FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 Readies for Kickoff in December

With the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 set to commence on December 1, 2025, preparations are in full swing for this significant regional football tournament. This will be the second iteration of the event hosted by Qatar, which aims to unite fans from across the Arab world and showcase the region’s rich cultural heritage through the universal language of football.

Reflecting on the Success of the 2021 Edition

The inaugural FIFA Arab Cup took place in Qatar in 2021, marking the first time the tournament was held under the auspices of FIFA. The event attracted thousands of supporters, creating a vibrant atmosphere as fans rallied behind their national teams. The tournament not only celebrated football but also served as a precursor to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, positioning Qatar as a leading global sports destination.

One of the most notable aspects of the 2021 tournament was its use of six FIFA World Cup stadiums, which were also employed during the World Cup the following year. Among these, two stadiums, Al Bayt Stadium and Stadium 974, were inaugurated during the Arab Cup, with Stadium 974 being recognized as the first fully demountable venue to host FIFA matches.

Key Highlights from the Inaugural Tournament

The Arab Cup 2021 featured 16 national teams, culminating in a thrilling final where Algeria secured the title with a 2-0 victory over Tunisia. Qatar, as the host nation, made a strong showing by reaching the semi-finals and winning the third-place playoff against Egypt through a dramatic penalty shootout.

Throughout the tournament, a total of 83 goals were scored across 32 matches, averaging 2.59 goals per match. The standout player was Tunisian forward Seifeddine Jaziri, who took home the Golden Boot after netting four goals.

The tournament attracted significant attention, with 631,742 tickets sold, showcasing its popularity despite the ongoing challenges of COVID-19. Many matches saw over 80% occupancy, underscoring Qatar’s capability to host large-scale events safely.

Attendance peaked during the quarter-final match between Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, which drew 63,439 spectators to Al Bayt Stadium, setting a national record for sporting event attendance.

Globally, the tournament reached an audience of 272 million viewers, with significant viewership for key matches, reaffirming its status as the premier national team football competition in the Arab world.

Transport logistics were also impressive, as 2.5 million fans utilized Qatar’s advanced public transport system to access the stadiums, highlighting the country’s compact nature and efficient infrastructure.

In a move towards inclusivity, two stadiums introduced audio descriptive commentary in Arabic for blind and partially sighted fans, marking a significant step in creating a barrier-free experience.

Support for the tournament came from a dedicated team of over 5,000 volunteers, representing 92 different nationalities, who played a key role in ensuring the event’s success. Media coverage was extensive, with more than 1,000 accredited journalists reporting on the tournament, further enhancing its visibility.

Looking Ahead to 2025

The upcoming FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 will take place from December 1-18, featuring 23 teams. Nine teams have qualified automatically based on FIFA rankings, while 14 others will compete for the remaining spots in qualifiers scheduled for November 25-26, 2025.

As the tournament approaches, all matches will again be hosted across the six stadiums previously used in the 2022 World Cup. These venues will continue to prioritize accessibility for disabled fans, ensuring a welcoming environment for all.

Qatar is set to host a series of high-profile tournaments leading up to the end of the year, including the FIFA U-17 World Cup from November 3-27. Plans are already in place for future editions of the FIFA Arab Cup in 2029 and 2033, solidifying Qatar’s position as a hub for international sports.