end of the year, including the ongoing FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 from 3-27 November. Qatar will also be hosting the second edition of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup on 10, 13, and 17 December. In addition to this year’s edition, Qatar will be hosting the FIFA Arab Cup again in 2029 and 2033. For all information related to the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, follow @arabcupqa and @roadtoqatar on all major social media platforms. FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 tickets, starting from QAR 25, and match schedule, are available at: www.roadtoqatar.qa.

The 11th FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, scheduled from Dec. 1 to 18, 2025, will be exceptional and is poised to break records in attendance and global fan engagement, Executive Director of Communications and Media at the Local Organizing Committee for Football Events, Fatma Al Nuaimi, told Qatar News Agency (QNA).She stated that the committee finalized all preparations for the tournament a long time ago to present the finest edition in terms of organization, fan experience, and coaching dimensions, in line with Qatar's long-established standards when hosting major sporting events and football tournaments.Al Nuaimi stressed that Qatar has become a preferred global hub for sporting events, not only on the Gulf and Arab stages but also on the global stage.Qatar has staged several world-class competitions under FIFA's umbrella, including the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the 10th 2021 FIFA Arab Cup, the FIFA Club World Cup, and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, culminating with the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup, the first of five consecutive tournaments to be held in Doha through 2029, Al Nuaimi pointed out.She emphasized that the upcoming December 11th FIFA Arab Cup will be completely different from the previous edition hosted by Qatar in 2021, which took place under strict COVID-19 preventive measures.Despite those restrictions, the 2021 tournament delivered remarkable success, she noted, and this year's tournament, staged across six FIFA World Cup 2022 stadiums, will feature full-capacity crowds, enabling unprecedented attendance and followership.Al Nuaimi elaborated on the extraordinary demand for match tickets, with nearly 500,000 sold so far, underscoring fans' strong appetite to follow a tournament held under FIFA's umbrella for the second time since its official recognition in 2021.The unprecedented media interest is evident in the 3,500-plus media accreditation requests received from outlets worldwide.Several regional and global broadcasters have secured broadcasting rights while negotiations are ongoing with others, particularly as the Qualification Stage, featuring 14 teams competing for seven spots in the Final Stage, has yet to conclude, said Al Nuaimi.She added that the committee has dedicated two broadcast centers in Souq Waqif from which fourteen daily programs will be aired by Arab channels holding media rights for the tournament.The committee gives foremost priority to the fan experience, aiming to leave an indelible impression on all visitors attending major events in Qatar, including this tournament, both inside and outside stadiums, with partners across the country organizing a broad range of activities in major tourist and cultural hubs, including Katara Cultural Village, Doha Port, Msheireb, Lusail, Souq Waqif, and The Pearl, in collaboration with Visit Qatar to ensure fans enjoy a bountiful blend of cultural and entertainment experiences, Al Nuaimi explained. She added that the committee staged several fan-oriented activations, including the fan parade at Doha Port, showcasing supporters from all 23 participating nations across both the Qualification and Final Stages, including official fan leaders.The parade was designed to reflect the essence of the championship as a platform showcasing Arab unity, shared passion for football, and the power of sport in bringing people together under one banner, she underlined.Additionally, she stated that fan zones will be set up around all six stadiums hosting the Final Stage, offering recreational activities with gates opening early on match days to provide a unique pre-match experience, ensuring memorable moments for supporters.Al Nuaimi further explained that the committee organized a FIFA Arab Cup Trophy Tour across multiple Arab countries, similar to the FIFA World Cup 2022 tours, giving fans the chance to see and photograph the official trophy.The tour generated widespread excitement and directly contributed to increased ticket sales in each country visited, she noted, affirming that engagement continues to rise as the tournament approaches, especially after the launch of the official mascot "Juha" and the official tournament song, both of which significantly boosted fan enthusiasm.This growing momentum reflects the tournament's rising importance, especially now that it carries FIFA ranking value in the monthly FIFA World Ranking, Al Nuaimi said.She praised the committee's approach to engaging with leaders of fan groups from various expatriate communities in Qatar and noted that it has operated a dedicated Fan Engagement Department since 2021, maintaining a comprehensive database of fan groups and communication channels, moving beyond reliance on conventional media and social media platforms.Direct engagement with supporter groups enabled the committee to gather their feedback on accommodation, ticketing, transportation, and other matters.The LOC holds regular consultation meetings to review fan experiences from past tournaments, starting with the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup, then the FIFA World Cup 2022, AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023, and now the FIFA Arab Cup 2025, to resolve concerns and facilitate fans' needs, thereby consolidating a robust data system that continues to evolve 

The FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 Local Organising Committee has announced the release of the tournament’s official soundtrack, as excitement builds for the prestigious Arab competition taking place from 1-18 December. Consisting of two songs, titled ‘Zamani’ and ‘Makani’, both produced by Doha-based Katara Studios, the upbeat soundtrack is an ode to the passion and camaraderie that Arab fans share as they come together, once again, to celebrate the beautiful game.‘Zamani’, which means, ‘My Time’ in Arabic, is sung by Qatari artist, Hamad Al Khazina, with lyrics penned by Mohammad Al Khajah. In a celebratory style befitting the spirit of football, the song focuses on the importance of ambition, the spirit of determination, and the joy of achievement, while declaring that the region’s time to shine has come.‘Makani’ is the second song released, which means ‘My Place’ in Arabic, with eminent Egyptian artist Mohamed Mounir lending his vocals, and lyrics by Mostafa Hadouta. The song examines the concept of home from a human perspective, celebrating the shared identity among Arabs that transcends borders to create a community that provides support, unity, and a sense of true belonging.Both songs are composed by award-winning Moroccan-Swedish record producer Nadir Khayat, also known as RedOne, who has previously worked on the official soundtrack of the historic FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, regaling fans with unforgettable hits such as Arhbo and Dreamers.Watch the full videos of ‘Zamani’ and ‘Makani’ on the @RoadtoQatar YouTube channel.The countdown begins for the Arab world’s biggest football tournament that will see a total of 16 teams competing for the coveted FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 trophy.FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 ticket are available at: www.roadtoqatar.qa, with prices starting from QAR 25. Supporters can also purchase a Follow My Team ticket, which will enable them to attend all matches of their team of choice during the group stage. Throughout the competition, fans will also be treated to a variety of entertainment and cultural activities.All tickets will be digital and will include accessible seating options for disabled fans. Disabled fans wishing to request accessible seats can do so by sending an e-mail to [email protected] opening match will take place on 1 December at Al Bayt Stadium featuring hosts Qatar and the winner of Palestine v Libya. The Final will be held on 18 December at the iconic Lusail Stadium. Other stadiums that will host matches during the tournament are Ahmad Bin Ali, Education City, Khalifa International and Stadium 974.For the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 match schedule, visit: www.roadtoqatar.qa.For all tournament updates, follow @arabcupqa on all major social media platforms.