Qatar Finalizes Preparations for FIFA Arab Cup Kickoff on December 1

DOHA, Qatar — Qatar confirmed on Wednesday (1 December 2025) that it has finalized all major preparations to host the FIFA Arab Cup 2025, an international football tournament that draws teams from the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia, according to reports from Qatar News Agency (QNA) and Qatar Tribune.

The opening match is scheduled to take place tonight in Doha, marking the country’s first major football event since the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Officials from the Local Organising Committee (LOC) said the country is ready to deliver what they call “the most exceptional edition” of the Arab Cup. In an interview with QNA, LOC CEO Jassim Al-Jassim stated, “Qatar is fully prepared to host an outstanding tournament. Our stadiums, transport systems, and fan services are operating at World Cup-level readiness.”

Ticket demand has surged ahead of the opening match. According to Qatar Tribune, more than 500,000 tickets have already been sold, even before all participating teams were officially confirmed. Organizers say this reflects strong public enthusiasm, especially from regional fans traveling from Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Egypt, Morocco, and Jordan.

The matches will be held across several FIFA World Cup 2022 stadiums, including Al Bayt, Al Thumama, Education City, and Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium. Qatar aims to reutilize the multi-billion-dollar infrastructure from the World Cup while enhancing its long-term sports tourism strategy.

Speaking to The Peninsula Qatar, a representative from the Ministry of Sports and Youth emphasized the event’s broader significance. “The Arab Cup strengthens Qatar’s role as a global sports hub. It supports our international partnerships and boosts regional football development,” the official said.

The tournament will feature 16 national teams, competing in group stages followed by knockout rounds through mid-December. Security officials confirmed that crowd-management systems, emergency response units, and digital ticketing platforms have been fully tested ahead of kickoff.

Analysts note that Qatar continues to leverage sports diplomacy to reinforce its global standing. Since hosting the World Cup, Doha has secured events for athletics, motorsport, and football, solidifying its position as the Middle East’s premier sports destination.

Travel agencies also report increased hotel bookings and flight traffic to Hamad International Airport as fans arrive from across the region. Economists predict a boost for hospitality, transport, and retail sectors during the tournament.

With the opening whistle hours away, Qatar positions the FIFA Arab Cup as another opportunity to showcase its capability in handling large-scale international sporting events a strategy that continues to influence its economic and diplomatic trajectory.