Palestinian Team Aims for Unity at FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025

The FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, set to take place from December 1-18, will showcase top Arab football teams competing for the prestigious trophy. For Mosab Al Battat, the captain of the Palestinian national team, this tournament represents more than just a sporting event; it embodies the spirit of unity and solidarity among Arabs.

Palestine’s Strive for Representation

Al Battat expressed his aspirations for the tournament, stating, “Our goal is to reassert the importance of Palestine’s participation in global events; to showcase the indomitable spirit of the country, its people, and its players. We are a team that represents the oppressed, and so we play in honour of their resilience and to amplify their voices.” The Palestinian team is set to face Libya on November 25 at 7 PM in a critical qualifier at Thani bin Jassim Stadium. Success in this match will secure their position among the final 16 teams at the Arab Cup.

Should they qualify, the Palestinians will join Group A alongside hosts Qatar, Tunisia, and the winner of the match between Syria and South Sudan. Al Battat, who also plays for Qatar SC in the Qatar Stars League, highlighted the importance of this opportunity to witness the exceptional camaraderie among Arab fans.

A Historic Moment for Palestinian Football

Expressing gratitude to Qatar for hosting significant football tournaments, Al Battat stated, “Thank you for showcasing the warmth and camaraderie amongst Arab fans and their solidarity with Palestine.” Under his leadership, the Palestinian team achieved a historic milestone by qualifying for the knockout stage of the AFC Asian Cup for the first time during the 2023 edition held in Qatar.

Reflecting on the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Al Battat noted that, despite Palestine’s absence from the tournament, Arab supporters proudly displayed the Palestinian flag. “It was heartwarming to see our flag in the stands at every match,” he recalled.

Looking ahead, Al Battat anticipates a vibrant atmosphere if Palestine qualifies for the Arab Cup. “We will be playing for a nation that lives in the hearts and minds of all Arab fans. We will have the support of all fans throughout the tournament,” he added.

The opening match of the Arab Cup is scheduled for December 1 at 7:30 PM at Al Bayt Stadium, featuring the hosts Qatar against the winner of the Palestine vs. Libya match. The tournament will culminate in the final on December 18 at 7 PM at the iconic Lusail Stadium. Other venues for the matches include Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Education City Stadium, Khalifa International Stadium, and Stadium 974.

The FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 is part of a series of high-profile tournaments being hosted by Qatar, including the ongoing FIFA U-17 World Cup, which runs from November 3-27, and the second edition of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, scheduled for December 10, 13, and 17.