Doha is gearing up to host the 11th edition of the FIFA Arab Cup, reigniting regional football rivalries from December 1st to December 18th, 2025. This marks the third time Qatar has hosted the prestigious tournament.
This edition holds particular significance as it’s the second to be officially sanctioned by FIFA, following the resounding success of the 2021 tournament where Algeria emerged victorious. The FIFA endorsement, which began in 2021, elevates the competition, now slated to occur every four years.
The tournament’s timing, following the qualification stages for the 2026 World Cup, adds another layer of intensity and competitiveness. Teams will be eager to showcase their progress and vie for regional supremacy.
Matches will be played across six world-class stadiums in four host cities: Al Khor, Al Rayyan, Doha, and Lusail. These iconic venues, which previously hosted the 2022 World Cup, are ready to welcome back passionate football fans. The stadiums include the magnificent Lusail Stadium, Al Bayt Stadium (Al Khor), Khalifa International Stadium (Doha), Education City Stadium, Ahmed bin Ali Stadium (Al Rayyan), and Stadium 974.
Sixteen Arab nations will compete, divided into four groups. Fourteen teams battled it out in crucial qualifying matches on November 25th and 26th to secure the final seven spots.
The group stage draw is as follows:
Group A: Qatar (Host), Tunisia, Syria, Palestine
Group B: Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Comoros
Group C: Egypt, Jordan, UAE, Kuwait
Group D: Algeria (Title Holders), Iraq, Bahrain, Sudan
The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarter-finals. Points will determine standings, with three points awarded for a win and one for a draw.
The knockout stage schedule is as follows:
Quarter-Finals: December 11-12
Semi-Finals: December 15
Third-Place Match: December 18
Final: December 18 at Lusail Stadium
Football fans across the Arab world are eagerly anticipating the start of the tournament on Sunday, December 1st, 2025.
