MUSCAT, NOV 5
Qatar’s representative, Hassan Rabia al Kuwari, LOC Executive Director of Marketing, Promotion and Commercial, unveiled the latest preparations of Qatar for hosting the Fifa Arab Cup Qatar 2025, which will take place from December 1 to 18, during a media roundtable held in Muscat with the participation of media representatives and social media influencers.
During the session, Al Kuwari emphasised Oman’s significant role in enriching the sporting and promotional aspects of the tournament. “We are delighted to be in Oman, a nation known for its passionate football fans who bring energy and excitement to every event. The Omani national team is among the strong contenders, and their supporters always create an inspiring atmosphere,” he said.
Oman’s national team will play a crucial qualification match against Somalia on November 26, with the winner earning a spot in the final tournament. The Fifa Arab Cup Qatar 2025 will see 16 Arab national teams compete across six Fifa World Cup standard stadiums, offering total prize money of USD 36.5 million as one of the largest prize pools in regional football history.
Building on the success of the 2021 edition, which marked the first time the Arab Cup was held under Fifa's umbrella, this year’s tournament is set to elevate the standard even further. Qatar has been awarded hosting rights for three consecutive editions, reaffirming its world-class infrastructure and proven organisational excellence.
Al Kuwari highlighted that ticket sales opened on September 30, with prices starting from QAR 25, available exclusively at www.roadtoqatar.qa. Fans in Oman can purchase the 'Support Your Team' ticket package, granting access to all their team’s group-stage matches and other selected fixtures. Tickets for the qualifiers, including Oman’s upcoming match against Somalia in Doha, are also available on the same platform.
“The tournament will be accompanied by an exciting calendar of sporting and entertainment events, including the Fifa Under-17 World Cup, the Intercontinental Cup, and the Gulf Under-23 Championship, creating a vibrant sporting atmosphere across November and December. Fans will also enjoy cultural activities, tourism experiences and fan zones around Qatar’s venues as all seamlessly connected by public transport,” he said.
RISING STARS
Responding to an inquiry on the participation of top-tier players in some Arab teams, Al Kuwari reaffirmed the high level of competition expected: “National teams today are defined by their talent depth, not just by star names. We have seen how youth teams, such as Morocco’s, have reached global success. The previous edition introduced rising stars who are now key players for their national sides.”
A total of nine teams have qualified automatically based on Fifa rankings, while 14 teams will compete for the remaining seven spots in the qualifiers. Defending champions Algeria aim to retain their title, while hosts Qatar seek to lift the prestigious trophy for the first time.
The trophy tour in Muscat, held at Avenues Mall, drew enthusiastic crowds who admired the original Arab Cup trophy, took commemorative photos, and registered for tickets with the assistance of the organising team.
The tournament will kick off on December 1 at 8:30 pm (Oman time) at Al Bayt Stadium, with Qatar facing the winner of Palestine vs Libya. The final match will take place on December 18 at 8 pm (Oman time) at the iconic Lusail Stadium. Other venues include Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Education City Stadium, Khalifa International Stadium and Stadium 974.
Oman national football team will take on Sudan in a preparatory match on November 14 in Muscat and it will be followed by another friendly match with Ivory Coast (Côte d'Ivoire) on November 18 in Muscat. Both warm up matches are part of the team domestic camp which will take place from Saturday to gear up for Fifa Arab Cup Qatar 2025. Oman will be aiming to replicate and surpass their previous achievement at the Fifa Arab Cup Qatar 2021, where they reached the quarterfinals before bowing out to Tunisia in a closely contested 2–1 encounter.
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