Mosab Al Battat, captain of the Palestinian national team
Mosab Al Battat, captain of the Palestinian national team, looks forward to the display of Arab unity and solidarity at the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025
Doha, Qatar: The FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 taking place from December 1-18 will witness top teams from the Arab world competing for the coveted trophy in Qatar. For Mosab Al Battat, captain of the Palestinian national team, the dream of leading his squad at this prestigious tournament is driven by an even bigger purpose, one that goes beyond football.
“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. I am proud to play for Palestine,” said Al Battat, whose team will face Libya on November 25, 7pm, at the Thani bin Jassim Stadium, in a critical qualifier ahead of the tournament.
The Lions of Canaan will be looking to secure their spot amongst the final 16 teams of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 in their match against Libya, following which, they will join Group A, alongside hosts Qatar, Tunisia, and the winner of Syria v South Sudan. For Al Battat, who also plays as a right back for Qatar Stars League side Qatar SC, the team’s qualification in the tournament will be an opportunity to witness, once again, the spectacular showcase of unity and solidarity amongst Arab fans.
“I want to thank Qatar for hosting world-class football tournaments that have continually succeeded in showcasing the warmth and camaraderie amongst Arab fans, and their solidarity with Palestine,” said Al Battat, who made history when he led the national team to their first ever qualification to the knockout stage in an AFC Asian Cup™ in the 2023 edition held in Qatar.
Looking back fondly on the historic FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the 32-year-old player said: “Even during the World Cup, though Palestine did not participate, we saw Arab fans waving the Palestinian flag with pride. It was heartwarming to see our flag displayed in the stands at every match.”
“If Palestine qualifies for the Arab Cup, I can only imagine the atmosphere inside the stadiums. 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,” added Al Battat.
The opening match of the Arab Cup will take place on December 1, 7:30pm, at Al Bayt Stadium featuring hosts Qatar and the winner of Palestine v Libya. The Final will be held on December 18, 7pm, at the iconic Lusail Stadium. Other stadiums that will host matches during the tournament are Ahmad Bin Ali, Education City, Khalifa International and Stadium 974.
The FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 is part of several tournaments that Qatar will be hosting up until the end of the year, including the ongoing FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 from November 3-27. Qatar will also be hosting the second edition of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup on December 10, 13, and 17.
