Hosts Qatar enter the highly-anticipated FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 as one of the tournament favourites. The competition kicks off today, promising excitement and fierce battles across the 16-team lineup.

Qatar coach Julen Lopetegui has assembled a squad blending experience and youth, keeping an eye on the broader picture ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.

Meanwhile, Palestinian coach Ihab Abu Jazar expressed confidence in his team despite a tough group draw.

“The Arab Cup is a very important milestone. We faced the Libyan national team in the toughest match in the play-offs and we were able to qualify. We will play in a very difficult group with two teams that qualified for the World Cup, and we know that the task is difficult. We trust all our players despite the absences, and we are confident that our national team will be different, knowing that our players have two or three seasons in the Qatari league.”

Stay tuned as The Peninsula brings you the live match updates from the stadium.

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Fan vibes

Fan vibes at Al Bayt Stadium ahead of the Qatar versus Palestine match.

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