Fan leaders in Qatar share their excitement ahead of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025
Doha, Qatar: When the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 kicks off later this year, it will mark another milestone in the tournament's status as a premier celebration of Arab football.
Yet for Qatar-based fan leaders, the tournament's significance extends beyond the competition. It serves as an opportunity to showcase the unity and passion that define Arab culture.
Set to take place from December 1-18, this marks the second time Qatar will host the FIFA Arab Cup following the successful 2021 edition. Qatar will also host the next two editions in 2029 and 2033. Sixteen teams will compete across six stadiums that previously hosted matches during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
Athmane Abbassi, Algerian Fan Leader
Algeria enters the tournament as defending champions having beat Tunisia in the 2021 Final. For Athmane Abbassi, a programmes manager who has lived in Qatar since 2013, the expectations are sky-high.
"Our team's mission won't be easy, especially with the noticeable improvement in many Arab teams in recent years. However, we are aiming to win the title for the second time in a row," says Abbassi, who has been a fan leader since the previous edition.
The timing is particularly meaningful for Algerian fans, following their national team's qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
"Football in Algeria is more than a game, it unites people, strengthens our pride, and reflects our national spirit. The Arab Cup is even more special because it brings together countries that share the same language, culture, and passion for football. It's more than competition – it's a celebration of Arab unity, pride, and brotherhood, on and off the pitch," explains Abbassi.
Fikria El Kaouakibi, Moroccan Fan Leader
For Morocco's Fikria El Kaouakibi, who has been working in academia and living in Qatar for the past 15 years, football is woven into the fabric of her Moroccan identity.
"As a Moroccan, football has always been part of my life. It's everywhere. It’s a sport that we play in the streets, schools, and neighbourhoods. It really is a part of our DNA," says El Kaouakibi, who has previously volunteered at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, where the Lions of Atlas secured a historic 4th place finish.
She adds that Morocco's recent successes across various competitions, including their historic FIFA U-20 World Cup 2025 win—a first for the Arab world—have elevated national pride and put the country on the global stage. The Arab Cup represents another opportunity to showcase that excellence, with added significance as Morocco prepares to play in the FIFA World Cup 2026.
"Every young Arab dreams of playing in tournaments like this one. Seeing their heroes on the field gives them motivation to work harder and believe that anything is possible. Whether at the stadium or watching from home, fans are able to connect deeply with the sport and their national identity," said El Kaouakibi.
Ali Kotash, Lebanese Fan Leader
Ali Kotash, founder of the Lebanese community football team in Qatar, has built many connections through sport over his fifteen years of work with the community. For him, the Arab Cup represents something deeper than competition.
“On the pitch, we're not just representing our own country, we're one community. I'll never forget last year's match between Lebanon and Egypt: my kids were waving Egyptian flags while Egyptian families proudly held Lebanese flags. That's what football does, it brings everyone together and creates a sense of unity.”
Kotash also believes that hosting the tournament in the region will raise the standard of football across the Arab world: “This tournament gives Arab nations the opportunity to compete at the highest level, helping us develop our sports and reach world-class standards. Through the Arab Cup, we're developing the future of Arab football and nurturing the next generation of talent and passion."
Hossam Abu Al Ola, Egyptian Fan Leader
For Egyptian fan leader Hossam Abu Al Ola, who has been a legal professional in Qatar for 25 years, the tournament carries profound meaning.
"As an Egyptian, football for us means life. Now having an Arab tournament under the auspices of FIFA puts us on the map. This makes our participation in this tournament very valuable. This is our tournament. It's for the entire Arab world. Its success is our success."
Abu Al Ola believes that Qatar's delivery of the FIFA World Cup established a blueprint for Arab sporting ambition. "After Qatar delivered what many call the best World Cup ever, we know what's possible," he said. "Qatar has proven to the whole world that it can host and organise the biggest events in sport."
Fans can purchase FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 tickets exclusively on: www.roadtoqatar.qa, with prices starting from QAR 25. Supporters can also purchase a Follow My Team ticket, which will enable them to attend all matches of their team of choice during the group stage. All tickets are digital and include accessible seating options for disabled fans.
