Qatar Prepares for FIFA Arab Cup 2025: Key Highlights from 2021

Qatar is gearing up to host the second edition of the FIFA Arab Cup from December 1-18, 2025. This major football tournament will unite fans from across the region, celebrating both their passion for the sport and the rich tapestry of Arab culture on a global stage. The upcoming event follows the success of the inaugural FIFA Arab Cup held in 2021, which marked the first time the competition was held under FIFA’s auspices.

The 2021 tournament was a significant milestone for Qatar, showcasing its capabilities as a premier destination for international sports. It served as a crucial precursor to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, reinforcing the country’s readiness to host the world’s biggest football tournament.

Reflections on the 2021 Tournament

The FIFA Arab Cup 2021 was notable for many reasons, with highlights that underscore its success and the anticipation for the upcoming tournament.

Six FIFA World Cup stadiums hosted the matches, solidifying Qatar’s reputation as a modern sports hub. Among these, Al Bayt Stadium opened with the match between Qatar and Bahrain, while Stadium 974, the first fully demountable venue used in a FIFA event, was also inaugurated during this time.

A total of 16 Arab national teams participated, with Algeria emerging victorious, defeating Tunisia 2-0 in the final. Qatar’s team reached the semi-finals and secured third place after a dramatic penalty shootout against Egypt, which concluded 5-4.

The tournament showcased an impressive tally of 83 goals across 32 matches, averaging 2.59 goals per match. Tunisian forward Seifeddine Jaziri earned the Golden Boot with four goals, highlighting the attacking talent on display.

Ticket sales reflected the tournament’s popularity, with 631,742 tickets distributed to fans despite pandemic-related restrictions. Many matches saw attendance levels exceed 80%, making it one of the largest mega-sporting events post-COVID.

The crowd peaked at 63,439 spectators during the quarter-final between Qatar and the United Arab Emirates at Al Bayt Stadium, setting a national attendance record for sporting events.

Global interest soared, as 272 million viewers tuned in to watch matches from various regions, with particularly high viewership for the Algeria versus Egypt match in the group stage and the Morocco versus Algeria quarter-final.

Qatar’s public transport system played a crucial role, with 2.5 million fans utilizing the metro and shuttle services to travel to the venues, showcasing the seamless connectivity that made attending the matches convenient.

In a significant step towards inclusivity, the tournament introduced audio descriptive commentary in Arabic at two stadiums for visually impaired fans, alongside various accessibility options for those with limited mobility.

Volunteer efforts were instrumental, with over 5,000 volunteers from 92 nationalities contributing to the event’s success. This initiative marked a growing culture of volunteering in Qatar, which has been evident in subsequent major sporting events.

More than 1,000 journalists were accredited to cover the event, amplifying its reach and significance in the media landscape.

Looking Ahead to 2025

The upcoming FIFA Arab Cup in 2025 will feature 23 teams, with nine of the highest-ranked FIFA teams qualifying automatically. Qualifiers for the remaining spots will take place in Qatar on November 25 and 26, 2025.

Matches will again be held across six venues used during the FIFA World Cup 2022, ensuring a familiar and expertly managed experience for teams and fans alike. The tournament is part of Qatar’s broader sports calendar, which includes the FIFA U-17 World Cup from November 3-27, 2025. Qatar is set to host the FIFA Arab Cup again in 2029 and 2033, reinforcing its commitment to becoming a leading host for international sporting events.