FIFA Arab Cup 2025: Qatar to host from December 1–18, groups announced

By: Shawn
The official draw for the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 took place in Doha on Sunday, confirming an exciting set of group matchups as the regional football tournament returns under the FIFA umbrella. Hosted by Qatar from December 1 to 18, this second FIFA-sanctioned edition promises high-stakes clashes and regional pride.
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FIFA Arab Cup 2025: Mo Salah's Egypt in Group C. Qatar open Dec 1. Saudi Arabia, Morocco in Group B. Finals set for Dec 18 on Qatar National Day.
‎Getty Images
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‎Egypt, captained by global icon Mohamed Salah, headline Group C, where they will face United Arab Emirates, Jordan, and the winner of the Kuwait vs. Mauritania playoff. The group is viewed as favorable for the seven-time African champions.
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‎In contrast, Group B has emerged as the so-called "Group of Death," featuring two powerhouses—Morocco and Saudi Arabia—along with the winners of Oman vs. Somalia and Yemen vs. Comoros.
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‎Group A features hosts Qatar, who will open the tournament on December 1 against either Palestine or Libya, while Tunisia and the winner of Syria vs. South Sudan complete the group. Meanwhile, Group D brings together defending champions Algeria, Iraq, and winners of Bahrain vs. Djibouti and Lebanon vs. Sudan.
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‎The full group breakdown is as follows:
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‎FIFA Arab Cup 2025 – Official Group Draw
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‎Group A:
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‎🇶🇦 Qatar
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‎🇹🇳 Tunisia
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‎🇸🇾 / 🇸🇸 Syria or South Sudan
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‎🇵🇸 / 🇱🇾 Palestine or Libya
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‎Group B:
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‎🇲🇦 Morocco
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‎🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
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‎🇴🇲 / 🇸🇴 Oman or Somalia
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‎🇾🇪 / 🇰🇲 Yemen or Comoros
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‎Group C:
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‎🇪🇬 Egypt
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‎🇯🇴 Jordan
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‎🇦🇪 UAE
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‎🇰🇼 / 🇲🇷 Kuwait or Mauritania
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‎Group D:
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‎🇩🇿 Algeria
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‎🇮🇶 Iraq
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‎🇧🇭 / 🇩🇯 Bahrain or Djibouti
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‎🇱🇧 / 🇸🇩 Lebanon or Sudan
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‎The top two teams from each group will progress to the quarter-finals, leading to the final match on December 18, coinciding with Qatar National Day—the same date Doha hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup Final between France and Argentina.
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‎Seven playoff matches, scheduled for November 25–26, will determine the remaining qualifiers.
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‎Qatar has committed to record prize money for this edition, heightening stakes and anticipation. With star players like Mo Salah, regional giants like Saudi Arabia and Morocco, and defending champions Algeria, the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 is poised to be a landmark event in Arab football history.

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