“Iraqi Fans Will Be The Life Of The Arab Cup”

Iraqi football legend Nashat Akram looks forward to Qatar hosting the FIFA Arab CupTM for the second time as tickets go on sale

Doha, Qatar: With the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 set to take place from December 1-18 in Qatar, Iraqi football legend Nashat Akram spoke about the tournament's ability to showcase the region's passion for football, in particular for fans of the Lions of Mesopotamia.

Speaking to the tournament's Local Organising Committee (LOC), the former Qatar Stars League player, said:“Iraqi fans will be the life of the Arab Cup. Fans in Qatar witnessed the fervour and passion that Iraqi supporters brought to the stadiums and beyond in previous tournaments. This time will be no different. Our Lions of Mesopotamia will hear the roar of fans at every match, they will have our full support.”

Fans can purchase FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 tickets exclusively on: , with prices starting from QR25. Supporters can also purchase a Follow My Team ticket, which will enable them to attend all matches of their team of choice during the group stage. All tickets are digital and include accessible seating options for disabled fans.

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For Akram, who famously led Iraq to AFC Asian Cup glory in 2007, the FIFA Arab Cup has become the pinnacle of Arab football and a tribute to the rich culture of the region:“Qatar has been successful in celebratingArab and Islamic identity through all the tournaments it has organised is a matter of pride to see our culture celebratedon such a global stage.”

Known as“The Maestro” for his exceptional vision and excellent passing ability throughout his career, Akram looks to the new generation of Iraqi players to make their country proud.“The Arab Cup will be a huge opportunity for participating teams and players's an honour to play for your country, for your national team,” said the former playmaker, who is recognised as one of Iraq's best all-time players.

In the upcoming FIFA Arab Cup, Iraq has been placed in Group D, alongside defending champions Algeria, and will be joined by the winners of Bahrain v Djibouti and Sudan v Lebanon.

“Our players aregoing to play in World Cup stadiums in Qatar, andwill have access to state-of-the-art facilities that are not available even in some of the most football-developed countries. Qatar has truly set a benchmarkin football infrastructure,” said Akram.

A total of 16 teams will have a chance to lift the coveted FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025TM trophy. Nine of the highest FIFA ranked teams have qualified automatically, while 14 teams will vie for the remaining 7 spots in a series of qualifiers. The qualifying matches will be held ahead of the tournament on 25-26 November in Qatar.

The opening match will take place on 1 December, 7:30pm, at Al Bayt Stadium featuring hosts Qatar and the winner of Palestine v Libya. The Final will be held on 18 December, 7pm, at the iconic Lusail Stadium. Other stadiums that will host matches during the tournament are Ahmad Bin Ali, Education City, Khalifa International Stadium and Stadium 974.

Throughout the competition, fans will also be treated to a variety of entertainment and cultural activities. All venues are connected seamlessly by public transport and will offer a barrier-free experience to disabled fans.

The FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 is part of several tournaments that Qatar will be hosting up until the end of the year, including the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 from November 3-27. Qatar will also be hosting the second edition of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup on December 10, 13, and 17.

In addition to this year's edition, Qatar will be hosting the FIFA Arab Cup again in 2029 and 2033.

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