The FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 kicks off on Monday with an opening ceremony at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, presided over by HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The hosts Qatar will face Palestine in the official opening match, marking the start of Group A action alongside Tunisia and Syria. The tournament, running until December 18, features 16 teams across six FIFA World Cup stadiums.
Doha, Qatar – Preparations for the 11th edition of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 are complete, with the tournament set to begin on December 1 and conclude on December 18. Hosted across six FIFA World Cup venues, the event brings together 16 Arab nations, including seven already qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup: Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, and Algeria.
HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani will patronize the opening ceremony and witness the inaugural match between Qatar and Palestine at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor. Qatar, making their fourth appearance, enters with high confidence after topping their Asian play-off group for World Cup qualification ahead of Oman and the UAE. Head coach Julen Lopetegui described the tournament as a major competitive test and key stage in World Cup preparations, emphasizing a strong start against a well-organized Palestinian side. The Qatari squad blends experience and youth, featuring Akram Afif, who won the Golden Boot and Golden Ball at the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, alongside Mohammed Muntari, Edmilson Junior, and goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham. Notable absences include all-time top scorer Almoez Ali due to injury, Ahmed Al Rawi, Ahmed Al Janahi, Boualem Khoukhi, Pedro Miguel, and Karim Boudiaf.
Palestine, in their sixth appearance, qualified by defeating Libya on penalties after a goalless draw. Coach Ehab Abu Jazar affirmed his team's readiness for the tough test against the hosts, noting high ambitions to advance deep despite some absences from club commitments. Midfielder Ameid Mahajneh highlighted the significance of the opener, aiming for a positive result to boost morale.
Group A action launches concurrently with Tunisia facing Syria at Ahmed bin Ali Stadium. Tunisian coach Sami Trabelsi eyes the title, calling the clash crucial, while Syrian coach Jose Lana expressed satisfaction with preparations, focusing on young players. Former Qatari players Hassan Matar, Yousef Adam, and Hassan Al Otaibi anticipate fierce competition, positioning Qatar among favorites.
FIFA will test a new anti-time-wasting rule at the tournament: players requesting medical assistance must stay off the pitch for two minutes, except goalkeepers or if the opposing player is booked or sent off. A preparatory referees course, supervised by Pierluigi Collina, concluded with 54 officials trained on VAR and the new protocol.
Doha Metro will offer free rides to ticket holders on match days, connecting to all stadiums. Director of the Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum 1-2-3, Abdullah Al Mulla, called the event exceptional and historic, with the museum hosting related activities and collecting memorabilia.
