CHAIRMAN: DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: DR. KHALID MUBARAK AL-SHAFI

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Qatar’s football legacy continues

Published: 09 Mar 2025 - 08:52 am | Last Updated: 10 Mar 2025 - 09:53 am

Qatar’s reputation as a leading global sports destination is further solidified with the confirmation of dates for two major football tournaments later this year – the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 and the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025. These prestigious events, previously announced, will not only reaffirm Qatar’s commitment to football but also build on the country’s remarkable history of hosting international sporting extravaganzas. The FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 will begin on December 1, culminating in the final on December 18, which coincides with Qatar’s National Day. This marks the second time Qatar has hosted the competition, following the highly successful inaugural edition in 2021. The tournament will feature 16 teams from across the Arab world, creating a spectacle that unites football fans from the region and beyond. The FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 is another significant milestone for the country, taking place from November 3 to 27. As the first 48-team FIFA World Cup competition, this tournament promises to showcase the immense potential of young football talent on the global stage. With 104 matches spread across 25 days, the competition is set to be a thrilling spectacle. The tournament will provide a platform for emerging stars to launch their careers, further solidifying Qatar’s role in nurturing the next generation of football talent. Qatar is set to host five consecutive editions of the tournament, highlighting its ongoing commitment to youth development in football. Qatar’s hosting of these events continues a legacy of prestigious tournaments that the country has successfully managed in recent years. The FIFA Arab Cup 2021 was a resounding success, bringing nations together for an exciting competition while boosting Qatar’s football infrastructure. This was followed by the historic FIFA World Cup 2022, the first-ever to be held in the Middle East and the Arab world. The tournament showcased Qatar’s exceptional facilities and organisational skills, setting new standards for future global tournaments. Additionally, Qatar’s successful hosting of the Asian Cup 2023 further added to the nation’s growing portfolio of international sports events. As Qatar prepares to host the Arab Cup and the U-17 World Cup, the country is poised to once again demonstrate its unmatched ability to provide a seamless, world-class experience for both players and fans. Qatar continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of football in the region, setting a new benchmark for excellence that will inspire and elevate future tournaments on a global scale. Beyond the Arab Cup 2025, Qatar will also host the 2029 and 2033 editions, further cementing its position as a global football powerhouse.