FIFA Arab Cup groups revealed: Qatar drawn alongside Tunisia
Doha
The 23 nations vying to be crowned FIFA Arab Cup champions have learned their path to glory after the tournament draw was conducted at Doha's Raffles Hotel.
Drawn from across the Arab world, the 11 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) nations and 11 Confederation of African Football (CAF) nations, along with hosts Qatar, will tussle for regional supremacy at the second edition of the tournament, set to take place from 1-18 December.
The 14 lowest ranked nations on the April edition of the FIFA Men's World Ranking will enter at the qualification stage, with the winners of those matches then joining hosts Qatar, defending champions Algeria and the
seven other highest-ranked nations in the final stage.
Those single-leg qualifiers, which will take place in Qatar on 25 and 26 November, are also seeded and are arranged on an inter-confederation basis. As such, the highest ranked AFC nation
plays the lowest ranked CAF nation and vice-versa and are as follows.
Qualifier OnecTypeface:> Oman (AFC #1) v Somalia (CAF #7)
Qualifier TwocTypeface:> Bahrain (AFC #2) v Djibouti (CAF #6)
Qualifier ThreecTypeface:> Syria (AFC #3) v South Sudan (CAF #5)
Qualifier FourcTypeface:> Palestine (AFC #4) v Libya (CAF #4)
Qualifier FivecTypeface:> Lebanon (AFC #5) v Sudan (CAF #3)
Qualifier SixcTypeface:> Kuwait (AFC #6) v Mauritania (CAF #2)
Qualifier SevencTypeface:> Yemen (AFC #7) v Comoros (CAF #1)
That septet then join the group stage with some headline match-ups revealed at the tournament draw. Among those are two of the semi-finalists from the previous edition four years ago, Qatar and Tunisia who will clash in Group A.
A pair of nations that caught the eye at the last FIFA World Cup, Morocco and Saudi Arabia, feature in Group B while Jordan, runners-up at the last edition of the AFC Asian Cup tussle with African royalty in the shape of Egypt in Group C.
Qatar and either Palestine or Libya will have the honour of opening the tournament, with the groups in full as follows.
Group AcTypeface:> Qatar, Tunisia, Syria or South Sudan, Palestine or Libya
Group BcTypeface:> Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Oman or Somalia, Yemen or Comoros
Group C: Egypt, Jordan, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait or Mauritania
Group D: Algeria, Iraq, Bahrain or Djibouti, Lebanon or Sudan.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Qatar Tribune
2 hours ago
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar's Al Jumaat wins U-10 gold at Arab C'ship in Casablanca
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar's Khaled Al Jumaat won gold medal at the Arab Age Groups Championship, held in Casablanca, Morocco with the participation of 216 players from 13 Arab countries. The championship was organized by the Royal Moroccan Chess Federation under the supervision of the Arab Chess Federation. Al Jumaat claimed the top place in the Under-10 category scoring 7.5 points in nine rounds. The Qatar delegation was headed by Omar Saleh Al Marri, a member of the Board of Directors of the Qatar Chess Association (QCA), and was accompanied by international referee Hussein Al Haddad, part of the participating technical and administrative staff. The participation is an important step in the federation's age group development plan and reflects the efforts made to prepare a promising generation of chess players in Qatar. President of the Qatar Chess Association Mohammed Al Mudhahka expressed his happiness with the national team's performance at the Arab Championship, noting that participation in the tournament gave the players the opportunity to interact with different schools, in addition to raising their international rankings and achieving outstanding results. He emphasized that the tournament witnessed record participation and awarded international titles to the top-ranked players, which enhances the value of this achievement and motivates continued work and development in preparation for future participations. For his part, Hamad Al Tamimi, Executive Director of QCA, said that this success was the result of the strategic vision adopted by the Federation, which focuses on developing the sport of chess locally by investing in different age groups and increasing regional and international participation. The Qatar team that participated in the Arab Championship included: Turki Al Kuwari, Saif Ahmed, and Fahad Al Mansouri in the 18-year-old category, Hamad Al Kuwari, Layan Al Qasabi, and Rawda Al Qasabi in the 16-year-old category, Ibrahim Al Janahi in the 14-year-old category, Amer Al Hammadi in the 12-year-old category, Khaled Al Jumaat and Asma Al Hammadi in the 10-year-old category, and Abdulaziz Al Mahasneh in the 8-year-old category.
Qatar Tribune
a day ago
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar's bid to host 2036 Olympics a strategic leap toward global sporting leadership: Experts
Khaled Al Hameidi Doha In a historic and unprecedented move for the Arab world, Qatar has officially submitted its bid to host the 2036 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games. This makes Qatar the first Arab and Middle Eastern nation to seek the honour of organising the world's largest sporting event. The announcement follows recent discussions between the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and stands as a powerful testament to Qatar's confidence in its organisational capabilities and its extensive experience in hosting major global sports events. This bold step is seen as a natural extension of Qatar's longstanding sports legacy, which culminated in the successful hosting of the FIFA World Cup 2022—widely praised for its innovation, infrastructure, and fan experience. Qatar has also hosted other landmark competitions such as the World Athletics Championships and the FINA World Swimming Championships, steadily reinforcing its status as a premier global sporting destination. The momentum behind Qatar's Olympic bid is further amplified by the candidacy of President of the Qatar Olympic Committee His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani for the presidency of the Olympic Council of Asia, declared on July 16. This strategic move reflects Qatar's commitment to broadening its influence in the regional and international sports arena and playing a pivotal role in advancing unity and excellence in Asian sports. To explore the deeper significance of this historic Olympic bid, Qatar Tribune sought exclusive commentary from regional and international experts, including Qatari sports analyst Suleiman Al Marri, Iraqi sports commentator Laith Al Qaisi, and Canada-based sports writer Dr. Anas Ziad. Their insights shed light on the strategic, social, and geopolitical dimensions of Qatar's bold move. Qatar is ready, technically and philosophically: Suleiman Al Marri Speaking to Qatar Tribune, Qatari sports photographer Suleiman Al Marri emphasised that the Olympic bid reflects far more than symbolic ambition. 'Qatar's bid to host the 2036 Olympics is not a ceremonial gesture. It's a statement of readiness—not just in terms of infrastructure, but in terms of a comprehensive national vision that places sports at the heart of human and social development,' he said. Al Marri pointed to Qatar's proven ability to manage complex global events, citing the 2022 FIFA World Cup as a benchmark. He said, 'Qatar introduced new standards in organisation, innovation, and technological integration. From stadiums to transportation and logistics, every element was delivered at a world-class level. The Olympic bid is the next step in that evolution, one defined by leadership and ambition.' Addressing the level of national support, Al Marri highlighted the alignment between public enthusiasm and governmental strategy, saying: 'Qatar doesn't view sports as merely a source of medals and flags. Sports are a strategic tool for enhancing public health, strengthening social cohesion, and unlocking economic, touristic, and investment opportunities. This aligns perfectly with the Qatar National Vision 2030.' He underscored the importance of international alliances. 'The Qatar Olympic Committee has built strong global relationships. Qatar's sports diplomacy is a model in itself. I'm confident the IOC will recognise this bid as a holistic and human-centred proposal for the Olympics of the future.' Laith Al Qaisi: This is a defining moment, led by a visionary sports leadership For Iraqi sports analyst Laith Al Qaisi, the timing of Qatar's Olympic bid is tactically brilliant. He said, 'This is a perfect moment. Qatar is riding a wave of athletic momentum, and there is a growing global awareness that non-traditional hosts can deliver spectacular global events. Doha has evolved into not just a sports capital of the region, but a global hub for sporting and cultural dialogue.' Al Qaisi sees a strategic synergy between Qatar's Olympic bid and the candidacy of Sheikh Joaan for the Asian Olympic Council. 'His Excellency Sheikh Joaan is not just a senior official—he is one of the most influential architects of Qatar's sports development. His leadership of the QOC has been transformative, and his consensual style makes him a natural candidate. Should he be elected, Qatar's regional influence in sports will be significantly strengthened,' he opined. What sets the Qatari model apart, he argues, is its dual focus on infrastructure and human capital, saying: 'Qatar has quietly built a professional sporting ecosystem. From Aspire Academy to the world-renowned Aspetar hospital, and through strategic partnerships with international federations, Qatar has created an administrative and developmental model worth showcasing.' Al Qaisi emphasised the regional implications of the bid. 'This is not just about Qatar—it's a bid on behalf of the Arab world. Hosting the Olympics would present the region as a place of innovation, peace, and global cooperation through sport,' he added. Qatar's bid challenges Western centralism: Dr. Anas Ziad From a geopolitical perspective, Dr. Anas Ziad, a sports writer for Canada Press, views Qatar's bid as a moment of global transformation. He said, 'This is a turning point in Olympic history. Qatar's candidacy isn't just about entering the race—it's about redrawing the Olympic map. Historically, Olympic hosts have been concentrated in the traditional West or select East Asian powers. Qatar is now challenging that pattern.' Dr. Ziad noted that Qatar's bid aligns with broader shifts in the global sporting ecosystem, stressing: 'The IOC today is actively seeking sustainable and impactful models for Olympic hosting. Qatar has demonstrated that it can deliver not only excellence in organisation but also lasting legacies of every event it hosts.' He highlighted the 2022 World Cup as a game-changing reference point, saying: 'The success of the World Cup proved Qatar's ability to shape global narratives—culturally, politically, and logistically. That legacy strengthens the credibility of the Olympic bid.' While acknowledging that competition for the 2036 Games will be fierce, Ziad emphasised Qatar's greatest asset: credibility. 'Qatar's strength lies in its consistent delivery and integrity. If the bid is successful, and I believe its chances are strong, it will mark a historical shift in how we define Olympic identity, linking sport with global peace, inclusion, and equitable development. Qatar has a rare opportunity to lead that transformation—and it seems poised to do so.' A Global Opportunity Rooted in National Vision Qatar's 2036 Olympic bid is more than an aspiration—it's a strategic milestone that encapsulates the country's evolution as a sports, cultural, and diplomatic powerhouse. It reflects Qatar's belief in the unifying power of sport and its ability to serve as a platform for intercultural dialogue, sustainable development, and international cooperation. As the world prepares to evaluate competing bids, Qatar's proposal stands out for its depth, maturity, and clarity of vision. With a legacy of successful mega events and world-class infrastructure, Qatar is not just bidding to host an Olympic Games, it is offering the world a new model for what global sport can mean in the 21st century.
Qatar Tribune
2 days ago
- Qatar Tribune
FIFA U-17 World Cup will inspire new generation of players: Almoez
Only 100 days remain until the kickoff of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar will be the first FIFA World Cup to feature 48 teams, ushering in a new generation of young players to shine at a global stage. The prestigious youth competition will be held at the renowned Competition Complex at Aspire Zone, from November 3-27 with the final match being held at the Khalifa International Stadium, one of eight stadiums that has hosted matches during FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Almoez Ali, Qatar's top scorer of all time, having netted 60 goals in 123 caps is a graduate of the renowned Aspire Academy, a cornerstone of the Aspire Zone, where the tournament will be played. Ali was part of Qatar's U-20 team, made up entirely of Aspire Academy graduates, which lifted the Asian championship in 2014. Since then, Ali has also guided Qatar's senior national team to two back-to-back AFC Asian Cups in 2019 and 2023. 'The FIFA U-17 World Cup taking place at Aspire Zone will be a huge motivation for this next generation of players. They will all be looking to perform their best on the pitch. I'm sure they know how important this experience will be for their future,' said Ali. Since opening its doors in 2004, Aspire Academy has produced world and Olympic champions across multiple disciplines, including track and field athlete Mutaz Barsham, regarded as one of the best high jumpers of all time. For Ali, hosting the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 at the iconic venue will be a fitting tribute to the exemplary work done by the Academy in shaping Qatar's sports landscape. 'Being a part of the Aspire Academy as a young player and student in an environment that seamlessly merged academics with football really encouraged me to pursue the sport full time. We played against the best teams from Europe, Africa and South America. Competing against that type of pedigree was really important to us,' added Ali. Hosts Qatar have been drawn into Group A alongside Italy, South Africa and Bolivia. The young Maroons will kick off their campaign against Italy on 3 November. The team will look to improve on Qatar's highest achievement in the competition, when they finished in fourth place in 1991. 'For young players taking part in a competition with the magnitude of the World Cup, this will be a reminder of how hard work can enable you to play on the biggest stage, in the biggest tournaments. I am sure that this tournament will have huge benefit on the players, and that they will cherish the experience and learn and grow from it,' said Ali. A total of eight pitches from the Competition Complex at Aspire, built to the highest international standards, will host a total of 104 matches. Eight matches a day will be played during the group stage. Fans will also be able to enjoy several cultural activations in a vibrant fan zone that will be set up within Aspire Zone. The venue is connected seamlessly by public transport and will offer a barrier-free experience to disabled fans. Qatar is one of six Arab teams that have qualified to the tournament. They are joined by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Tunisia and Morocco. The best achievement historically by any Arab country in the competition was in 1989 when Saudi Arabia claimed the title. For the full match schedule, visit: For all tournament related information, follow @RoadtoQatar on all major social media platforms.
