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More than a million fans went through the turnstiles during the FIFA Arab Cup 2025, Jassim al-Jassim, CEO of the Local Organising Committee of the hugely popular tournament, has said.Just two days after Morocco beat Jordan 3-2 in extra time in front of 84,517 fans at the iconic Lusail Stadium, Qatar drew wholesome praise from regional leaders on 'organising a high level' tournament that was held from December 1 to 18."The tournament witnessed record breaking numbers in spectator attendance. More than 1.2mn fans attended the matches in the stadiums during the course of 32 scheduled games,” al-Jassim revealed."Qatar organising top level football events regularly reflects FIFA's confidence in Qatar as a reputable global sports host. We are proud to say we have become qualified to host global events thanks to the legacy of the 2022 FIFA World Cup," al-Jassim said in his interview with Al Kass Sports Channel.In his post-tournament comments, al-Jassim revealed Qatar has pulled off a rare feat of staging a staggering 176 matches in just 78 days.The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz al- Saud of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, congratulated His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani on ‘organising a highly successful FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025’.Prime Minister and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud also sent a cable of congratulations to the Amir, on the country's success in organising the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025.The Crown Prince said: "On the occasion of the State of Qatar's success in organising the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, I am pleased to express to Your Highness my sincerest congratulations and best wishes for further progress and success for your brotherly people and country."In a separate note Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of the Sultanate of Oman congratulated His Highness the Amir on the 'remarkable success achieved by the State of Qatar in organising the FIFA Arab Cup football tournament'. He added in his message: “I wish Qatar continued success in hosting major events and achieving all accomplishments and aspirations in all sectors."The congratulatory cables were also received from the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, and Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled al-Hamad al-Sabah.FIFA President Gianni Infantino highlighted how the tournament showcased top-level football while uniting the Arab world, as he praised Qatar’s hosting and reflected on the conclusion of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, saying:“My sincere thanks to Qatar, to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and to the Qatari people for once again uniting the Arab world through football on Qatar National Day. This competition is here to stay and will continue to grow as one of FIFA’s great tournaments.”Thanks largely to world-class stadiums — that were built for the 2022 FIFA World Cup — Qatar put together flawless football tournaments within just seven weeks. Doha first hosted the FIFA U-17 World Cup from November 3 to 27 followed by the FIFA Arab Cup from Dec 1 to 18. In between, Qatar also hosted the FIFA Intercontinental Cup and the GCC U-23 Football Tournament.

Fireworks illuminated the sky above Lusail Stadium on Thursday as celebrations followed the Arab Cup finals 2025, turning it into a centrepiece of national pride on Qatar National Day. 

His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani crowned Morocco as the winners of FIFA Arab Cup 2025 here at the Lusail Stadium last night.**media[395421]**Morocco clinched the title with a 3-2 win over Jordan after extra time in the final witnessed by a record crowd.The closing ceremony was also attended by His Highness Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani, the Personal Representative of the Amir, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Thani, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa al-Thani.**media[395422]**Also present were His Excellency Hassan bin Abdullah al-Ghanim, Chairman of the Shura Council, and a number of Their Excellencies, the Sheikhs and ministers.**media[395424]**The closing ceremony was also attended by Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II, Crown Prince of Jordan, Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, HE Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim al-Khalifa, President of the Asian Football Confederation, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal al-Saud, Saudi minister of sports, and president of the Arab Football Federation, a number of senior officials from brotherly and friendly countries, heads of delegations, heads of Olympic committees and Arab and international federations, Their Excellencies, the heads of diplomatic missions accredited to the country, and a large audience.

The Local Organising Committee (LOC) for Football Events announced that Qatar will host the men's Finalissima 2026 at the iconic Lusail Stadium on 27 March 2026. The showpiece fixture will see European champions Spain take on South American champions Argentina in a highly anticipated clash between continental title holders. For Argentina, this match marks a symbolic return to the scene of their exhilarating victory over France in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final, where La Albiceleste ended a 36-year wait to reclaim football's most coveted prize.His Excellency Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani, Minister of Sports and Youth and Chairman of the LOC, said: "Qatar is proud to host this prestigious match between two champions. We have a track record of delivering world-class sports events, providing an exceptional experience for fans, supporters and media. Hosting Finalissima 2026 further demonstrates the trust our partners continue to show in Qatar.’ The organisation of the Finalissima 2026 comes following a record-breaking football season delivered by the LOC at the end of 2025, which showcased the country's exceptional organisational capabilities and the international football community's trust in its ability to deliver world-class football events.This includes Qatar's hosting of the first 48-team FIFA U-17 World Cup, which saw 104 matches played at a single venue and the AGCFF U-17 Gulf Cup. Qatar is also hosting the U23 Gulf Cup Qatar 2025, while simultaneously delivering the final three matches of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2025 during the rest days of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, which is set to conclude on 18 December.UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin said: "This match symbolises the unification of two footballing continents and showcases the global reach of our sport in such a prestigious fixture. We look forward to an unforgettable evening of elite football and international celebration." CONMEBOL President Alejandro Domínguez added: "This showpiece game is more than a competition, it is a symbol of collaboration and respect between confederations, and an opportunity for fans to enjoy a truly historic occasion." With world-class infrastructure, exceptional facilities, and a proven track record as a hub for elite football, Qatar offers an ideal venue for the Finalissima 2026, while its strategic location provides prime time broadcasting opportunities for global audiences. Further details on match organisation and ticket sales will be communicated in the coming weeks.

The Arab Cup 2025 final between Morocco and Jordan drew thousands of football fans to Lusail Stadium Thursday, adding a sporting highlight to Qatar National Day (QND) celebrations. Supporters from across the region packed the stands, creating a lively atmosphere as the two teams battled for the title on one of the country’s grandest stages.**media[395277]**The match, held amid a festive national mood, highlighted Qatar’s growing reputation as a host of major international sporting events, with Lusail Stadium once again at the centre of a landmark occasion. **media[395279]**

On another thrilling day of action in the FIFA Arab Cup, Morocco defeated Saudi Arabia 1-0 at the Lusail Stadium Monday to top Group B and reach the quarter-finals. The Saudis, who missed a penalty, had already secured their progress to the knockout stages.Elsewhere, Oman needed victory over Comoros and for Morocco to lose to the Saudis to seal an unlikely qualification. They fulfilled their end of the bargain with a 2-1 victory but the result elsewhere ensured their elimination.Requiring a draw to progress, Morocco secured their passage to the quarter-finals with victory over Saudi Arabia, who missed a penalty in the second half. The Green Falcons held their own after making multiple changes following their prior progress to the knockouts following back-to-back victories. Herve Renard's men came close to breaking the deadlock in the sixth minute when a looping header from Saleh Abu al-Shamat flew over Morocco goalkeeper El Mehdi Benabid and clipped the crossbar.**media[391515]**With a place in the quarter-finals at stake, Morocco immediately fought back and took the lead after Tarik Tissoudali laid the ball off to Karim El Berkaoui, who finished under intense pressure from the Saudi defence. Saudi Arabia refused to give up and were awarded a penalty midway through the second half following a foul by Amin Zahzouh on substitute Abdullah Al Hamdan, who attempted a Panenka but chipped the resulting spot kick over the bar.Oman exit despite win over ComorosAt the Stadium 974, Oman needing to not just win but also chase goals wasted little time in setting about that task. Within the first half hour alone, Issam al-Sabhi twice failed to hit the target from close range, Zahir al-Aghbari forced a pair of saves from Comoros keeper Ali Ahamada and Jameel al-Yahmadi also blazed wide.When the goal did eventually come, it was not a moment that Ahamada will remember fondly as he attempted to dribble past Al Sabhi inside the six-yard box, was duly dispossessed and watched on as the Omani forward tucked home into an empty goal.A swooping header just shy of the break doubled al-Sabhi and Oman’s advantage before things swung unexpectedly in Comoros’ favour after the resumption.Firstly a delightful solo effort from Nassuir Hamidou saw them peg one back before several late chances were squandered in an entertaining finale to a campaign that saw the debutants ultimately end with three straight defeats.Oman depart with four points and at something of a crossroads ahead of the start of qualification for the next FIFA World Cup. 

Palestine coach Ihab Abu Jazar praised his team’s resilience and refusal to give up after they fought back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Tunisia at Lusail Stadium in their second Group A match at the FIFA Arab Cup in Doha.Abu Jazar said the comeback – secured through sheer determination and character – reflected the spirit of a team playing for an entire nation. He stressed that qualification for the quarter-finals is not yet guaranteed, but the last-gasp equaliser brought immense joy to Palestinians everywhere.“The players’ determination and refusal to give up was the main reason for the draw,” Abu Jazar said at the post-match press conference. “This joy is the joy of a people. The national team has become the ambassador of Palestine, the only smile for our people who suffer daily.”Despite conceding twice due to defensive mistakes, the coach expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance over the full 90 minutes. He highlighted the strong display as one shared between “two countries that love each other.”Abu Jazar added that messages pouring in from across Palestine – especially after the earlier win over Qatar – place a heavy responsibility on the squad to continue bringing moments of happiness to their people. “Every match we play is a message through which we convey the Palestinian cause to the world,” he said, noting that the final round remains open to all scenarios.He also credited the presence of several professionals from the Egyptian league, along with those playing in Qatar, for strengthening the team’s competitiveness and composure against Tunisia.Zaid al-Qanbar, who was named player of the match after scoring the equaliser, said he was delighted to deliver at a decisive moment. He revealed that criticism after the Qatar match motivated him to raise his level and prove he deserved his place in the squad. “The joy in the stadium and among Palestinians everywhere means a lot,” Al-Qanbar said. “I will keep giving everything to help the team in the remaining matches.”Meanwhile, Tunisia coach Sami Trabelsi said the 2–2 draw 'felt like a defeat,' particularly as both Palestinian goals came from set pieces and defensive lapses. Trabelsi explained that leading the national team at the Arab Cup was a responsibility he was obliged to fulfil, especially after Tunisia abandoned its initial plan to field an under-23 side. He rejected suggestions that taking charge for the tournament involved any risk, insisting he never viewed participation through the lens of possible repercussions.“We took a two-goal lead and performed much better than in the first match, so this draw feels like a loss,” he said. “I take full responsibility. The mistakes were naïve and cost us dearly.”Facing Qatar next, Trabelsi said Tunisia still retain 'a glimmer of hope' of reaching the second round, though he acknowledged the challenge ahead. Fatigue, he noted, affected many of his players in the second half. “We will fight for our chances in the last match and try to deliver a performance worthy of the national team,” he affirmed. 

The Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025 presented by Aramco and FIFA have announced that Qatar will host the final three matches of the prestigious club competition in December of this year. The annual competition will crown the best club in world football for 2025, with teams vying for the FIFA Derby of the Americas™, FIFA Challenger Cup™ and FIFA Intercontinental Cup™ trophies. Matches will take place on 10, 13 and 17 December. Qatar has successfully hosted the annual club showpiece three times before, in 2019, 2020 and most recently in 2024 when Real Madrid were crowned club champions in front of a sell-out crowd at theiconic 80-000-seater Lusail Stadium, host of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ final match. The following matches will be played in Qatar: Match 3: 10 December 2025, Doha, Qatar | FIFA Derby of the Americas™ Concacaf Champions Cup 2025 winners, Cruz Azul (Mexico) vs Winners of the CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores 2025 Match 4: 13 December, 2025, Doha, Qatar | FIFA Challenger Cup™ CAF Champions League 2025 champions, Pyramids FC (Egypt) vs Winners of Match 3 Match 5: 17 December, 2025, Doha, Qatar | FIFA Intercontinental Cup™ UEFA Champions Leagues 2025 champions, Paris Saint-Germain (France) vs Winners of Match 4 The FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025™ adds to an exciting two months of world-class football in the country. Qatar is also set to host the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™ from 3 - 27 November 2025, as well as the FIFA Arab Cup 2025™, the second edition of the regional tournament, from 1 - 18 December 2025. The FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025 will take place during the rest days of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, showcasing Qatar’s ability to host multiple sporting events at the same time. All tournament venues will be connected seamlessly to public transportation and will offer barrier-free experience to disabled fans. For all tournament related updates, follow @RoadtoQatar on all major social media platforms.