Qatar, known for its impressive hosting of various international sporting events, has once again been selected as the host for the next three FIFA Arab Cup tournaments. The announcement was made by the FIFA Council, chaired by President Gianni Infantino, during a meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, ahead of the 74th FIFA Congress. The selection of Qatar as the host for the 2025, 2029, and 2033 tournaments came as a result of a formal request by the Qatar Football Association. This decision marks a significant milestone in Qatar football, following the success of hosting the inaugural FIFA Arab Cup in 2021.
The FIFA Arab Cup, which is a prestigious regional event, was hosted by Qatar in 2021 as a precursor to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. The tournament showcased the country’s capabilities to host world-class football events and set the stage for future editions. In the 2021 edition, Algeria emerged victorious by defeating Tunisia in the final, with Qatar claiming the third spot after a thrilling shootout against Egypt. Qatar’s success in hosting the Arab Cup has led to the country being awarded the hosting rights for the next three editions of the tournament, further solidifying its position as a leading destination for international football events.
In addition to hosting the FIFA Arab Cup, Qatar has also been selected to host the FIFA U-17 World Cup for five editions starting from next year. FIFA confirmed that 48 teams will participate in these tournaments, with a total of 50 slots allocated to different regions. Asian teams will have nine slots, African teams will have 10 slots, Concacaf will have eight slots, South America will have seven slots, Oceania will have three slots, and Europe will have 11 slots. The inclusion of teams from various continents promises to make the U-17 World Cup a truly global and competitive event.
Qatar’s successful bid to host the FIFA Arab Cup and the FIFA U-17 World Cup is a testament to the country’s growing reputation as a top sports destination. The Minister of Sport and Youth, H E Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani, has expressed his commitment to collaborate with FIFA, the Arab Football Association, and other stakeholders to ensure the success of these tournaments. The hosting of these events will not only showcase Qatar’s state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure but also provide a platform for young talent from around the world to showcase their skills and compete at an international level.
With the upcoming FIFA Arab Cup and FIFA U-17 World Cup tournaments, Qatar is set to continue its legacy of hosting world-class football events and further raise its profile as a global sports hub. The selection of Qatar as the host for these prestigious tournaments reflects the country’s dedication to promoting football and sports development in the region. As preparations get underway for the upcoming events, football fans from around the world can look forward to exciting competitions and memorable moments on the field. Qatar’s role as a host for these tournaments will not only benefit the country’s sports industry but also contribute to the growth and development of football in the Arab region and beyond.
