The FIFA Arab Cup 2025 has reached fever pitch in Qatar, as the quarter-final lineup is now set and anticipation runs sky-high among football fans across the Arab world. After a gripping round of group stage matches, eight teams have emerged from the fray, each hungry for a place in the semifinals of this prestigious regional tournament. With traditional giants like Algeria, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia still in contention, and surprise packages such as Jordan and Palestine riding waves of momentum, the stage is set for a quartet of high-stakes clashes that promise drama, passion, and no shortage of footballing flair.
The road to the knockout stage was anything but straightforward. In Group D, Algeria showcased their tournament credentials by securing top spot with a disciplined 2-0 victory over Iraq. That result not only cemented Algeria’s status as group winners but also sent a clear message to their rivals: the defending champions are in no mood to relinquish their crown. Iraq, despite the setback, held on to second place and punched their ticket to the quarter-finals, setting up a tantalizing clash with Jordan.
Group C delivered one of the tournament’s most compelling narratives. Jordan, under the stewardship of coach Jamal Sellami, swept through the group with a perfect record—2-1 over UAE, 3-1 against Kuwait, and a commanding 3-0 win over Egypt. The latter result, played out in front of a boisterous crowd at Al Bayt Stadium, saw Jordan’s Mohammad Abuhasheesh open the scoring in the 19th minute with a clinical left-footed strike. The lead doubled just before halftime when Mohammad Abu Zraiq, later named Player of the Match, latched onto a clever pass from Ahmad Ersan and finished with aplomb. Egypt, desperate to salvage their campaign, nearly pulled one back through Marwan Hamdy, but his effort sailed over the bar. The contest was put beyond doubt in stoppage time as Ali Olwan converted a penalty, sealing Egypt’s exit and Jordan’s place atop the group.
The mood in the Jordanian camp was jubilant yet focused. Substitute Saed Alrosan summed up the team’s mindset, stating, “We were determined to deliver a great performance worthy of us as group champions and to confirm our top spot in this group. We’ll put all the celebrations of today’s victory on hold and focus on the upcoming match between Algeria and Iraq.” Midfielder Ibrahim Sadeh echoed the sentiment: “First, I want to congratulate the Jordanian fans, those who were with us in the stadium and those back home in Jordan who have supported us from the very first match. Today, you saw the attacking power and defensive stability together. This shows that no matter who plays, the Jordanian national team keeps its identity. We have 23 players. Twenty three men who are ready to step onto the pitch and perform at any time. All the players were at a very high level in terms of performance and results today.”
Elsewhere, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) produced a clutch 3-1 victory over Kuwait, capitalizing on Egypt’s heavy defeat to Jordan and clinching the second quarter-final berth from Group C. The result marked a significant turnaround for the Emiratis, who now face a daunting test against Algeria in the next round. Meanwhile, Group B’s action saw Morocco edge out the hosts with a narrow 1-0 win, securing top spot, while Saudi Arabia advanced as runners-up. In Group A, Palestine and Syria emerged as the group’s representatives, their goalless draw ensuring both progressed, with Palestine topping the group on goal difference.
The confirmed quarter-finalists, then, are as follows: Group A brings Palestine and Syria; Group B features Morocco and Saudi Arabia; Group C is represented by Jordan and UAE; and Group D completes the lineup with Algeria and Iraq. The quarter-final fixtures are scheduled for Thursday, December 11 and Friday, December 12, with two matches each day. The action kicks off with Morocco versus Syria at 14:30 GMT on Thursday at Khalifa International Stadium, followed by Palestine facing Saudi Arabia at 17:30 GMT at Lusail Stadium. Friday’s showdowns see Jordan take on Iraq at 14:30 GMT at Education City Stadium, and Algeria meet UAE at 17:30 GMT at Al Bayt Stadium.
For fans eager to witness the drama firsthand, ticket demand has soared. General admission prices on official platforms such as the FIFA website start at QAR 60 for Category 1 and QAR 40 for Category 2, while more budget-friendly options are available from QAR 25. With high demand, many supporters are turning to trusted secondary platforms like StubHub, where tickets can be found starting at QAR 17. Hospitality packages, offering premium experiences with exclusive access and catering, remain available for those seeking a touch of luxury. Most tickets are digital, so fans are reminded to have the necessary apps or information ready for smooth stadium entry.
Qatar’s world-class infrastructure is once again on full display for the Arab Cup. The tournament is being held across six state-of-the-art venues in four cities, with Lusail Stadium set to host the final. Lusail, the largest stadium in Qatar and the Middle East, boasts a capacity of 88,966 and holds a special place in football history, having hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and France. Other venues include Al Bayt Stadium (Al Khor, 68,895), Stadium 974 (Doha, 44,089), Ahmad bin Ali Stadium (Al Rayyan, 45,032), Education City Stadium (Al Rayyan, 44,667), and Khalifa International Stadium (Al Rayyan, 45,857). The blend of modernity and tradition in these stadiums has provided a fitting backdrop for the region’s top footballing talent.
As the knockout stage looms, every match becomes a must-watch affair. Heavyweights like Algeria, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia will be wary of the underdogs, with Jordan’s perfect group stage run and Palestine’s defensive resilience making them genuine threats. The unpredictability of knockout football means there are no easy fixtures—one moment of brilliance, one defensive lapse, and the balance could tip. Will the established powers hold their nerve, or will a new champion emerge from the chasing pack?
With the quarter-finals set to ignite the passions of millions, the Arab Cup 2025 is poised for a thrilling conclusion. The next two days will determine which teams keep their dreams alive and which must wait for another chance at glory. For now, the football world turns its eyes to Qatar, where heroes will be made and history written under the desert lights.
