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Doha: FIFA President Gianni Infantino has praised Qatar’s world-class hospitality and sporting infrastructure as the country prepares to host the second edition of the FIFA Arab Cup from December 1 to 18, 2025.
“The FIFA World Cup 2022 was an incredible success – the best FIFA World Cup ever – and it followed 12 months after another historic event in Qatar: the first ever FIFA Arab Cup,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in comments published on FIFA.com, as the tournament’s 100-day countdown was marked yesterday.
“I know Qatar will once again brilliantly rise to the challenge of staging this exciting FIFA tournament. The hospitality and facilities in this country are exceptional, and every team will have the best conditions in which to prepare.”
The 2025 edition will bring together 23 teams from across the Arab world, competing across six FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 stadiums, all seamlessly connected by public transport and fully accessible. The tournament is being organised by the Local Organising Committee (LOC) in partnership with FIFA.
Minister of Sports and Youth and Chairman of the LOC HE Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani said the tournament reflects both the region’s passion for football and its deep cultural ties.
“The FIFA Arab Cup holds a special place for the people of this region. This tournament’s significance goes beyond football; it’s a celebration of our passion and identity – one that unites players and fans alike,” he said.
He added that hosting the competition again reaffirms Qatar’s commitment to regional sporting excellence. “Qatar has demonstrated its capabilities in hosting mega-sporting events, year after year. The FIFA Arab Cup is another chapter in this rich sporting legacy – an opportunity to highlight Arab unity and culture.”
The 16-team tournament will feature four groups of four teams, with the top two from each advancing to the knockout stage. Nine teams, including hosts Qatar and defending champions Algeria, have already qualified. The remaining 14 teams will compete for the final seven spots through qualifiers scheduled for November 25 and 26.
Algerian forward Baghdad Bounedjah, who helped his country lift the trophy in 2021 with a 2-0 victory over Tunisia at Al Bayt Stadium, recalled the significance of the win.
“Winning the Arab Cup was a big achievement – especially playing in Qatar, in World Cup stadiums. It was surreal to celebrate that moment with the team and fans,” he said.
The final will take place at Lusail Stadium on 18 December, which coincides with Qatar National Day. The Arab Cup will be held shortly after the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025, taking place from November 3 to 27.
