The final stretch of qualifying for the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 is underway this week, with seven crucial matches determining the last teams to join the tournament’s group stage. These one-off clashes, hosted in Doha, Qatar, will decide which nations advance to the 16-team competition, kicking off a new phase in regional football anticipation. The matches begin today and continue through tomorrow, setting the stage for the main event’s December 1st start.
The most anticipated contest takes place tonight at Thani bin Jassim Stadium, where Palestine faces Libya. This match is a direct elimination game; the winner secures a coveted spot in the Arab Cup, while the loser sees their qualification hopes dashed. Competition will be fierce as both teams arrive with recent positive performances under their belts.
Palestine and Libya Clash in Decisive FIFA Arab Cup Qualifier
Palestine enters the match following a productive training camp in Spain, where they tested their mettle against competitive regional sides like Catalonia and the Basque Country. Prior to their camp, they achieved a notable victory, defeating defending Arab Cup champions Algeria 1-0. Head coach Ihab Abu Jazar expressed confidence in his team’s readiness, stating their aim is to deliver their best performance against Libya and secure qualification.
Libya, however, poses a significant challenge. They recently secured a 1-0 win against Mauritania and also managed a draw against World Cup-bound Cabo Verde, indicating a strong current form. Notably, forward Ezzeddin El Maremi has been in excellent scoring form, finding the net in four of Libya’s last six matches. Their coach, Aliou Cisse, affirmed his players are fully prepared for the battle with Palestine, emphasizing their focus on achieving victory.
Additional Qualifying Matches Today
The qualifying action begins earlier today at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium with a match between Mauritania and Kuwait. Mauritania’s coach, Aritz Garai, has called up experienced players from European leagues, Lamine Ba and Bakari Camara, alongside the creative force of young midfielder Maata Magassa.
Kuwait is entering the game with a new coach, Helio Sousa, following a training camp in Cairo. During that camp, they recorded a win against Tanzania and a draw against Gambia. Sousa’s debut competitive match adds extra interest to the tie.
Meanwhile, at Grand Hamad Stadium, Syria will compete against South Sudan. Syria, under coach Jose Lana, has displayed strong form with only one loss this year, showcasing their attacking prowess with a 5-0 victory over Pakistan in an Asian Cup qualifier. Despite missing some European-based players, the Syrian squad features key offensive threats like Omar Khrbin and Mohammad Al Salkhadi.
South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation, is actively seeking their first win of 2025 after a recent draw with Togo. Following a forced withdrawal from the 2021 qualifiers due to a COVID-19 outbreak, the team is eager to establish their presence in the tournament. The FIFA Arab Cup serves as an important platform for developing football nations.
Tomorrow’s Matches Complete the Qualification Picture
The remaining qualifying matches will take place tomorrow, completing the tournament lineup. Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium will host Oman versus Somalia at 4pm. Simultaneously, Bahrain and Djibouti will meet again at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, hoping to resolve their prior contest to secure a spot.
In the evening, Grand Hamad Stadium will witness a clash between Comoros and Yemen. Finally, at Thani bin Jassim Stadium, Sudan will battle Lebanon for the last remaining qualification slot. These matches promise further excitement and crucial moments for the competing teams.
Following the conclusion of these qualifying games, the focus will shift to the group stage draw and final preparations for the FIFA Arab Cup which is scheduled to begin December 1st. The exact timing of the draw is yet to be announced, and further details regarding the tournament schedule and logistical arrangements will be released by the Qatar Football Association in the coming weeks.
The success of these qualifiers and the subsequent tournament will be closely monitored as a barometer of football development and regional cooperation.
