Qatar is set to host two major FIFA tournaments at the end of this year, with the recent draws confirming the group stage line-ups for both the FIFA U-17 World Cup and the second edition of the FIFA Arab Cup. With matches scheduled back-to-back in November and December, football fans in the region are in for another packed calendar.
The FIFA U-17 World Cup, which will be played from November 3 to 27, sees Qatar grouped in a challenging Group A alongside Italy, South Africa and Bolivia. This marks the first time the tournament has expanded to 48 teams, spread across 12 groups. Matches will be held at the Aspire Zone complex, with the final scheduled for November 27 at Khalifa International Stadium. Qatar U-17 coach Alvaro Mejia acknowledged the tough competition but expressed confidence in his side’s preparation and the value of such experience for young players.
Shortly after, attention will turn to the FIFA Arab Cup, which will take place from December 1 to 18. Hosts Qatar headline Group A along with Tunisia and two teams yet to be decided from the qualifiers - either Syria or South Sudan, and Palestine or Libya. The opening match is set for Al Bayt Stadium, with the final to be played at Lusail Stadium, the same venue that hosted the FIFA World Cup 2022 final.
Group B has shaped up to be one of the most competitive, featuring World Cup semi-finalists Morocco and regional rivals Saudi Arabia. Egypt lead Group C, joined by Jordan, the UAE, and either Kuwait or Mauritania, while defending champions Algeria are placed in Group D alongside Iraq and the winners of remaining qualifiers.
Qatar’s journey as a host nation for international football began gaining momentum with the FIFA Club World Cup in 2019 and peaked with the successful staging of the FIFA World Cup in 2022. With state-of-the-art venues, experienced organising teams, and a growing base of volunteers, Qatar has continued to solidify its place on the global football map. “I know Qatar will once again brilliantly rise to the challenge of staging these exciting FIFA tournaments. The hospitality and facilities in this country are exceptional, and every team will have the best conditions in which to prepare,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
To help deliver both events, FIFA and the Local Organising Committee have opened registrations for the Qatar 2025 Volunteer Programme. Around 4,000 volunteers will be selected to support various tournament operations as Qatar gears up to host the two FIFA spectacles in memorable fashion.
