Qatar hosts spectacular FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 opening

Doha, Qatar: The FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 Opening treated fans at Al Bayt Stadium to a spectacular showcase featuring live performances and cinematic visuals, with millions of fans from across the region tuning in to the dazzling performance.  

Produced by Katara Studios, the show told a story inspired by the collective memory and resilience of the Arab world, framing the tournament as a celebration of the region’s shared past and future.

Ahmed Al Baker, CEO of Katara Studios and Director of the Opening, said: “We set out to amplify voices from the Arab world in a tournament that brings our region together through football and camaraderie. Our message is simple: as Arabs, we need shared spaces, places where we meet, express ourselves and create something truly beautiful together. The story of the tournament opening reflects both our cultural diversity and our deep-rooted unity.”

The Opening brought together a distinguished cast of regional and international talents, including acclaimed Syrian actor Rasheed Assaf appearing as ‘the Narrator’ and Oscar-winning British actor Jeremy Irons portraying ‘the Stranger,’ a symbolic figure whose words test the strength of Arab unity.

Assaf expressed his honour at participating in the Tournament Opening, emphasising football's ability to bridge divisions: “There is something uniquely powerful about connecting people through football. I'm grateful to Qatar for creating this beautiful space where the Arab world comes together using the beautiful game as a unique way of bringing us one.”

For Irons, the show stood out as an extraordinary production: “This is a tremendous way to open and to celebrate the Arab Cup. It is far larger in scale than most productions I’ve been part of, from the dancers and musicians to the staging and design. The collective effort behind it is bigger than anything I’ve previously experienced.”

The show also featured a moving rendition of national anthems from across the Arab world performed by a children’s choir alongside Palestinian singer Rola Azar, Syrian artist Mohammed Al Nweran and Lebanese singer Mohammed Fadel Chaker.

Reflecting on her performance, Azar said that she felt proud to lend her voice to a piece that represents every Arab nation: “It was an immense honour for me and it carried special emotional weight, especially in these times. My hope is that we stand together, united, because at heart, we are truly one.”

The FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 will run until December 18, 2025, across six stadiums used during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022: Al Bayt Stadium, Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Education City Stadium, Khalifa International Stadium, Stadium 974 and Lusail Stadium.