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It was curtains for two-time Asian champions Qatar at the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 Sunday after coach Julen Lopetegui’s young side lost 3-0 against Tunisia at Al Bayt Stadium.Qatar, who desperately needed a win to stay in contention of qualifying for the quarter-finals stage but powerful Tunisia - the runners-up at the last edition of Arab Cup in 2021 - brought their A-game to stun Al Annabi at the 16-team tournament. An early goal in the 16th minute by quick-thinking Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane gave Tunisia the start they wanted in the key clash. Yassine Meriah doubled the lead in the 62nd minute. Ben Ali fired one into the Qatar net after a solo run in injury time (90 +4) to complete a dominating win by Tunisia coached by Sami Trabelsi. Lopetegui, missing his key players for the tournament, saw his team lose to Palestine following an own goal last week. That shock 1-0 defeat was followed by a 1-1 draw against Syria three days ago. Akram Afif’s direct freekick in the 89th minute Sunday sailed past the Tunisian goalpost to sum up the dismal performance of the home side. In the other match Sunday at the Education City Stadium, Palestine and Syria produced a goalless draw that allowed them to reach the quarter-finals of the hugely popular tournament. Fan favourite Palestine and Syria finished the group stage with 5 points each. Tunisia ended with 4 points while Qatar could garner only 1 from three matches.Chances were at a premium in a keenly-fought opening half between two sides on four points from their respective opening two matches. Palestine’s Hamed Hamdan flashed a shot well wide from distance before Tamer Seyam’s volley forced a good save out of Syria custodian Elias Hadaya. Syria’s big chance came right at the end of the first half after Elmar Abraham’s dribble caused confusion in the Palestine defence but Omar Khribin dragged his effort wide of the target. There was a moment of concern for Palestine in the 61st minute after the referee pointed to the spot when Wajdi Mohammed made contact with Mohammad Alsalkhadi but the decision was reversed after a VAR review. Both sought a winner but none was forthcoming as the 39,571 fans at Education City Stadium witnessed a share of the spoils.At Al Bayt Stadium, Tunisia tested the waters as early as the second minute when Ben Romdhane set up Marouane Sahraoui, who lobbed his effort over the bar before the Central African side’s relentless passing left Qatar stunned in the 16th minute. Ben Romdhane sparked the move on the left, feeding Ali Maaloul to cut the ball back to Seifeddine Jaziri, who had his effort blocked by Meshaal Barsham, only for Ben Romdhane to pounce on the rebound and place his his shot well beyond the sprawling Qatar keeper. Despite the home crowd advantage, Qatar barely troubled Tunisia, with Sultan al-Brake’s attempt from the edge of the box in the 27th minute comfortably collected by Tunisian goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen. Tunisia continued to dictate proceedings with another attacking sequence carving open the Qatari defence at the half-hour mark, with Ben Romdhane once again at the heart of the move in setting up Firas Chaouat, who pulled his shot narrowly wide. Tunisia went in search of their second with Ben Romdhane and Seifeddine Jaziri both seeing their efforts blocked from inside the box, while Dahmen stayed firm at the other end to keep out Qatar’s advances. The two-time AFC Asian Cup champions fell further behind in the 62nd minute with Meriah turning in Ferjani Sassi’s flick off a corner with a close-range header. Tunisia were reduced to 10 men following Jaziri’s dismissal for a foul on Afif three minutes later but still scored a third through Ben Ali in stoppage time to leave Qatar frustrated. 

It was curtains for two-time Asian champions Qatar at the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 on Sunday after coach Julen Lopetegui's young side lost 3-0 against Syria at Al Bayt Stadium.Qatar, who desperately needed a win to stay in contention of qualifying for the quarter-finals stage but powerful Tunisia - the runners-up at the last edition of Arab Cup in 2021 - brought their A-game to stun Al Annabi at the 16-team tournament. An early goal in the 16th minute by quick-thinking Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane gave Tunisia the start they wanted in the key clash. Yassine Meriah doubled the lead in the 62nd minute. Ben Ali fired one into the Qatar net after a solo run in injury time (90 +4) to complete a dominating win by Tunisia coached by Sami Trabelsi. Lopetegui, missing his key players for the tournament, saw his team lose to Palestine following an own goal last week. That shock 1-0 defeat was followed by a 1-1 draw against Syria three days ago. Akram Afif's direct freekick in the 89th minute on Sunday sailed past the Tunisian goalpost to sum up the dismal performance of the home side.In the day's other match on Sunday at the Education City Stadium, Palestine and Syria produced a goalless draw that allowed them to reach the quarter-finals of the hugely popular tournament. Fan favourite Palestine and Syria finished the group stage with 5 points each. Tunisia ended with 4 points while Qatar could garner only 1 from three matches. Chances were at a premium in a keenly-fought opening half between two sides on four points from their respective opening two matches. Palestine’s Hamed Hamdan flashed a shot well wide from distance before Tamer Seyam’s volley forced a good save out of Syria custodian Elias Hadaya. Syria’s big chance came right at the end of the first half after Elmar Abraham’s dribble caused confusion in the Palestine defence but Omar Khribin dragged his effort wide of the target. There was a moment of concern for Palestine in the 61st minute after the referee pointed to the spot when Wajdi Mohammed made contact with Mohammad Alsalkhadi but the decision was reversed after a VAR review. Both sought a winner but none was forthcoming as the 39,571 fans at Education City Stadium witnessed a share of the spoils. At Al Bayt Stadium, Tunisia tested the waters as early as the second minute when Ben Romdhane set up Marouane Sahraoui, who lobbed his effort over the bar before the Central African side’s relentless passing left Qatar stunned in the 16th minute. Ben Romdhane sparked the move on the left, feeding Ali Maaloul to cut the ball back to Seifeddine Jaziri, who had his effort blocked by Meshaal Barsham, only for Ben Romdhane to pounce on the rebound and place his his shot well beyond the sprawling Qatar keeper. Despite the home crowd advantage, Qatar barely troubled Tunisia, with Sultan Al Brake’s attempt from the edge of the box in the 27th minute comfortably collected by Tunisian goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen. Tunisia continued to dictate proceedings with another attacking sequence carving open the Qatari defence at the half-hour mark, with Ben Romdhane once again at the heart of the move in setting up Firas Chaouat, who pulled his shot narrowly wide. Tunisia went in search of their second with Ben Romdhane and Seifeddine Jaziri both seeing their efforts blocked from inside the box, while Dahmen stayed firm at the other end to keep out Qatar’s advances. The two-time AFC Asian Cup champions fell further behind in the 62nd minute with Meriah turning in Ferjani Sassi’s flick off a corner with a close-range header. Tunisia were reduced to 10 men following Jaziri’s dismissal for a foul on Afif three minutes later but still scored a third through Ben Ali in stoppage time to leave Qatar frustrated.

Hosts Qatar were left clinging to their FIFA Arab Cup hopes after a stunning 90th-minute equaliser from Syria’s Omar Khribin sealed a dramatic 1-1 draw at the Khalifa International Stadium last night, a result that leaves Julen Lopetegui’s side needing victory in their final Group A match against Tunisia, and possibly help elsewhere, to reach the knockout stages.The draw came on a night of high drama, with Palestine also striking late to earn a 2-2 comeback against Tunisia and move to the brink of the last eight. The back-to-back thrillers leave Group A delicately poised.With only a match left to play in the group stage, Qatar’s fate is no longer in their own hands. Palestine and Syria lead the group and both need only a draw in their final matches to qualify. Qatar must beat Tunisia in their last group game to have any chance of progressing.Even with victory, Qatar may still need: Syria to lose to Palestine, or a favourable swing in goal difference if Syria draw and Qatar win big. A draw or defeat for Qatar will eliminate the hosts. It leaves Lopetegui under mounting pressure, as Qatar attempt to avoid a second straight early exit from their home tournament.Syria again showcased their grit on the big stage, with Khribin’s spectacular long-range rocket earning them a point and silencing the capacity crowd inside Khalifa International Stadium.Qatar had produced their strongest spell of the tournament after the break. Ahmed al-Aaedin rose high to head in Edmilson Junior’s cross in the 77th minute, giving the hosts hope of igniting their campaign after an opening loss to Palestine.But Syria, who had threatened through Khribin earlier, including a chipped effort heroically cleared off the line by Mohammed Waad, refused to wilt. Deep into the 90th minute, Khribin unleashed a fierce strike into the top corner, a goal worthy of any stage, leaving Lopetegui’s men devastated.Earlier, Palestine rescued a vital late point to keep their historic knockout push on track at the Lusail Stadium. Goals from Hamed Hamdan and a composed 85th-minute finish by Zaid Qunbar, who was named player of the match, earned them a deserved 2–2 draw after Tunisia had led through Amor Layouni and Firas Chaouat.Roared on by a 45,000-strong crowd, Tunisia responded to their opening defeat against Syria with an assertive first hour. A deflected corner allowed Layouni to tap home the opener before Chaouat doubled the lead soon after the break, sweeping in after Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane powered through midfield.But Palestine rallied superbly. Hamdan’s rasping volley dragged them back into the contest, and Qunbar’s late strike, drilled through two defenders, sent their bench into wild celebrations as they edged closer to their first-ever Arab Cup knockout appearance. 

A stoppage-time own goal led hosts Qatar to a shock 1-0 defeat against Palestine in their FIFA Arab Cup 2025 opener at Al Bayt Stadium Monday.The reigning Asian Champions were left stunned in the dying seconds of the match when Qatar defender Sultan Al-Brake inadvertently deflected a cross into his own net, handing Palestine a historic three points in Group A.For the majority of the encounter, the match was a tightly contested affair. Despite controlling possession, Qatar struggled to break down a disciplined Palestinian defence. The home crowd grew increasingly frustrated as the clock ticked down, with both sides unable to find a breakthrough in regulation time.Just as a goalless draw seemed inevitable, disaster struck for the hosts. A looping cross from outside the box took a wicked deflection off Al-Brake, wrong-footing the defence and silencing the thousands of Al Annabi fans in attendance.The final whistle sparked jubilant scenes on the Palestinian bench. Head coach Ehab Abu Jazar celebrated wildly as his side secured a famous victory against one of the tournament favourites. Speaking after the match, an emotional Abu Jazar hailed the result as a monumental achievement for his team."I thank Allah. It is a historic day. It is a great day," Abu Jazar said after the match. "We snatched a precious victory against a strong Qatari national team who are the Asian champions."The coach dedicated the win to the supporters back home. "Congratulations to all the players and to our fans. We dedicate the victory to our people, the martyrs, the wounded, and the prisoners back home," he said. In another match Monday, a stunning second-half free-kick from Omar Khribin earned Syria a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Tunisia in their FIFA Arab Cup 2025 Group A clash at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium. In a match defined by physical battles and tactical discipline, it was Khribin’s moment of individual brilliance that separated the two sides.Today, Oman face Saudi Arabia at Education City Stadium, Egypt take on Kuwait at Lusail Stadium while Morocco face Comoros at Khalifa International Stadium. 

Saudi Arabia and Oman kick off their FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 campaigns with a Group B opener on Tuesday at Education City Stadium.The group also includes Morocco and Comoros, making it one of the most competitive groups in the tournament. Both Saudi Arabia and Oman will be targeting a strong start to boost their qualification chances.Saudi Arabia enter the match with high confidence after securing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Green Falcons are also two-time Arab Cup champions, having lifted the title in 1998 and 2002.Head coach Herve Renard has named a strong squad led by Asian Player of the Year Salem Al Dawsari, alongside Saleh Abu Shamat and goalkeeper Nawaf Al Aqidi. The lineup is further strengthened by defender Hassan Tambakti and midfielders Mohamed Kanno and Abdulrahman Al Ayoud.Oman, coached by Portugal's Carlos Queiroz, aim to continue their recent upward trajectory with a balanced squad blending youthful energy and seasoned experience. Key players include Ahmed Al Khamisi, Harib Al Saadi and Mahmoud Al Mashifri.Matches between Saudi Arabia and Oman are traditionally intense and closely contested due to their long-standing regional rivalry. Tuesday's encounter is expected to be one of the standout fixtures of the opening round as both teams chase an early advantage in the race for qualification.

Msheireb Downtown Doha (MDD) is fully prepared to serve as a premier destination for the upcoming FIFA Arab Cup 2025, with comprehensive activations scheduled from December 1 to 18 across multiple locations within the city.MDD will host extensive fan experiences at Barahat Msheireb, Sikkat Wadi Msheireb, and Al Kahraba Street, operating daily from 3pm to 11pm.During the tournament period, MDD will become a lively centre for football celebrations, featuring: The Premium Fan Experience at Barahat Msheireb with live match screenings; Interactive football activations along Sikkat Wadi Msheireb and Al Kahraba Street; and a diverse programme of live performances and family-friendly experiences.Dr Hafiz Ali Abdulla, senior director of Corporate Communication at Msheireb Properties, said: "With engaging activations across our central streets and public spaces, visitors can fully experience the excitement of the tournament whilst enjoying a welcoming and sustainable urban environment”.The Arab Cup celebrations mark the beginning of Msheireb's Winter Season, a citywide programme running from December 2025 to January 2026. In the lead-up to the season's launch, Msheireb Properties formalised key partnerships through official signing ceremonies with leading organisations.On November 23, Vodafone Qatar joined as the Exclusive Telecom Platinum Sponsor through two separate agreements covering both the Winter and Ramadan seasons. The following day, BYD Mannai formalised its position as the Exclusive Automotive Platinum Sponsor.Additionally, a partnership with digital food delivery platform Rafeeq was signed on November 24.These partnerships complement the existing collaboration with Visit Qatar as Strategic Partner, Qatar National Bank as Platinum Sponsor, and ME Visual as valued sponsor, whilst AlKass Sports Channel serves as Media Partner for the season.Following the tournament, the city will welcome visitors to a diverse lineup of events, including the much-anticipated return of Sweet Sikka with its Candy Zone at Sahat Al Nakheel, and the open-air Baraha Cinema.QND celebrations will unfold across MDD in mid-December, featuring cultural installations, performances, and family-friendly experiences celebrating the nation's heritage and unity. The season will further be enriched by art exhibitions at Msheireb Museums and M7, fashion pop-ups at Doha Design District, and educational workshops, ensuring a bustling and engaging atmosphere for residents and visitors throughout the winter months. 

As excitement builds across Qatar ahead of the FIFA Arab Cup 2025, The Pearl Island and Gewan Island are gearing up to welcome football fans, families and visitors from across the region.With world-class facilities, waterfront settings, and vibrant community atmosphere, both destinations are preparing to transform into dynamic hubs of celebration throughout the tournament.In celebration of the highly anticipated event, United Development Company (UDC), the master developer of both islands, is launching a rich and festive season of cultural, family, and sports activities designed to bring together entertainment, community spirit, and the cultural vibrancy of the Arab world. The lineup aims to enhance the visitor experience and create memorable moments that reflect Qatar’s role as a leading destination for major international events.During the tournament, both islands will transform into vibrant hubs of celebration, offering two dedicated fan zones equipped with large outdoor screens for live match broadcasts. The first fan zone will be located at the amphitheatre in Porto Arabia, while the second will be set up in Medina Centrale, providing spectators with an immersive and family-friendly viewing experience in safe and lively settings.The viewing areas will be complemented by a rich lineup of family activities, cultural programmes, and entertainment experiences across Gewan Island and Qanat Quartier, creating a dynamic atmosphere that celebrates the spirit of the tournament. Meanwhile, the festive ambience of the Medina Centrale Carnival will continue throughout the championship period, extending its colourful celebrations and interactive attractions to welcome fans and visitors from all around the region.The initiative reflects UDC’s ongoing commitment to supporting major national events and enriching Qatar’s tourism and cultural landscape. By transforming its destinations into dynamic, inclusive environments, UDC continues to elevate the standard of community experiences while contributing to the realisation of Qatar National Vision 2030, which aims to build a sustainable and socially connected nation.With their world-class infrastructure, scenic waterfronts, and welcoming public spaces, The Pearl and Gewan islands promise unforgettable moments that blend sports, culture, and celebration, reaffirming their position as two of Qatar’s most iconic destinations for modern island living. 

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.

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. 

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.

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 

Doha will host the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 from December 1 to 18, offering a renewed opportunity to deepen ties among Arab nations and reaffirming that the tournament's significance extends far beyond the football pitch.Bringing together 16 Arab national teams in the finals and 14 in the preliminary qualifiers, the event stands as a vibrant platform for strengthening cultural and historical connections among Arab peoples. It underscores sport's role as a unifying force that reinforces shared identity, values, and traditions, and reflects the organizing committee’s commitment to cultural and sporting cooperation that nurtures a deeper sense of belonging to a unified Arab world.Since hosting the previous edition in 2021, Qatar has positioned the Arab Cup as a meaningful space for renewing inter-Arab bonds and building bridges of friendship and cultural understanding.The tournament has gained added significance under Qatar's hosting, as the country has become a model for staging major global events. Qatar offers an environment that celebrates Arab identity, honors heritage and history, and provides world-class infrastructure capable of accommodating an event of this scale -- uniting nations bound by a shared past and a common future.Notably, Qatar succeeded in bringing the Arab Cup under the official FIFA umbrella for the first time in 2021, transforming it from a traditional regional competition into a comprehensive Arab gathering. The tournament brings together fans from across the region not only to support their national teams but also to celebrate the richness of Arab culture -- through language, dress, music, customs, and traditions. These scenes of unity, vividly reflected in Qatari stadiums, highlight the strong bonds shared by the peoples of the region despite geographical and social differences.The 2025 edition will further reinforce Arab identity through a wide range of cultural and artistic activities. Planned events include musical and artistic performances, fan zones showcasing diverse elements of Arab culture, and interactive spaces that bring communities together.The organizing committee said fans across the country will enjoy a rich program of cultural and entertainment activities throughout the tournament, supported by seamless transportation services ensuring easy access to all stadiums and venues.One of the tournament's most distinctive features is its enthusiastic fan engagement. Stadiums and fan zones become vibrant meeting points where Arabs interact, wear traditional attire, exchange chants and songs, and share their national and cultural expressions. This festive atmosphere has become as central to the event as the matches themselves.This unique cultural exchange strengthens social bonds among Arab fans and adds a profound human dimension to the tournament. The experience extends beyond football, creating shared memories that will endure in the collective Arab consciousness for years to come.The State of Qatar is always keen to utilize its capabilities to deliver impressive organizational standards. Following the 2022 World Cup and, before that, the 10th edition of the Arab Cup in 2021, Qatar is set to host the 11th edition of the FIFA Arab Cup, to be held from Dec.1-18.Qatar's commitment to strengthening cultural and historical ties among Arab peoples has been evident in the upcoming edition of the Arab Cup and was reflected in statments made by HE Minister of Sports and Youth and President of the Organizing Committee for the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al-Thani who emphasized that the tournament holds a special place in the region and carries significance that extends beyond football matches.In his remarks about the tournament, His Excellency said that the tournament, "celebrates the positive values of Arab football and once again highlights sport's ability to bring people together and build bridges of communication."His Excellency added that the Arab Cup is a platform that brings together players and fans alike, a forum for entrenching the values of unity and solidarity, and enhancing feelings of belonging and a shared identity. It also reflects the Arab youth's passion for sport.HE Minister of Sports and Youth said the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 carries a message calling for Arab unity and represents a window for introducing our authentic culture and ancient heritage. It is also a platform to highlight the unlimited potential of Arab youth in sports and various other fields.For his part, Algerian international Baghdad Bounedjah, a player for Al-Shamal SC, affirmed that the significance of the Arab Cup extends beyond competition on the pitch. He stressed the tournament's value in introducing the world's people to Arab and Islamic culture and in promoting Arab identity on the global sports stage.Bounedjah said in statements published by the tournament's organizing committee the Arab Cup is a grand celebration that reflects the unity of the Arab peoples and their passion for football, while also highlighting the region's capabilities and its ability to host world-class sporting events.For his part, Jordan national team star Yazan Al Naimat praised the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 as a gathering that celebrates Arab talent.The Al-Arabi SC player said the event contributes to the development of football in the Arab world and introduces nations to the region's passion for the sport. He also commended the remarkable success of the previous edition hosted by Qatar in 2021, which provided a major opportunity for Arab players to appear on the global stage.The Arab Cup has not only attracted regional attention. It is also followed by audiences from around the world. Hosting the tournament in Doha reaffirms Qatar's pivotal role in uniting the Arab world both athletically and culturally, and its ability to present an honorable Arab model in tournament organization, one that reflects the civilized image of the Arab world before the international community.For Arab fans, the Arab Cup is no longer just a sporting competition. It is a message of unity, solidarity, peace, and connection. It affirms the shared heritage and deep-rooted history of all Arab peoples and offers an opportunity to strengthen historical bonds across generations, highlighting the importance of enhancing Arab cooperation to leave a positive impact on the cultural, sporting, and social levels across the Arab world.