Countdown to FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025: Key Highlights from 2021

With the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 set to kick off on December 1, 2025, preparations are in full swing to host the region’s premier football tournament. This marks the second time Qatar welcomes the event, which celebrates football and the vibrant Arab culture. The inaugural edition took place in 2021, serving as a precursor to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and establishing Qatar’s reputation as a leading sports destination.

The 2021 tournament achieved notable success, drawing thousands of fans to support their national teams. It was the first time the competition was held under the auspices of FIFA, showcasing both the organizational capabilities of Qatar and the enthusiasm for football across the region.

Significant Achievements from the 2021 Tournament

The FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021 was marked by several highlights that underscored the event’s impact and popularity.

Six FIFA World Cup stadiums were utilized for the tournament, including two that were inaugurated specifically for the event. Notably, Al Bayt Stadium hosted the opening match between Qatar and Bahrain, while Stadium 974, recognized for its innovative design, became the first fully demountable venue in FIFA history.

A total of 16 national teams competed fiercely for the trophy, culminating in Algeria’s triumph over Tunisia with a 2-0 victory in the final. The host nation, Qatar, made a commendable run to the semi-finals and secured third place after defeating Egypt in a dramatic penalty shootout.

The tournament was a showcase for attacking football, with players scoring a remarkable 83 goals across 32 matches, averaging 2.59 goals per match. Tunisian striker Seifeddine Jaziri emerged as the top goal scorer, clinching the Golden Boot with four goals.

The popularity of the event was evident as 631,742 tickets were distributed, reflecting robust attendance despite the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions. Many matches saw occupancy rates exceeding 80%, establishing the tournament as one of the largest sporting events to take place in the region since the pandemic began.

An impressive 63,439 spectators attended the quarter-final clash between Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, setting a national record for attendance at a sporting event.

The tournament also reached a global audience, with 272 million viewers tuning in from various countries. Noteworthy matches, such as Algeria’s game against Egypt, drew particularly high viewership, reinforcing the tournament’s status as a leading football competition in the Arab world.

Innovations and Community Engagement

During the tournament, Qatar’s public transport system played a vital role, as 2.5 million fans utilized its comprehensive network to travel to matches. All stadiums were easily accessible by metro, allowing fans and players to remain in close proximity throughout the event.

For the first time, two stadiums introduced audio descriptive commentary in Arabic, enhancing the experience for blind and visually impaired fans. The initiative was part of Qatar’s commitment to creating an inclusive environment for all spectators, which continued into the FIFA World Cup.

The event relied heavily on community involvement, with over 5,000 volunteers from 92 different nationalities playing critical roles in its execution. This commitment to volunteerism has been a hallmark of Qatar’s approach to hosting major sporting events.

Media coverage was extensive, with more than 1,000 accredited journalists reporting on the tournament, which generated significant interest in local and international markets.

The countdown is now on for the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, which will feature 23 teams. Nine teams have automatically qualified, while 14 additional teams will compete for the remaining spots in qualifiers scheduled for November 25 and 26, 2025. The tournament will again take place across six stadiums that successfully hosted matches during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

Qatar’s commitment to hosting the FIFA Arab Cup extends beyond 2025, with plans to host the tournament again in 2029 and 2033, solidifying its position as a central hub for international football events.