(MENAFN- Gulf Times) With just 10 days to go until the FIFA Arab Cup in Qatar, national team player Almoez Ali is gearing up to lead his team into a competition he believes carries a special meaning for players and fans across the region.
As Qatar's all-time top scorer and a two-time AFC Asian Cup champion, Almoez has netted 60 goals in 123 caps in his career, building a reputation as one of the most influential players in the region. A graduate of the renowned Aspire Academy, Almoez is part of a successful generation of Qatari footballers that have recently secured qualification to the FIFA World Cup 2026.
“Representing Qatar and wearing our national jersey is the greatest honour. It's an extraordinary feeling. Every match is an opportunity to give something back to the fans, my family and live up to the responsibility to raise your country's flag.”
The forward, who famously broke the AFC Asian Cup goal-scoring record in 2019, believes this year's edition of the FIFA Arab Cup will be one of the most competitive and memorable yet:“The Arab Cup is special because it brings together nations that share history and culture with Qatar. You can see the brotherhood and unity between the players and fans.”
Hosts Qatar have been drawn in Group A, alongside Tunisia, the winners of Syria v South Sudan and the winners of Palestine v Libya. Al Annabi are set to play the opening match on 1 December at Al Bayt Stadium, 7:30 PM.
Almoez emphasised the importance of performing on home soil:“When we play in Qatar, we feel the energy of the fans in every moment. Their passion lifts us. I expect the second edition of this tournament to exceed the first in every way.”
He also highlighted Qatar's commitment to delivering world-class football events:“Since 2022, Qatar's capabilities in hosting major global tournaments has grown tremendously, positioning the country as a sports hub on the global stage. It shows that Qatar is always up for the challenge and is passionate about sports development, especially football. This benefits not only our country, but the region as a whole.”
This year's FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 will be played across six FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 venues: Al Bayt Stadium, Lusail Stadium, Stadium 974, Education City Stadium, Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium and Khalifa International Stadium.
The tournament will see 16 teams competing for the coveted trophy, with 9 teams already qualified and 14 others battling in crucial qualifiers on 25–26 November for the remaining seven spots.
Fans can also expect a vibrant programme of entertainment, cultural showcases, and family-friendly experiences throughout the competition. All venues will feature digital ticketing and accessible seating options for disabled fans.
The FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 is one of several tournaments taking place in Qatar this year, alongside the ongoing FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 taking place between 3–27 November and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, scheduled for the 10, 13, and 17 December.
Tickets for the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, including qualifying matches are available at:

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