Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
The FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 qualifiers have officially commenced, featuring 14 national teams aiming for seven coveted spots in the tournament set to take place in Doha from December 1 to 18. Matches are being hosted in several stadiums around the Qatari capital.
The first round of qualifiers is scheduled for November 25 and 26, highlighted by the opening match between Mauritania and Kuwait at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, located within Al Sadd Sports Club. Both squads are keen to secure a place in the main event. Kuwait boasts a proud history with eight appearances in the last ten Arab Cups and seeks redemption after missing out in 2021 and falling short in the third round of the Asian Qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Conversely, Mauritania eyes its third Arab Cup entry, having participated in 1985 and 2021, and looks to recover after its absence from the Africa Cup of Nations held in Morocco.
Another thrilling encounter features Syria pitted against South Sudan at Grand Hamad Stadium in Al Arabi Club. Syria comes in with more experience, thanks to its talented roster and expected fan support. The team aims to improve its previous Arab Cup performance, where it ended third in its group. South Sudan seeks to make history by entering the Arab Cup for the first time, after a 3–0 loss to Jordan in the last qualifiers.
Palestine will take on Libya at Thani bin Jassim Stadium in Al Gharafa Club, pitting two similarly matched teams against one another. Libya aims to return after failing to qualify in the last edition, while Palestine hopes for another opportunity following an earlier exit in the group stage.
Oman faces Somalia at Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, a repeat of a previous encounter where Oman triumphed 2–1. Oman hopes to qualify for the second time following its strong showing in the 2021 Arab Cup, while Somalia targets its inaugural qualification.
Djibouti encounters Bahrain at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, with Djibouti aiming for its first Arab Cup appearance, while Bahrain looks to improve upon its last outing that saw it finish with merely one point from the group stage. Djibouti strives for a potential upset, despite Bahrain's experience.
Comoros and Yemen face off at Grand Hamad Stadium, both aspiring for their first Arab Cup qualification. Comoros missed the last chance, whereas Yemen looks to return after its failure in 2021.
The qualifiers will wrap up with a compelling matchup between Sudan and Lebanon at Thani bin Jassim Stadium. Both teams are committed to claiming a spot in the Arab Cup Qatar 2025, promising a riveting culmination to the qualifying stages.
These fixtures underscore the significance of regional competition, offering smaller football nations a platform to shine brightly. Fans in Doha can expect exhilarating matches as teams vie for glory in the prestigious Arab Cup and strive to represent their countries with honor.
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