Counters in Doha selling the tickets for the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021 are witnessing huge demand from fans as the highly-anticipated tournament begins tomorrow. The event, bringing together Arab world’s best teams, is taking place for the first time under the FIFA umbrella.
Excitement is mounting as teams – looking to clinch the glittering trophy – have arrived in Qatar to take part in the elite tournament, billed as a prelude to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 – the first FIFA showpiece to be hosted in an Arab country. The event will help Qatar test their organisational skills besides giving fans a first-hand experience of how the World Cup will be like in one year time.
The pan-Arab tournaments have been held nine times since 1963 but stakes are high in the upcoming tournament as the event is being held under the FIFA's supervision. The last time Arab football teams came together was in the 2012 edition when Morocco claimed the title in Saudi Arabia. Iraq is the most successful team in event’s history claiming titles on four occasions, with Saudi Arabia being crowned champions twice. Apart from Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt have won the title once.
This Arab Cup will be unique for players, who will experience six of eight state-of-the-art FIFA World Cup venues. The event will also mark the inauguration of Al Bayt and Stadium 974 – formerly known as Ras Abu Aboud – on the opening day (tomorrow).
The organisers have also launched the innovative Hay’ya (Fan ID) smart card to ensure best experience for fans. The Hay’ya Card will serve as a means of identification and provide access to tournament stadiums in combination with a valid match ticket. It also gives fans benefits like free bus and metro travel on match days.
The 16 teams are divided into four groups, which are well balanced and thrilling matches are on the cards from the first stage. Asian champions Qatar will be hoping to win their first title in front of home fans in their third appearance in the tournament after their outing in the 1985 (Saudi Arabia) and 1998 (Qatar) editions.
Al Annabi are well prepared for the tournament after their participation in the European Qualifiers and a title win on December 18 will be a great Qatar National Day gift by them to all the citizens and residents.
