The countdown is over. Tomorrow, December 1, 2025, the second edition of the FIFA Arab Cup bursts into life across Qatar’s world-class stadiums, running until the showpiece final on December 18 at the iconic Lusail Stadium.
Sixteen proud Arab nations, six breath-taking venues that dazzled the world during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and one shared dream: to be crowned champions of the Arab world.
The tournament explodes into action on Monday with two matches, but all eyes will be on the evening spectacle.
At 7:30 PM (CLT), hosts Qatar face Palestine at the magnificent Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, preceded by a glittering Official Opening Ceremony designed to showcase Arab culture, unity, and passion for the beautiful game.
Earlier, at 3:00 PM, Tunisia and Syria will get the competitive action underway at Ahmed bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan.
Organisers deliberately scheduled the host nation’s match in prime time to maximise the celebratory atmosphere.
Expect fireworks, music, and an electric crowd as Qatar aims to set the tone for what promises to be memorable three weeks of football.
The format is simple yet intense. Four groups of four teams play round-robin matches, with the top two from each group advancing to the quarter-finals.
A unique rule adds extra drama in the group stage,drawn games skip extra time and go straight to penalties, ensuring every match delivers maximum excitement and decisive results.
From the quarter-finals onward, traditional extra time will be played before penalties, if required.
The road to the final culminates at Lusail Stadium, the same venue that hosted the 2022 World Cup final, on Thursday, December 18, under the floodlights where legends are made.
One of the most intriguing groups is Group C.
Seven-time Africa Cup of Nations winners Egypt find themselves alongside ambitious Jordan, a resurgent United Arab Emirates, and a Kuwait side riding the wave of emotion after dramatically defeating Mauritania in the final qualifier last week.
The Pharaohs begin their campaign on Tuesday, December 2, against Kuwait at Lusail Stadium (4:30 PM CLT).
A victory would send an early statement to their rivals.
Under the stewardship of experienced technical director Helmy Toulan, Egypt’s preparations have been meticulous.
The squad trained at the ultra-modern National Teams Centre in 6th of October City, a facility widely regarded as one of the finest in the region.
State-of-the-art gyms, pristine pitches, cutting-edge recovery suites, and top-tier medical support have given the players every possible advantage.
Toulan has repeatedly expressed complete faith in his final 23-man squad.
“Every name on the list earned their place,” he said. “We evaluated every minute of every training session, every friendly, every official match. This is the strongest group we could select, and they are ready to make Egypt proud.”
From the opening ceremony’s spectacle to the final whistle at Lusail, the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 promises pride, passion, and unforgettable moments.
For the next 18 days, the Arab world will unite under one banner: football.
