Doha, Qatar – The FIFA Arab Cup Group B kicked off today with Saudi Arabia facing Oman and Morocco taking on Comoros. This tournament is crucial preparation for Saudi Arabia, already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, as they look to build momentum and test their squad. Morocco, currently ranked among the top teams in the world, are also aiming for the title, highlighting the competitive nature of this year’s event.
Saudi Arabia secured their place in the 2026 World Cup in October after a stunning performance in qualifying, including a historic victory over Argentina at the 2022 World Cup. They are eager to translate that success into a championship run at the Arab Cup, but face a challenging opponent in Oman.
Saudi Arabia and Morocco Aiming for Arab Cup Glory
Saudi Arabia’s coach, Herve Renard, emphasized the importance of a strong start against Oman, acknowledging the Gulf rivalry. He stated the team is fully prepared and focused on securing a win to set the tone for their campaign. The team boasts a near full-strength squad, including Asian Player of the Year Salem Al Dawsari, and goalkeeper Nawaf Al Aqidi.
Oman qualified for the tournament after a penalty shootout victory over Somalia. Their coach, Carlos Queiroz, admitted to a short preparation period but expressed confidence in their ability to compete effectively. He noted the team will need to be at its mental and technical peak to challenge Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, Morocco enters the tournament as the clear favorites, ranked 11th globally. They face Comoros in their opening match, viewing it as an opportunity to showcase their talent and solidify their position as contenders.
Balancing Experience and Youth
Morocco coach Tarik Sektioui has opted for a squad that blends veteran players with emerging talents. He acknowledged preparation hasn’t been ideal, but his team is adapting to the current circumstances. The focus remains on honoring Moroccan football and competing for the Arab Cup title despite facing strong competition from other World Cup qualifying nations.
Comoros, who also had a dramatic qualification route, defeating Yemen on penalties, are looking at the tournament as preparation for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Coach Hamada Jambay expressed respect for Morocco but stated his team intends to cause an upset.
The Saudi Arabian goalkeeper, Al Aqidi, added that the team’s goal is to deliver a performance that will make their fans proud. Abdullah Fawaz, Oman’s midfielder, confirmed the team’s readiness for the opening match against Saudi Arabia.
The tournament as a whole offers valuable competitive experience for teams in the region, particularly those already qualified or striving to reach the 2026 World Cup. It allows coaches to experiment with tactics and lineups, and provides players with an opportunity to demonstrate their skills on an international stage. Relatedly, the event is attracting significant attention to football development in the Arab world.
The next few days will see further group stage matches unfold, with teams vying for a spot in the knockout rounds. The performance of key players like Salem Al Dawsari and the integration of younger talents within the Morocco squad will be crucial to watch. Uncertainty remains regarding the impact of potential injuries and the ability of teams to adapt to the conditions in Qatar, making the Arab Cup a compelling tournament for fans and analysts alike.
