Arjun Menon
The FIFA Arab Cup returns from 1–18 December 2025, once again hosted by Qatar in what will be the tournament’s 11th edition. Featuring 16 men’s national teams from across the Arab world, the competition will showcase some of the region’s top footballing nations across six world-class stadiums—all previously used during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
The nine highest-ranked Arab nations have already secured direct entry into the group stage, while 14 additional teams will compete in late November for the remaining qualifying spots. The final is set for 18 December at the Lusail Stadium, exactly three years after Argentina defeated France on the same pitch in the 2022 World Cup final.
Confirmed Stadiums for FIFA Arab Cup 2025
On 24 May 2025, the Qatari Organizing Committee officially announced that six major venues—each capable of hosting more than 40,000 fans—will stage the 32 matches of the tournament. This selection mirrors Qatar’s strategy from the 2022 World Cup, leaning on modern infrastructure designed for massive crowds and seamless fan experience.
Full List of Host Venues
- Lusail Stadium (Lusail) – Capacity: 88,966
- Al Bayt Stadium (Al Khor) – Capacity: 68,895
- Stadium 974 (Doha) – Capacity: 44,089
- Ahmad bin Ali Stadium (Al Rayyan) – Capacity: 45,032
- Education City Stadium (Al Rayyan) – Capacity: 44,667
- Khalifa International Stadium (Al Rayyan) – Capacity: 45,857
Opening Match & Final Locations
The opening match on 1 December 2025 will take place at the iconic Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor—instantly recognizable for its tent-inspired architecture that symbolizes traditional Qatari heritage.
The final on 18 December 2025 will be staged at Lusail Stadium, the Middle East’s largest football venue and the architectural centerpiece of the 2022 World Cup. Located 20 kilometers north of Doha, Lusail hosted the 2022 World Cup final before 88,966 fans, and is once again set to deliver a spectacular showpiece event for the Arab Cup.
Why Qatar’s Stadiums Were Selected Again
According to Jassim Abdulaziz Al Jassim, CEO of the Football Tournaments Organizing Committee, several factors influenced the decision to reuse the World Cup stadiums:
• The expectation of high fan turnout, supported by the 1.5 million attendees recorded at the AFC Asian Cup 2023.
• The ability to guarantee minimum 40,000-seat capacities in every venue.
• The ideal weather conditions in Qatar during November and December.
• The proven success of the stadiums in hosting major global tournaments.
Additional coordination with Morocco ensured that the Arab Cup final will not clash with the opening of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to begin three days later.
Fan Experience and Tournament Atmosphere
Organizers expect a vibrant, World Cup-like environment, boosted by the mid-season timing that allows national teams to field their strongest lineups. A major promotional campaign is being finalized, including plans for a regional trophy tour in November 2025. Fans can also look forward to cultural events and city-wide celebrations across Doha, Lusail, Al Rayyan, and Al Khor.
Looking Ahead
Qatar and FIFA are already in discussions regarding the 2029 FIFA Arab Cup, indicating a long-term commitment to hosting the region’s flagship footballing event. With world-class facilities and unmatched operational experience, Qatar is set to deliver another memorable edition of the tournament.