Doha: Former Qatari national team players said the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, which kicks off on Monday and runs until December 18, is expected to be fiercely competitive, with Qatar emerging as one of the leading contenders for the title.
According to Qatar News Agency, six FIFA World Cup stadiums will host the 11th edition of the tournament, which brings together 16 teams. Qatar will launch its campaign against Palestine at Al Bayt Stadium in Group A, alongside Tunisia and Syria.
Former Qatari national team player Hassan Matar said the upcoming edition holds major moral and technical significance, citing the anticipated high level of competition and strong fan turnout. He linked this to the participation of seven teams already qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, in addition to Iraq's presence in the intercontinental play-offs, which could further expand the list of qualified teams.
Speaking to QNA, Matar said the remarkable success of Qatar's previous hosting of the tournament will positively shape the new edition, noting that teams gained valuable competitive experience from earlier editions, boosting their readiness and performance levels. He added that the Arab Cup has evolved beyond its regional framework to become a truly global tournament, thanks to Qatar's outstanding organizational capabilities, which have elevated it into a high-level technical competition.
Regarding the leading title contenders, Matar said the race will be wide open, with the Qatari national team firmly among the favorites, especially as the tournament serves as a vital preparatory stage for the World Cup finals. He noted that the national team's coaching staff, led by Spanish coach Julen Lopetegui, fully appreciates the importance of competing strongly for the championship. He also named Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia as major contenders for the title, adding that several other teams possess the quality and potential to progress deep into the competition.
For his part, Former Qatari national team player Yousef Adam said the tournament will feature squads packed with leading players, offering coaches an ideal platform to assess player readiness ahead of the World Cup finals. He added that the tournament is expected to attract large crowds, which will have a positive impact on match results and overall performance levels. Adam stressed that the dream of lifting the title will serve as a powerful motivation for players to deliver their best in every match. He also predicted fierce competition in this edition, particularly in light of the clear technical progress achieved by many Arab teams in recent tournaments.
Meanwhile, former Qatari player Hassan Al Otaibi told QNA that the Arab Cup will serve as a true test for Arab teams that have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as they strive to reach peak readiness ahead of the global tournament next summer. He anticipated tough, high-quality matches between teams boasting outstanding players. Al Otaibi stressed that the Qatari national team will be a strong contender for the title, particularly with the expected massive home support as the host nation. He added that the team enters the tournament with high morale following its improved performances during the Asian World Cup qualifying play-offs.
He further noted that the squad announced by coach Julen Lopetegui includes a distinguished group of experienced players who have previously achieved major successes, including winning the AFC Asian Cup twice in 2019 and 2023, in addition to securing qualification for the upcoming World Cup finals. With seven World Cup qualified teams -- Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, and Algeria -- the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 promises a tournament rich in quality, intensity, and elite competition.