Doha: Asian champions Qatar are looking for the FIFA Arab Cup title when they host the event for the second time in its history from November 30 to December 18, 2021.
Qatar are playing in the high-profile tournament for the third time and the opportunities will be in favour of Al Annabi as they host the eagerly-awaited tournament.
The Arab Cup returns this year after a nine-year hiatus, under the supervision of FIFA. The last Arab Cup, the ninth edition of the tournament, was held in 2012 in Saudi Arabia where Morocco beat Libya for their maiden title win.
Qatar, under coach Felix Sanchez, will be looking forward to rewrite history of country's football, hoping to culminate in the title a year before hosting the FIFA World Cup.
Qatar team did not participate in most of the previous Arab Cup tournaments, and were present in only two of the past nine editions, in 1985 in Saudi Arabia, and the seventh edition in Qatar 1998.
Adel Khamis and Mubarak Mustafa, were among the most prominent stars of the Qatari team in the Arab Cup, specifically in the seventh edition in 1998.
Qatar will begin their campaign against Bahrain at Al Bayt Stadium on November 30, before taking on Oman on December 3.
In their third Group A match, the home team will meet Iraq on December 6.
The final of the tournament will be played on December 18, in conjunction with the Qatar National Day.
In the run up to the Arab Cup, Al Annabi have played in a number of high-profile international tournaments such as UEFA Qualifiers for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Copa America and the CONCACAF Gold Cup in which the side reached the semi-finals.
The tournament will be a real test for Qatar, to determine its readiness to host the 2022 World Cup, and determine the team's readiness for next year's global spectacle. The Arab Cup will be the ideal rehearsal that the teams will be looking forward to assess their level and try to correct mistakes, as the participation of African countries will positively affect the technical level, while creating a strong competitive atmosphere.
Teams have been divided into four groups, with top two teams from each group qualifying for the quarter-finals.
Group A of the FIFA Arab Cup consists of Qatar, Iraq, Oman and Bahrain. Group B consists of Tunisia, UAE, Syria and Mauritania.
Group C consists of Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Palestine. Group D will include Algeria, Egypt, Lebanon and Sudan.
The matches will be held at six of the eight World Cup venues including Al Bayt, Al Janoub, Ras Abu Aboud, Al Thumama, Education City and Ahmed bin Ali stadiums.
Qatar, having played the hosts' role in numerous major global sporting events, is set to present an exemplary and distinct FIFA Arab Cup.
The Supreme Committee announced the implementation of the Fan ID system during the tournament, as all match ticket holders will have to produce the same to enter the tournament venues.
The smart identification card will also allow fans to use public transportation for free during match days. A smartphone application will also be launched before the tournament with the aim of enhancing the fan experience in Qatar.
The tournament will witness the application of all preventive measures to ensure the health and safety of all participants in the competitions, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The first edition of the Arab Cup was hosted in Lebanon in 1963 when Tunisia were emerged as champions. Iraq are the most decorated side with four titles. Saudi Arabia were crowned winners twice, while Tunisia, Egypt and Morocco have claimed one title each.
