six stades retenus pour le tournoi
Summary of FIFA Arab Cup 2025 in Qatar
The FIFA Arab Cup 2025 is set to unfold in Qatar, featuring a total of six stadiums: Al Bayt, Lusail, Khalifa International, Ahmed bin Ali, Stadium 974, and Education City. This prestigious tournament will commence with the opening match at Al Bayt Stadium on December 1, 2025, and will conclude with the final at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2025.
Jassim Abdulaziz Al Jassim, the General Director of the football tournament organizing committee, expressed confidence regarding the event’s success. This optimism stems from the commitment of participating Arab teams to field their top players, coupled with the tournament’s timing, which aligns with a break in several domestic leagues. Such strategic scheduling is expected to bolster attendance and fan engagement.
Despite potential scheduling conflicts, particularly with the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) beginning shortly after the Arab Cup’s climax, Al Jassim assured that participation in AFCON would not hinder teams. Matches in AFCON will occur days after the Arab Cup’s opening, allowing teams valuable time to transition between competitions.
The six selected stadiums, previously utilized during the FIFA World Cup 2022, are expected to cater to high spectator turnout, with the smallest venue accommodating around 40,000 fans. This choice is supported by the unprecedented 1.5 million attendance recorded during the AFC Cup 2023 in Qatar.
The announcement also highlighted ongoing consultations between Qatari officials and FIFA regarding the date for the next edition of the Arab Cup, scheduled to take place in Qatar again in 2029.
Additionally, the official draw for the second edition of the tournament will be held on a Sunday at the Raffles Hotel in Doha, starting at 8 PM local time (6 PM Algerian time). Defending champions Algeria and host nation Qatar will automatically qualify, along with 21 other nations, including the top-ranked teams in the FIFA standings as of April.
The qualification process for the remaining teams will involve a playoff among the 14 lowest-ranked nations. These matches, to be held over single-legged encounters on November 25 and 26 in Qatar, will provide the final spots in the tournament.
In summary, the FIFA Arab Cup in Qatar is poised to become a hallmark event in the Arab sporting calendar, drawing international attention and showcasing the region’s football talent.
Key Highlights:
- Dates: Open on December 1, 2025, and finalize on December 18, 2025.
- Stadiums: Six venues including Al Bayt and Lusail, previously used in the 2022 World Cup.
- Participating Teams: Algeria, Qatar, and 21 other nations, with 14 teams vying for the final spots through qualification matches.
- Expectations: High spectator turnout, facilitated by favorable scheduling and top player participation.
This upcoming tournament is not only a sports event but also a celebration of Arab unity through football, aimed at enhancing regional camaraderie and sportsmanship.
